Summer pasta is at its best when it makes full use of the season’s produce. You still get all the starchy satisfaction of pasta, but ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, zucchini, fresh herbs, and crisp greens keep the dishes bright enough for even the hottest days. Below, you’ll find warm, saucy pastas best enjoyed in front of the AC, along with chilled pasta salads packed with vegetables, beans, and herbs for eating outdoors.
01 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Skipworth, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle
Tender artichokes, toasted walnuts, and plenty of garlic give this pasta richness and texture, while fresh herbs and citrus keep the flavors bright.
Get Recipe: Garlicky Spaghetti With Artichokes and Walnuts
02 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Lauren Odum, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGee
This vibrant pasta salad combines crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a tangy vinaigrette in a fresh take on classic Greek flavors. Easy to make ahead, it works just as well for picnics and potlucks as it does for a weeknight dinner.
Get Recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
03 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Abby Armstrong
Tender pasta, sweet leeks, hearty Swiss chard, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes are baked with plenty of cheese in this vegetable-packed take on baked ziti. Rich and comforting, it makes a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Get Recipe: Baked Ziti With Leeks, Swiss Chard, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
04 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Qi Ai
This classic pasta from Italy’s Amalfi Coast combines fried zucchini, cheese, and spaghetti in a rich, creamy sauce made without a drop of cream. The zucchini softens into the pasta, while the cheese and starchy cooking water bring everything together.
Get Recipe: Spaghetti alla Nerano (Spaghetti With Fried Zucchini)
05 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Qi Ai
Tender orzo, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs are tossed in a bright lemon dressing for a refreshing warm-weather pasta salad. It pairs well with everything from grilled meat to seafood.
Get Recipe: Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad
06 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Sweet blistered tomatoes, bright lemon, and crisp caper-studded breadcrumbs give this simple pasta plenty of texture and flavor. It’s an easy vegetarian dinner that is satisfying without being heavy.
Get Recipe: Lemony Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Crispy Caper Crumbs
07 of 09
This classic pasta from Puglia pairs chewy orecchiette with pleasantly bitter broccoli rabe, garlic, anchovies, and chile. The bold, savory sauce clings to the pasta’s ridged surface, making every bite satisfying.
Get Recipe: Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa (Apulian Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe)
08 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Jessie YuChen
Ripe avocado and fresh basil blend into a creamy, no-cook sauce for pasta tossed with sweet corn and juicy tomatoes.
Get Recipe: Creamy Avocado-Basil Pasta with Corn and Tomatoes
09 of 09
Credit: Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez
Smoky baba ghanoush forms the base of a creamy pasta sauce made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon. It turns a familiar dip into an easy vegetarian dinner.
Get Recipe: Baba Ghanoush Pasta
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