Pasta recipes don’t need to wait for cooler weather, and these are proof. They’re big on flavor, easy to throw together, and somehow still hit the spot even when it’s blazing outside. If you think pasta sounds too heavy for summer, think again—these are fresh, fast, and way better than turning on the oven for anything else. Great for when you’re hungry but don’t want to put in a ton of effort.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
This cottage cheese Alfredo sauce takes only 15 minutes to make and has a creamy texture. It pairs easily with pasta, creating a rich option that doesn’t require much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Pasta e Piselli
Peas and Pecorino cheese work well with smaller pasta shapes that are easy for kids to eat. The quick cooking time and minimal prep make it a straightforward pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan rasta pasta uses everyday ingredients and comes together in about 30 minutes, keeping prep simple. The pasta shapes hold the sauce nicely and keep the dish interesting, especially for younger eaters, making it a useful pick for pasta nights.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta cooks in one pot in about 30 minutes, which makes it convenient for busy evenings. The shaped pasta works well with the smooth sauce, making it a strong option for pasta-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni with arrabbiata sauce is ready in 30 minutes and features a bright tomato base. The ridged pasta captures the sauce well and adds texture.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
Glass noodles made from sweet potato starch pair with stir-fried vegetables in a quick dish. The texture keeps the meal engaging and suitable as a pasta substitute for fast dinners.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles
Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce
This coconut milk pasta sauce is ready in about ten minutes and has a creamy texture without using dairy. It’s a fast option for anyone wanting something fresh and smooth for pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce
Morel Mushroom Pasta
Morel mushrooms and a creamy sauce combine with pasta for a textured dinner. Shaped pasta helps coat each bite and supports a balanced pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta
Paccheri Pasta
Large pasta tubes like paccheri are filled with cheese and baked in a herb and wine sauce. The shape makes stuffing straightforward and adds a hands-on aspect to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri Pasta
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing
This pasta salad comes together quickly with chilled ingredients and bold flavors. The shaped pasta adds texture and makes the dish more engaging, especially for younger eaters.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing
Vegetarian Bolognese
This vegetarian bolognese is quick to prepare and works well on busy evenings. It pairs with pasta easily and brings comfort while using accessible ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Bolognese
Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci
This creamy pasta includes bacon and chicken, using familiar ingredients that are simple to prepare. The shaped pasta adds texture and holds the sauce evenly for an easy pasta dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci
Creamy Halloumi Pasta
Creamy halloumi pasta combines seared cheese, tomatoes, and herbs into a quick dish. The pasta balances the sauce and toppings, making it a useful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Halloumi Pasta
Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Blackened chicken Alfredo made in the Instant Pot cuts down cooking and cleanup time. The short pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce well and are easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Pasta alla Norma
Eggplant, tomato sauce, and basil come together in a simple dish. The pasta helps distribute the sauce and vegetables evenly in every portion.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Bolognese sauce over pesto fettuccine creates a filling dish. The pasta holds the sauce and adds interest for children at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Garlic parmesan pasta features rich cheese and garlic blended into a creamy dish. The sauce coats the pasta evenly and works well for a simple, complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Cannelloni
Cannelloni tubes are filled with beef and baked under sauce and cheese. The pasta keeps the filling in place, creating a structured and hearty pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Cannelloni
Meatball Pasta Bake
This casserole bakes meatballs and pasta together in one pan. The shaped noodles hold the sauce well and make the dish easier for children to handle.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake
Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash
Instant Pot lemon chicken pasta with zucchini and squash comes together quickly. Short pasta shapes soak up the sauce and are easy for children to pick up.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is a quick pasta dish with a tomato-based sauce. The tube-shaped pasta holds the sauce well and is manageable for kids.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Lamb Bolognese
Lamb bolognese is paired with tagliatelle, a pasta that works well with heavier sauces. The long noodles make the dish easy to portion and eat.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese
Seafood Pasta Salad
Seafood, vegetables, and creamy dressing are mixed with pasta in a chilled dish. Shaped pasta makes it easier for small hands to eat and balances the components in each bite.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Beef pasta takes under 30 minutes to make, which is helpful for weeknight dinners. Short pasta shapes hold the sauce evenly and are manageable for younger eaters.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Manicotti
Manicotti filled with spinach and cheese is baked under marinara for a complete meal. The pasta tubes help contain the filling during baking, supporting a cohesive pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Manicotti
Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)
Stuffed shells are filled with ricotta and topped with marinara and mozzarella before baking. The shell-shaped pasta holds the filling securely, which makes it practical for baked pasta meals.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)
Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl
Mini pretzel bowls filled with mac and cheese and beer cheese bring a new way to serve pasta. The pasta shape holds the cheese sauce and fits neatly into the serving style.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Bacon, cheese, and creamy sauce coat ravioli in this pasta dish. The filled pasta adds flavor and texture throughout the entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara
Pasta marinara cooks fast and works well for large batches. The shaped pasta makes it easier for children to eat and fits easily into a busy dinner schedule.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara
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