When the weather gets warmer, we start thinking about nice evenings and dinner on the back porch. Pasta might seem like a heavier dish meant for cozy season, but we’ve got plenty of recipes that pair spring’s best flavors and produce with easy and tasty pasta to create seasonal dinners that are light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. We love comfort food any time of the year, but it’s nice to have some lighter options when spring rolls around.
From classic pasta dishes with a springtime twist to new and fun recipes with seasonal ingredients like carrots, peas, and asparagus, these recipes are sure to add some much-needed variety and garden-freshness to your weekly dinner rotation. Most of these recipes are easy and quick to prepare, a couple coming in around 30 minutes or less. So not only are they delicious options when it comes to seasonal meals, they’re also great for busy weeknights. Make the most of fresh ingredients available at the farmers’ market and enjoy these pasta dishes all season long.
Creamy Carrot, Pea, and Tarragon Pasta
This fresh spring pasta might just be your new favorite light and easy dinner! Sweet carrots, bright peas, and fresh tarragon add tons of flavor to this creamy pasta. Plus, bacon adds some savory depth, and lemon zest keeps everything fresh and bright. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but still vibrant, and it comes together in just 45 minutes. Throw in some grilled chicken for extra protein!
Get the recipe for Creamy Carrot, Pea, and Tarragon Pasta.
Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta
This shrimp pasta is a deliciously easy way to jazz up pasta night. Shaving asparagus adds fun and vibrant ribbons to fettuccine, and butter, white wine, and garlic create a simple and tasty sauce. Lemon juice and zest are stirred in at the end to add more bright freshness. You can have this recipe on the table in under 30 minutes too, which means this fresh pasta dish checks all the boxes in our book.
Get the recipe for Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta.
Spring Pasta with Salmon, Peas, and Dill
A fresh take on pasta primavera, this delicious spring dish features roasted salmon and snappy English peas. A butter and white wine sauce adds rich creaminess without making the pasta feel too heavy. Fresh dill adds flavor and freshness that really elevates this recipe, making it feel fancy and a little elegant. This is a meal you can have on the table quickly too, so it’s a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the recipe for Spring Pasta with Salmon, Peas, and Dill.
Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta with Creamy Garlic-Basil Sauce
If you're looking for a fast, veggie-forward pasta dish that’s different than the usual red sauce—just to switch things up—then look no further. Snap peas and fresh basil flavor an easy white sauce in this tasty, 20-minute weeknight dinner treat. Rotisserie chicken cuts down on cooking time, but feel free to prepare the chicken however you’d like! This pasta is creamy and still maintains a light and fresh feeling thanks to fresh herbs and veggies.
Get the recipe for Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta with Creamy Garlic-Basil Sauce.
Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta
This super simple pasta dish is ready and on the table in just 35 minutes. The sauce is easy and only a few simple ingredients, including fresh lemon juice and zest to add some brightness and flavor. This recipe is a great option for a busy weeknight that also doubles as an elegant meal for date night. Serve it with a fresh green salad for a delicious spring dinner.
Get the recipe for Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
Classic Pasta Salad Recipe
Sometimes a solid, no-nonsense bowl of pasta salad just can’t be beat. And while there are plenty of ways to jazz up a pasta salad, sometimes classics are the best. This is our best basic pasta salad recipe, with all the stuff folks love and none of the stuff they tend to pick out, and a dressing that balances perfectly between tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of herby. Add your favorite meat or protein if you’d like, and feel free to customize it however you and your family prefer. It’s one of those dishes that you can switch up based on the season and what you have already in your fridge.
Get the recipe for The Best Basic Italian Pasta Salad.
Broccolini Pasta Salad
Here’s a great pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for everything from dinner to picnics. Broccolini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil add freshness and flavor while Dijon mustard adds a little kick. This pasta is light, it’s fresh, it’s full of good-for-you ingredients. Add some grilled chicken to make it a main dish, or enjoy it as the perfect springtime side.
