Summer Pasta Recipes for Your Next Family Gathering

There’s something special about gathering around the table on a warm summer evening with family and friends. And few dishes bring people together like pasta. Light yet satisfying, colorful yet comforting — pasta is a blank canvas for fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative combinations.

At Nicola’s Marketplace, we’re passionate about honoring Italy’s culinary traditions while making it easy to serve memorable meals. In this post, we’re spotlighting two standout pasta shapes — Campanelle and Orecchiette — along with two fresh, crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for your next summer celebration.

Get to Know These Pasta Shapes

Campanelle ("Little Bells")

With its fluted, cone-like shape and ruffled edges, Campanelle is ideal for capturing sauces, vegetables, and bits of cheese in every bite. It adds visual flair and delightful texture to both warm pasta dishes and pasta salads — a perfect shape for light, summery preparations.

Orecchiette ("Little Ears")

Hailing from Puglia, Orecchiette is known for its round, concave shape that’s ideal for holding sautéed greens, rustic sauces, and flavorful oils. Slightly denser than other pastas, it delivers a satisfying bite and pairs beautifully with sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs.

Two Summer Pasta Recipes to Wow Your Guests

Whether you're planning a backyard cookout or a casual dinner party, these easy-to-make recipes offer fresh flavors with a touch of Italian tradition.

Campanelle Pasta Salad with Lemon Ricotta & Summer Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Campanelle pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Toasted pine nuts for garnish (Optional)

Instructions:

Cook Campanelle until al dente. drain.

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Toss in the pasta, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and basil.

Top with pine nuts if desired. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Why it works: The creamy lemon ricotta clings to the Campanelle’s curves, while basil and vegetables add fresh, vibrant contrast.

Orecchiette with Spinach, Mushrooms & Garlic Olive Oil

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Orecchiette pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)

Instructions:

Boil Orecchiette in salted water until al dente. Drain.

In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for 1 minute.

Add mushrooms and cook until softened. Add spinach and sauté until wilted.

Toss in the pasta and season to taste.

Finish with a generous grating of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Pro Tip: Find authentic Parmigiano Reggiano at Nicola’s Marketplace to add rich, nutty depth to this dish.

Tips for Hosting a Summer Pasta Gathering

Prep Ahead – Both of these recipes can be made in advance and served at room temperature.

Pair Thoughtfully – Serve with an antipasto board and chilled white wines like Vermentino or Pinot Grigio.

Serve Family-Style – Big bowls in the center of the table make sharing easy and fun.

Keep It Light – Use fresh herbs, citrus, and seasonal produce for flavor without heaviness.

Bring Italy to Your Table with Nicola’s Marketplace

Whether you’re trying a new pasta shape or recreating a family classic, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. At Nicola’s Marketplace, we curate the best of Italy — from handmade pasta and aged cheese to rich sauces and pantry staples — so you can craft meals that feel like home.

Explore our full collection of pasta and pantry essentials and make your next summer gathering unforgettable.