Fresh takes on spring pasta: Simple, seasonal recipes that come together fast

As the weather warms and markets fill with tender greens and crisp produce, spring becomes the perfect time to lighten up your pasta game. Whether you’re tossing noodles with lemony ricotta or pairing shrimp with fresh vegetables, spring pastas prove that comfort food can still be vibrant and fresh.

The best part? These recipes aren’t fussy. Most come together in a single pot or pan, and they highlight seasonal ingredients like zucchini, lemons, asparagus, bell peppers, and a bounty of fresh herbs. Plus, you’ll find both meatless options like green peas and lighter protein sources such as chicken or salmon for a balanced, nourishing meal any night of the week.

Here are 10 delicious spring pasta recipes from around the web to bring colour and convenience to your dinner table:

1. Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta

This vibrant pasta recipe is made for springtime produce and combines pasta with asparagus, peas, shallots, and fresh herbs. Lemon, butter, and Parmesan come together to create a bright, fresh flavour.

2. Pasta Primavera

This classic spring pasta is loaded with colourful vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers, tossed in a light lemony sauce for a light, fresh, and simple dinner.

3. Creamy Lemon Spring Vegetable Pasta

A light and creamy lemon pasta featuring asparagus, artichokes, peas, and basil, ready in just 30 minutes for a great spring dish.

4. Spring Pasta Salad

A refreshing pasta salad with penne, asparagus, peas, spinach, and fresh basil, tossed in a simple lemon-Dijon vinaigrette and is perfect for an easy lunch or side dish.

5. Spring Orecchiette Pasta with Burrata

Picture orecchiette pasta tossed with asparagus, mushrooms, peas, and fresh herbs in a light carbonara sauce, topped with creamy burrata cheese—pure bliss. 

6. Feta Gnocchi with Lemony Yogurt and Spring Peas

Fluffy feta cheese gnocchi pan-fried until golden, served with spring peas over a bed of lemon-garlic strained yogurt for a restaurant-worthy dinner dish.

7. Spring Puttanesca Pasta

Enjoy a seasonal rendition of puttanesca incorporating cherry tomatoes, parsley, fresh spring onions, and kalamata olives for a classic Italian pasta dish the whole family will enjoy.

8. Spaghetti Carbonara with Green Peas

For a delicious week-night dinner, give this decadent pasta recipe a try, featuring a creamy carbonara sauce, studded with bright green baby peas and savoury pancetta.

9. Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

This roasted asparagus tossed with penne, butter, and a thick, syrupy balsamic reduction makes for an easy weeknight dinner that the entire family will love.

10. Pasta with Broccolini, Peas, and Pancetta

This weeknight-friendly pasta features a delightful combination of pazze pasta, broccolini, sweet peas, leeks, and fresh herbs, celebrating the lushness of the season.

5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Pasta Dishes:

1. Toss the heavy sauce: Spring pastas shine with olive oil, light cream, or broth-based sauces. Think bright, not heavy.
2. Use what’s in season: Asparagus, peas, artichokes, spinach, and herbs like basil and mint are your best friends this time of year.
3. Short on time? Go one-pot: Many spring pastas cook everything—including the sauce—in one pot. Less mess, more flavour.
4. Swap your proteins: Trade heavier meats for shrimp, salmon, or rotisserie chicken for a lighter, faster take.
5. Finish with freshness: Add a final flourish of lemon zest, fresh herbs, or grated egg yolk to liven up your plate and cut through creamy sauces.

About the Author

Alicia is a journalist and editor in digital and print media specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. She was previously the Editorial Director of Clean Eating and Vegetarian Times. Her work has also appeared in Hone Health The Edge, Yoga Journal, Women’s Running, and Oxygen, among others. In addition to being a content creator, she's an ISSA-certified nutritionist, certified personal trainer, and fitness studio owner in Toronto. Alicia loves spreading the word about helpful, science-backed health information, and she can be contacted via her website at aliciamtyler.com.