8 Light Spring Pasta Recipes That Won’t Weigh You Down

It’s getting warmer out (finally!), and we’re starting to set aside the rich stews of winter in favor of lighter spring dishes. When it comes to pasta, think lots of greens, lemon, herbs, lean protein, and in-season vegetables. Need some inspiration? Here are eight bright and tasty spring pasta recipes.

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1. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Courtesy of Well Plated

This pasta salad has all the bright and briny flavors you’d expect in Mediterranean cuisine (we’re looking at you, feta and kalamata olives). It would be particularly great for weekday lunches because it will keep well in the fridge for several days, and it’s great cold. Just make a big batch on Sunday and you’re set.

Try the recipe from Foodie Crush.

2. Spring Pea Pasta with Burrata

Courtesy of What’s Gabby Cooking

Looking for a weeknight dish that feels a little more special? This recipe is for you. It doesn’t require a lot of time or ingredients, but the burrata makes it feel luxurious. The recipe calls for a small tube-shaped pasta, but it would also be great with orecchiette or elbow pasta.

Try the recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking.

3. Angel Hair with Shrimp and Asparagus

Courtesy of Skinnytaste

This simple pasta dish is packed with flavor without a lot of ingredients. You cook the asparagus in simmered tomatoes, chicken broth, and white wine before adding in the cooked pasta and shrimp. Use deveined and peeled shrimp to make things even easier. 

Try the recipe from Skinnytaste.

4. Lemony Spring Pasta Salad with Vegetables and Herbs

Courtesy of The First Mess

This vegan pasta recipe would be great to take on a picnic. It’s highly shareable and delicious cold. So what’s in it? There are chickpeas for added protein, and tons of spring vegetables like radishes, asparagus, and peas. The lemon dressing is the star of the recipe and includes both lemon juice and zest, Dijon mustard, a little agave for sweetness, shallot, and a neutral oil like avocado. 

Try the recipe from The First Mess.

5. Creamy Cashew-Miso Pasta with Peas and Fava Beans

Courtesy of The Bojon Gourmet

Peas and asparagus get all the attention when April hits, but fava beans deserve some recognition, too. Yes, they can be a little bit tedious to prepare (you have to shell them, after all), but they add a particular texture and freshness. The cashew sauce in this recipe mimics a traditional cream sauce, but you get a punch from the mustard, lemon, and miso.  

Try the recipe from The Bojon Gourmet.

6. Chicken Pasta Puttanesca

Courtesy of Healthy Fitness Meals

If you’re a die-hard tomato sauce fan, this is the spring pasta for you. It’s brighter than other red sauce recipes thanks to capers, kalamata olives, and parsley. The addition of chicken makes this recipe more filling, so it’s a great option for dinner. 

Try the recipe from Healthy Fitness Meals.

7. Spring Gnocchi with Mustardy Arugula Pesto

Courtesy of Well and Full

There’s no law (that we know of) that says pesto has to have pine nuts, basil, or Parmesan. Here’s a version made with arugula, walnuts, and Dijon mustard — so it’s sharp, slightly bitter, and super flavorful. It pairs perfectly with pillowy gnocchi and a handful of fresh peas and chives. 

Try the recipe from Well and Full.

8. Pasta Primavera

Courtesy of Two Peas and their Pod

Classic pasta primavera (literally “spring pasta”) is one part vegetables, one part pasta. In other words, it’s chock-full of vegetables, like asparagus, peas, broccoli, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. You can play around with the type of vegetables you use based on what you find at the grocery store or farmers’ market. A light lemon-Parmesan cream sauce pulls it all together, and sprinkling fresh herbs on top is never a bad idea. 

Try the recipe from Two Peas and their Pod.

Read next: 12 Seasonal Spring Recipes That Are Super Easy to Make