10 Quick Summer Pastas You’ll Make on Repeat

This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!

Pasta is my answer to almost every “what’s for dinner” panic, especially in summer. It cooks fast, it pairs with whatever produce I have on hand, and it always feels like a real meal even when I barely tried. These are the pasta recipes I find myself making over and over all season long.

Cherry Tomato Pasta

a plate of cherry tomato pasta
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Sweet little cherry tomatoes burst down into a light, chunky sauce with garlic, basil, and mozzarella pearls. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and it is on the table in under 20 minutes. Full recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta

Roasted Tomato Pasta

a bowl of rigatoni pasta in a roasted tomato sauce.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Roasting the tomatoes first brings out this deep, rich flavor that you just cannot get from raw ones. Toss them with your favorite pasta and a handful of fresh herbs and dinner is basically done. Full recipe: Roasted Tomato Pasta

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta

A plate of sun dried tomato pesto chicken pasta garnished with basil leaves and Parmesan.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

This one is my ultimate shortcut dinner. I always keep sun dried tomato pesto on hand, so all I have to do is toss it with pasta and some cooked chicken for a meal that tastes way more impressive than the effort it took. Full recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta

Greek Spaghetti

overhead view of a plate of greek spaghetti
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

A 15 minute Mediterranean twist on pasta night. Fresh tomatoes, olives, and garlic sauteed together and tossed with spaghetti, then finished with feta and basil. So light, so fast, so good. Full recipe: Greek Spaghetti

Tomato Alfredo Sauce Pasta

overhead view of a pan of pasta
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Want to SAVE this recipe?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

A creamy Alfredo gets a fresh tomato twist that makes it feel a little lighter and so much more summery. Still rich and comforting, but with a brightness that regular Alfredo just does not have. Full recipe: Tomato Alfredo Sauce

Asparagus Mushroom Pasta

overhead view of a plate of asparagus mushroom pasta
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Earthy mushrooms and fresh asparagus tossed in a bright lemony sauce. It feels light but still really satisfying, and it is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone complaining. Full recipe: Asparagus Mushroom Pasta

Halloumi Pasta

Halloumi pasta plated.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

A Mediterranean-inspired pasta loaded with sweet roasted vegetables, salty grilled halloumi, and a swirl of basil pesto. The halloumi gets golden and slightly crispy on the outside while staying soft in the middle, and it makes the whole dish feel so much more special than your average pasta night. Full recipe: Halloumi Pasta

Chicken Pasta Primavera

a skillet of pasta primavera topped with fresh basil.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

A true celebration of spring and summer produce. Tender chicken and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables tossed through pasta for a dinner that is light but still really filling. This one always feels like the perfect way to use up whatever veggies are sitting in the fridge. Full recipe: Chicken Pasta Primavera

Cajun Sausage Pasta

Spoonful of Cajun Sausage Pasta.
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Smoky andouille sausage, peppers, and onion in a creamy sauce with just enough Cajun kick to keep things interesting. This one has been in my weeknight rotation for years because it is endlessly adaptable to whatever I have on hand, and it always satisfies. Full recipe: Cajun Sausage Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of penne with shrimp and a creamy sauce
Image Credit: Our Happy Mess

Creamy without a drop of heavy cream, thanks to the genius trick of using evaporated milk instead. Quick-cooked shrimp, peppers, onion, and mushrooms come together in a rich, Cajun-spiced sauce that tastes way more indulgent than it actually is. A 30-minute weeknight meal that never disappoints. Full recipe: Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.