13 Quick and Easy Pasta Dishes to Savor During Hot Weather

When the sun's out and kids are home, you just need something light and easy to make for dinner. Enter these delicious pasta recipes!

From pasta salads to one-pan dishes, these pasta dishes are a breeze to make this summer. Pasta dishes are ideal because you don't even need to turn the oven on! Aside from boiling the pasta water and heating some ingredients in a pan, there's very little effort in making these recipes.

Just what you need when the heat makes a hot meal seem daunting. Enjoy these light and easy pasta dishes in the garden or under the air conditioner this summer.

Vegan Lemon Pasta

Less is more could not be more true with this delicious zesty lemon pasta. With just a toss of five ingredients, you produce a fresh, flavourful pasta in 25 minutes.

No dairy included makes this a winning, healthy vegan showstopper. The recipe has options to add more ingredients, whether you want something creamier, more nutritious, or a protein punch.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Lemon Pasta

One-Pan Vegetable Pasta

This one-pan wonder vegetable pasta uses just one pan, which means less washing up and more munching time. The melting cheese makes this a comfort food with less guilt because you get a lot of nutritious veggies.

This recipe is not only simple but also flavorful. Packed with yummy vegetables and hearty flavor, it is a hit at any dinner table. You can also swap out vegetables for ones you already have on hand.

Get the Recipe: One Pan Vegetable Pasta

Tortellini alla Panna

In 30 minutes, you’ll feel transported to a little cobblestoned corner of Italy. Dive into this hearty, meaty, creamy pasta. While most meat tortellini are served in a broth or lighter sauce, this cream-based recipe offers something more indulgent.

This dish is so easy to make and hits the spot because of its delicious meat-filled pasta and the satisfying richness of the ham and cream.

Get the Recipe: Tortellini alla Panna

Pancetta Pea Pasta

This pancetta pea pasta has something for everyone: meaty yet salty pancetta, sweet, vibrant peas, and a creamy sauce to tie it all together. Kids love this dish, and the fun little pasta shells scoop up pools of tasty sauce, making it a joy to eat.

This dish will be on your table in less than 30 minutes. If you're not a fan of meat, you can swap out the pancetta for portobello mushrooms for an earthy veggie alternative.

Get the Recipe: Pancetta Pea Pasta

Shrimp Linguine

This shrimp linguine will impress your guests at your next summer party. It's an authentic Italian dish, with lemon, garlic, and parsley coating the linguine and fresh, juicy shrimp, making it an elegant and luxurious dish.

With so much flavor from such simplicity, it will seem too good to be true. An added plus is this recipe only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Your only mistake will be not making enough because this crowd-pleaser will disappear quickly.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp Linguine

Casarecce Pasta in Peperonata Sauce

Casarecce is a Sicilian short noodle pasta rolled and twisted to hold sauce. Perfect for this rich and rustic peperonata sauce, made in just 30 minutes. You'll love this unusual pasta for catching every moment of this flavourful sauce.

The sauce is made with peppers, garlic, onion, tomato, and herbs, the sauce is healthy and comforting. For extra summer freshness, serve with more fresh herbs or rocket and a squeeze of lemon.

Get the Recipe: Casarecce Pasta in Peperonata Sauce

Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad

Make this for a light lunch or as an easy side dish. It’s also a fabulous choice for summer potlucks and family dinners!

It can be prepped in 25 minutes and kept in the fridge until hunger strikes. The recipe uses traditional Italian ingredients such as olives, mozzarella, tomatoes, and herbs; however, you can easily add other ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Tortellini Pasta Salad 

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are the queen of summer entertaining! Full of Greek ingredients, with no cooking required, this Greek orzo pasta is perfect for picnics, summer get-togethers, meal prep, and kids' lunches.

Outdoor gatherings are always improved with pasta, and this pasta salad is a great way to keep dinner light but tasty and substantial.

Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Rattlesnake Pasta

This tasty pasta dish, named for its spicy flavor bite, will be a sure-fire winner this summer. If a creamy sauce, spicy marinated chicken, bell peppers, and penne pasta dish sound good, look no further!

If you aren't a fan of spice, you can tone down the crushed red pepper or leave out the jalapenos; it's still good!

Get the Recipe: Rattlesnake Pasta

Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes

Artichokes, capers, and sundried tomatoes pack a flavorsome punch in this light pasta dish. Busy weeknight or Sunday lunch, this Mediterranean pasta can be whipped up in under half an hour.

It combines an easy homemade sauce, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of fresh herbs — ideal for a summer evening with family.

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Pasta with Artichokes

Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad

This recipe is a surprisingly sweet and savory combination! Simply mix fresh cherries with basil, mozzarella, and balsamic dressing and toss with the pasta.

What more could you ask for from a light and easy pasta recipe? Like we needed a reason to eat more cherries this summer!

Get the Recipe: Cherry Caprese Pasta Salad

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Need a quick, easy, and light dish for a gluten-free meal this summer? Look no further than this creamy pesto pasta, bursting with spice and sundried tomatoes.

You can make your own pesto if you have the time and ingredients. Fresh pesto will elevate the dish, but you might prefer jarred pesto on a busy night.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Lemon Asparagus Pasta

This lemon asparagus pasta is easy to whip up when the sun has sapped all your energy! This lovely, all-in-one recipe featuring lemony, creamy sauce and sauteed asparagus is the stuff of dreams!

This pasta dish is easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes. It will likely become a new family favorite.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Asparagus Pasta