Tired of waiting longer for dinner than spring actually lasts? These 14 fresh spring pasta recipes are so quick, even your basil won’t wilt from boredom — and yes, they’re tastier than whatever sad salad you were about to pretend to enjoy.
Toss in your noodles, blink twice, and boom — dinner’s done before your allergies kick in.
1. Lemon Asparagus Spaghetti With Crispy Prosciutto
Zesty lemon zips through this bright springtime pasta, making each twirl of spaghetti sing with freshness! Blanched asparagus spears, still slightly crisp, mingle with paper-thin prosciutto that’s been crisped to perfection.
What if I told you the secret lies in reserving that starchy pasta water? Just a splash creates a silky sauce that clings to every strand. Ready in a mere 20 minutes, this dish practically screams “SPRING IS HERE!”
2. Garlicky Pea And Mint Penne
Though peas might seem humble, they transform into something magical when paired with fragrant mint and garlic-infused olive oil. The sweet pops of green contrast beautifully against the tender penne. Ever wondered how restaurant pasta always tastes better?
The trick is finishing the pasta in the sauce for the last minute of cooking. A generous sprinkle of pecorino adds the perfect salty finish to this 15-minute wonder that celebrates spring’s bounty!
3. Springtime Shrimp Scampi With Arugula
Tender shrimp hit a hot pan and transform in just 2 minutes, while angel hair pasta cooks simultaneously. The peppery arugula wilts ever so slightly when tossed with the hot garlic-butter sauce. If heaven had a taste, it might be this 20-minute miracle where lemon, white wine, and butter create pure magic.
Throw caution to the wind and be generous with the red pepper flakes – that little kick elevates everything! Share your spice level preferences in the comments!
4. Creamy Goat Cheese And Spring Vegetable Bowties
Whoa – who knew goat cheese could melt into such a luscious cream sauce with zero effort? As the hot farfalle hits the tangy cheese, it creates an instant velvety coating that hugs every bowtie ridge.
How delightful that tender spring vegetables like peas, asparagus tips, and baby spinach need just seconds to cook! The entire dish comes together in 25 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel luxurious without the wait. Sprinkle with lemon zest for that extra zing!
5. Bacon And Egg Spring Carbonara
Holy moly – traditional carbonara gets a springtime makeover with sweet green peas and tender asparagus ribbons! The eggs transform into a silky sauce when tossed with hot pasta, no cream needed. Where did this idea come from?
Italian shepherds made this portable meal with ingredients that didn’t need refrigeration. For a lightning-fast 15-minute dinner, prep your vegetables while the pasta boils, then toss everything together off the heat to prevent scrambling those precious eggs!
6. Burst Cherry Tomato And Basil Orecchiette
Cherry tomatoes explode into a naturally sweet sauce when cooked in a scorching hot pan with olive oil and garlic.
Those little ear-shaped pasta pieces catch the juices perfectly in their curved centers. Hence the beauty of this 20-minute meal – it requires just five ingredients but delivers restaurant-worthy flavor! The heat of summer might still be weeks away, but early-season hothouse tomatoes bring sunshine to your plate. Don’t skimp on the fresh basil – tear it at the last moment!
7. Lemony Artichoke And Spinach Linguine
Jarred artichoke hearts – the unsung heroes of quick cooking! Combined with baby spinach that wilts in seconds, they create a vibrant spring pasta that’s ready in just 18 minutes. However did we live before these shortcut ingredients?
The brightness of lemon juice cuts through the richness of olive oil and parmesan, while a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds unexpected crunch. For extra protein, toss in some cannellini beans or leftover rotisserie chicken!
8. Spring Pesto Primavera With Whipped Ricotta
OMG – store-bought pesto gets a major upgrade when mixed with blanched spring vegetables and dollops of cloud-like whipped ricotta! The contrast between the warm pasta and cool, creamy cheese creates texture heaven. Why settle for boring weeknight meals?
This 25-minute masterpiece combines zucchini ribbons, snap peas, and tender broccoli florets with al dente rotini. The vegetables maintain their vibrant color and slight crunch when blanched for just 60 seconds in the pasta water. Genius kitchen hack alert!
9. Spicy Radish And Arugula Pasta With Brown Butter
Thinly sliced radishes maintain their peppery crunch while their greens wilt into the nutty brown butter sauce. This unexpected combination delivers major flavor with minimal effort!
Have you ever tried cooking with the entire radish? The often-discarded greens taste like a milder arugula and add gorgeous color to this 20-minute pasta. The brown butter needs just 3 minutes to develop that intoxicating hazelnut aroma. Finish with lemon juice and a shower of parmesan for pasta perfection!
10. Smoked Salmon And Dill Pasta Salad
Cold pasta for dinner? Absolutely! This no-cook sauce combines Greek yogurt, lemon, and fresh dill for a lightning-fast meal ready in just 15 minutes – including pasta cooking time! Imagine tender bow ties draped with silky smoked salmon and crunchy cucumber, all bathed in a tangy yogurt dressing.
The best part? This dish actually improves after chilling, making it perfect for meal prep or picnics. Throw in some capers for an extra burst of briny goodness!
11. One-Pot Spring Vegetable Orzo
Hallelujah for one-pot wonders! Unlike typical pasta, orzo cooks directly in vegetable broth, absorbing all that savory goodness while releasing starch that creates a naturally creamy consistency.
Can you believe this risotto-like dish requires zero stirring? Simply add asparagus, peas, and leeks during the last few minutes of cooking. The entire meal comes together in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. Stir in a handful of grated parmesan and fresh herbs just before serving!
12. Gnocchi With Snap Peas And Mint Pesto
*Gasp* – did you know store-bought gnocchi cooks in just 2 minutes? These pillowy potato dumplings pair perfectly with a lightning-fast mint pesto that’s fresher and brighter than traditional basil versions.
Snap peas add delightful crunch and sweetness when barely blanched. The entire dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those “I need dinner NOW” evenings! Feeling fancy? Crumble some tangy feta on top for a creamy contrast to the zingy pesto.
13. Lemon Ricotta Ravioli With Spring Vegetables
Psst… here’s a secret: refrigerated ravioli is your best friend for lightning-fast dinners! These cheese-filled pillows need just 3 minutes to cook and pair beautifully with spring’s bounty. Would you believe this elegant dish takes only 12 minutes from start to finish?
A simple sauce of olive oil, lemon, and a splash of pasta water lets the delicate ricotta filling shine. Add quickly blanched asparagus and peas, then finish with a snowfall of parmesan and lemon zest.
14. Springtime Pasta Primavera With Garlic Breadcrumbs
Good golly – those crunchy garlic breadcrumbs take this spring vegetable pasta from ordinary to extraordinary! They toast in the same pan while your vegetables sauté, adding incredible texture contrast.
Isn’t it amazing how quickly zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes cook down to sweet perfection? This colorful 25-minute meal celebrates whatever looks freshest at the market. The secret to restaurant-quality results? Season at every step and finish with a generous handful of fresh herbs!