When it comes to summer cooking, it's all about ease, freshness, and bringing bold flavors to the table - without heating up the kitchen. That’s where these six standout pasta shapes come in. Each one is crafted for maximum warm-weather enjoyment. Whether you're picnicking at the park, grilling in the backyard, or tossing a salad with garden-fresh veggies, these unique shapes are your perfect pasta partners.
🌽 Radiators = Picnic-Ready Ridges
With chunky ridges and a sturdy build, Radiators were made for make-ahead moments. Their crevices catch every drop of dressing, making them the MVP of cold pasta salads. Sturdy enough to hold up after a few hours on the go, they're practically made for make-ahead meals.
Recipe Idea: Mexican Street Corn Radiator Salad - Char corn on the grill, then toss with Radiators, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a creamy dressing of mayo, lime, and chili powder. Sprinkle with Tajín and serve chilled for a bold, tangy twist on a summer classic.
🔥 NEW Calabrian Chili Lumache = Griller’s Go-To Shells
With a shell-like shape and slightly spicy bite, Calabrian Chili Lumache are designed to scoop up all the goodness from fire-roasted sauces and charred summer vegetables. These curvy pasta pockets are bold enough to match your backyard BBQ energy.
Recipe Idea: Calabrian Chili Lumache with Grilled Sausage & Peppers - Grill Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and red onions. Then chop and toss with Calabrian Chili Lumache and a glug of olive oil for a smoky, spicy pasta that sings.
🍅 Vesuvio = Summer Sauce-Catchers
Inspired by the iconic volcano, Vesuvio’s spiraled shape is a natural for thick, chunky sauces—and a summer tomato sauce is its ideal match. Think rustic pomodoro with all the sunshine in each spoonful.
Recipe Idea: Burst Cherry Tomato Vesuvio with Pesto Ricotta - Simmer cherry tomatoes with garlic, basil, and olive oil until they collapse into sauce. Toss with Vesuvio and finish with dollops of ricotta mixed with pesto.
🍑 Reginetti = Garden-Gathering Ruffles
With frilly edges and a wide surface, Reginetti captures every bit of peak season produce and delicate sauces. This one was made for your garden (or farmers’ market) haul and creating show stopping summer platters.
Recipe Idea: Grilled Peach, Prosciutto & Burrata Reginetti - Toss Reginetti with olive oil and slices of grilled peach. Add torn prosciutto, dollops of burrata, and freshly picked herbs. A sweet, savory, and silky celebration of summer on every fork.
🌊 NEW Bigoli = Seafood-Loving Strands
Thicker than spaghetti with a slightly rough surface, Bigoli was traditionally paired with anchovies and sardines, but its toothsome bite is just right for any seafood-forward dish. It’s a pasta that loves brine, butter, and the sea.
Recipe Idea: Garlicky Clam & White Wine Bigoli - Sauté garlic and chili flakes in butter, add clams and white wine and steam. Then toss in Bigoli and chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
🌿 Trumpets = Veggie-Hugging Flutes
With open, fluted ends, Trumpets are ideal for tucking in chopped veggies, melty cheese, or even a bit of browned butter. Their playful shape makes them a dinner party favorite, but they’re just as good in a simple skillet supper.
Recipe Idea: Summer Squash & Brown Butter Trumpets - Brown some butter, toss in thinly sliced summer squash, and cook until tender and caramelized. Stir in Trumpets, fresh thyme, and grated pecorino for a five-ingredient dish with big flavor.
Bring the Season to the Table
These shapes aren’t just fun to look at—they’re designed to bring out the best in your summer ingredients. Whether you’re leaning into smoky grilled flavors, fresh herbs, or beachy seafood, there’s a pasta on this list ready to make it shine.
