Summer is the season of fresh ingredients, light meals, and bright flavors—and this Fresh Summer Pasta embodies all of that! It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make all season long, especially on those warm evenings when you’re craving something refreshing but still filling.
With a combination of cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil, this pasta brings a burst of summer in every bite. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Pasta?
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Light & Refreshing
Perfect for summer, this pasta is light on the stomach but big on flavor. The lemon and basil give it that perfect balance of freshness, while the mozzarella adds a touch of creaminess. -
Simple & Quick
Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal when you want to make something quick, yet satisfying. The fresh ingredients shine on their own, so you don’t need heavy sauces or complicated prep. -
Customizable
Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Add in some roasted veggies or swap the mozzarella for a vegan cheese. You can make this recipe work however you like!
Ingredients:
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12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any shape you prefer)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
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1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tbsp lemon zest
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper. -
Toss the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the lemon sauce. Toss it all together, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. -
Add Fresh Ingredients:
Gently stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Toss until everything is well combined. -
Serve:
Divide the pasta into bowls and top with grated Parmesan (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tool
A large pot is essential for cooking pasta evenly. This tool not only ensures your pasta cooks properly, but its size also helps when boiling enough water to prevent the pasta from sticking. Having a lid helps speed up the boiling process—especially important for quick and efficient cooking when you're in a hurry. A good pot can make all the difference for even cooking and less cleanup!
Why it’s essential: A large, durable pot is versatile enough to handle various pasta shapes and even work for boiling vegetables or making soup on your camping trip or in the kitchen.