Spring is the perfect season to relish the fresh, vibrant flavors that awaken the senses. What better way to celebrate this lively time than with pasta dishes that embody the essence of spring? These 12 pasta recipes are a delightful exploration of seasonal ingredients, offering a combination of flavors that are as bright and refreshing as a sunny spring day. Each recipe is designed to highlight the natural sweetness and crispness of spring vegetables, paired with the comforting pleasure of pasta. Whether you’re a culinary adventurer or a home cook seeking inspiration, these dishes promise to bring the joy of spring to your table.
1. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Peas
Creamy, citrusy, and full of spring spirit, this pasta brings together delicate ricotta cheese and sweet green peas in a light lemon-kissed sauce. It’s the perfect balance of richness and brightness, making it feel indulgent without being heavy.
Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory punch, while cracked black pepper keeps things interesting. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a busy weeknight or impromptu al fresco dinner. The soft peas pop against the creamy backdrop, delivering texture and flavor with every bite. Serve with a crisp white wine for a refreshing seasonal pairing.
2. Asparagus and Mushroom Tagliatelle
Earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus make a natural duo in this comforting yet elegant pasta. The tagliatelle noodles soak up a simple garlic-butter sauce infused with fresh thyme and lemon zest. Asparagus adds a snappy freshness that screams spring, while the mushrooms bring that satisfying umami depth. A handful of shaved Parmesan melts just enough to coat the strands in creamy, savory goodness. Perfect as a main course or alongside grilled fish or chicken, this dish bridges the gap between cozy and fresh with grace. Finish with cracked pepper and a few lemon curls for extra flair.
3. Spring Vegetable Pasta Primavera
Nothing says spring quite like a pasta bowl bursting with color. This veggie-forward take on pasta primavera showcases a rainbow of sautéed seasonal produce—think carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas—all tossed in a light herb-infused olive oil dressing.
Farfalle or penne provide the perfect base for catching every bright, juicy flavor. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and a sprinkle of grated pecorino ties it all together. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a celebration of what’s fresh at the farmer’s market. Light, healthy, and effortlessly cheerful, it’s spring in a bowl.
4. Pesto Pasta with Arugula and Pine Nuts
Vibrant and peppery, this pesto pasta is anything but ordinary. Instead of the classic basil, arugula takes center stage with its bold, slightly spicy bite, creating a green sauce that wakes up your taste buds. Toasted pine nuts lend a rich, buttery crunch, and a touch of lemon juice rounds out the flavors. Toss it with spaghetti or linguine for a quick and flavorful dish that tastes gourmet. A finishing drizzle of olive oil and some shaved Parmesan bring everything into balance. It’s fast, fresh, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for when you want flavor without fuss.
5. Creamy Goat Cheese and Spinach Pasta
For those who like their pasta creamy with a tangy twist, this goat cheese and spinach combination is pure gold. The cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats every noodle, while wilted spinach folds in with tender elegance.
Garlic and a pinch of nutmeg add subtle complexity, and crushed red pepper gives it a gentle heat. This is the kind of pasta that feels indulgent yet still light enough for spring, perfect for a cozy dinner with a glass of chilled rosé. It’s easy to make but sophisticated enough to impress unexpected guests.
6. Bucatini with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes take center stage in this lively pasta dish. When gently sautéed in olive oil, the tomatoes burst into a rustic, jammy sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Bucatini, with its hollow center, is ideal for catching the flavorful juices. Fresh basil leaves lend an aromatic lift, and a dash of chili flakes adds a gentle kick. It’s a minimal-ingredient masterpiece that leans into simplicity while delivering big flavor. Best served warm with torn mozzarella or burrata for a creamy contrast—it’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.
7. Lemon-Basil Orzo Salad
Refreshing and bright, this lemon-basil orzo salad is perfect for spring lunches or picnic spreads. Tiny rice-shaped orzo pasta mingles with chopped cucumbers, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zingy lemon vinaigrette. The basil brings a sweet, fragrant edge that complements the citrus beautifully. It’s equally tasty served cold or at room temperature, and you can add chickpeas or grilled shrimp for a heartier version. Light and zesty, this dish travels well and makes a colorful addition to any seasonal gathering. It’s a pasta salad that actually excites, not just fills.
8. Pasta with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Bold flavors meet rustic charm in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta. Marinated artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes create a savory, tangy blend that’s impossible to resist. Tossed with spaghetti or linguine and finished with capers and parsley, this dish delivers complexity without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Olive oil acts as the unifying base, letting each ingredient shine. It’s a pantry-friendly recipe that still feels fresh, and the contrast between the chewy sun-dried tomatoes and tender pasta is totally satisfying. Serve it warm or room temp—it’s equally good either way and makes incredible leftovers.
9. Fava Bean and Mint Pasta
Uniquely seasonal, this pasta showcases the delicate flavor of fresh fava beans paired with cooling mint. Once peeled and blanched, fava beans become creamy and nutty—ideal for tossing with a light olive oil sauce and short pasta like orecchiette or fusilli. Chopped mint leaves add a refreshing twist, and a generous grating of pecorino romano elevates the dish with sharp, salty notes. It’s an unexpected pairing that works beautifully, offering a truly spring-forward option for adventurous eaters. Subtle, elegant, and entirely plant-based, this pasta is a nod to nature’s fleeting spring bounty.
10. Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles and Spaghetti
This shrimp scampi feels indulgent yet stays refreshingly light—ideal for spring. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in garlic, butter, and lemon juice, creating a luscious, aromatic sauce. A clever blend of traditional spaghetti and spiralized zucchini noodles adds variety in texture while keeping things lower in carbs.
A splash of white wine deepens the flavor, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick. Fresh parsley finishes the dish with a pop of color and brightness. Quick to prepare and full of zest, this pasta is perfect for warm evenings when you crave something saucy, vibrant, and satisfying.
11. Creamy Leek and Lemon Pasta
Mild, buttery leeks slowly sautéed in olive oil become the star of this subtly creamy dish. A splash of lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness, turning it into a delicate, aromatic sauce that coats linguine or fettuccine beautifully.
This is comfort food with a spring twist—elegant, understated, and full of soft, savory flavor. A little crème fraîche or heavy cream lends a silky finish without overwhelming the dish. Top with toasted breadcrumbs for contrast and crunch. Ideal for quiet evenings or easy entertaining, this pasta proves that less can be truly luxurious.
12. Herbed Spring Pesto Pasta with Burrata
Bursting with fresh herbs, this spring pesto is a verdant upgrade from the classic. Parsley, chives, mint, and lemon zest create a bright, punchy sauce that sings of the season. Tossed with your favorite pasta shape and crowned with a ball of creamy burrata, this dish is visually stunning and deeply satisfying. The pesto clings to every curve and ridge, while the burrata melts into the pasta for an irresistible creaminess. Toasted almonds add a little crunch, and edible flowers or microgreens make it brunch-ready. This is garden-party pasta at its finest.
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