Hallelujah! The days are getting longer, the birds are chirping (or at least trying to be heard over the city noise), and most importantly… it’s officially PASTAAAAA season!
Ditch the heavy, creamy sauces of winter and embrace the light, bright flavors of spring with these 16 fresh pasta twists.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about those chilly nights to come – we’ve tucked away 3 cozy pasta recipes just for when winter inevitably tries to creep back in.
1. Lemon Asparagus Linguine
Bright lemon zest dances with tender asparagus spears in this quintessential spring pasta. The crisp-tender stalks need just minutes to cook.
Toss with linguine, a splash of pasta water, and freshly grated Parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil finishes this simple celebration of spring.
2. Pea And Mint Orecchiette
Sweet spring peas find their perfect match in fresh mint leaves. The little ear-shaped pasta cups cradle the peas beautifully.
A light sauce of butter, pasta water, and a touch of cream brings everything together. This dish tastes like spring in a bowl – fresh, green, and utterly satisfying.
3. Primavera Pappardelle
Wide ribbons of pappardelle create the perfect canvas for spring vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes bring color and nutrition.
Sautéed with garlic and finished with fresh basil, this pasta celebrates the season’s bounty. The name “primavera” literally means springtime in Italian!
4. Ramp And Ricotta Ravioli
Foraged ramps (wild leeks) have a fleeting season that screams spring. Their mild garlic-onion flavor infuses homemade ricotta filling with earthy goodness.
Stuff into fresh pasta squares for pillowy ravioli. A simple brown butter sauce lets the delicate ramp flavor shine through without overwhelming these seasonal treasures.
5. Artichoke And Lemon Farfalle
Artichokes reach their peak tenderness in spring. Paired with bow-tie pasta, they create a sophisticated yet simple dish.
The lemony sauce cuts through the richness. Add some pancetta for a salty kick if you’re feeling indulgent.
6. Spring Pesto Fusilli
Forget basil! Spring calls for alternative pestos using seasonal greens. Arugula, spinach, or even carrot tops create vibrant sauces with unique flavors.
The spiral shape of fusilli captures every bit of the green goodness. Toasted pine nuts add crunch while lemon juice brightens everything up. Spring in a twisty package!
7. Strawberry Balsamic Capellini
Sweet meets savory in this unexpected spring combination. Ripe strawberries and aged balsamic create a surprisingly delicious sauce for angel hair pasta.
Add fresh basil and black pepper for depth. This unusual pasta dish showcases spring’s first fruit in a sophisticated way that will impress dinner guests and family alike.
8. Fava Bean Carbonara
Fresh fava beans add spring flair to classic carbonara. Their buttery texture complements the silky egg-based sauce perfectly.
Skip the traditional peas for these seasonal gems. The bright green beans pop against the yellow sauce, creating a visually stunning dish.
9. Morel Mushroom Tagliatelle
Prized morels emerge in spring, bringing their honeycomb texture and nutty flavor to pasta dishes. Their earthy essence pairs beautifully with ribbon-like tagliatelle. A splash of cream and white wine creates a luxurious sauce. This pasta celebrates one of spring’s most coveted ingredients in an elegant yet simple preparation.
10. Nettle And Walnut Gemelli
Foraged stinging nettles lose their sting when cooked and offer a mineral-rich, spinach-like flavor. Paired with toasted walnuts, they create a rustic sauce for twisted gemelli pasta.
A squeeze of lemon brightens the earthy notes. This pasta connects you to spring’s wild bounty.
11. Radish Top Cavatelli
Don’t toss those radish greens! Transform them into a peppery sauce for handmade cavatelli.
The little pasta shells cradle the sauce perfectly. The peppery greens balance nicely with creamy ricotta mixed in. This zero-waste pasta dish makes the most of the whole vegetable.
12. Spring Garlic Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Young spring garlic offers milder flavor than mature bulbs. Use it to create a gentler version of the classic aglio e olio. The tender green stalks and tiny bulbs infuse olive oil with subtle flavor.
Red pepper flakes add just enough heat. Simple ingredients showcase spring’s most aromatic allium in this minimalist pasta.
13. Sorrel And Goat Cheese Rotini
Lemony sorrel leaves bring bright acidity to spring pasta dishes. Their natural tartness pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese for a balanced sauce.
The spiral shape of rotini holds the creamy mixture beautifully. This pasta introduces many to an underutilized spring green that deserves more attention in modern kitchens.
14. Snap Pea And Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Crisp sugar snap peas add unexpected texture to creamy ricotta filling. Their natural sweetness pops against the cheese in these stuffed pasta shells.
A light tomato sauce keeps things fresh. Mint or basil adds the perfect finishing touch. This spring pasta offers satisfying comfort with seasonal brightness in each bite.
15. Spring Onion And Pancetta Bucatini
Young spring onions offer delicate sweetness compared to their mature counterparts. Sautéed with crispy pancetta, they create a flavorful sauce for hollow bucatini noodles.
A splash of white wine deglazes the pan perfectly. The sauce can actually travel up inside the pasta for flavor in every bite of this spring-inspired carbonara alternative.
16. Watercress Pesto Trofie
Peppery watercress creates a vibrant green pesto with attitude. Its slightly bitter edge pairs perfectly with twisted trofie pasta from the Italian Riviera.
Pine nuts and Parmesan round out the flavors. Watercress ranks among the most nutrient-dense greens available during the season.
17. Winter Squash Lasagna
Bookmark this cozy pasta bake for winter months! Roasted butternut or acorn squash creates a sweet, velvety layer between pasta sheets.
Sage and brown butter add warming notes perfect for cold weather. Creamy béchamel sauce ties everything together. This hearty lasagna will become your cold-weather comfort food when spring vegetables are just a memory.
18. Mushroom Ragu Pappardelle
Save this hearty pasta for winter evenings! A mix of dried and fresh mushrooms creates deep umami flavor in this slow-cooked vegetarian ragu.
Wide pappardelle ribbons stand up to the rich sauce. Red wine and tomato paste add depth and body.
19. Short Rib Bolognese Rigatoni
The ultimate winter pasta comfort! Braised short ribs create an intensely flavorful meat sauce that clings to ridged rigatoni tubes. Low and slow cooking develops incredible depth.
A touch of cream softens the rich tomato base. This pasta project rewards your patience with a soul-warming dish perfect for the coldest months.