Bright and beautiful spring pasta recipes
Celebrate seasonal flavours with our best pasta dishes featuring spring greens such as asparagus, spinach and peas with fresh herbs and zesty lemon
Celebrate the bountiful spring harvest with a showcase of all kinds of fresh veg in a comforting bowl of pasta. These lighter pasta dishes are great for the transitional spring months, with simple creamy sauces and homemade pesto.
We’ve rounded up our favourite springtime pasta recipes, including plenty of budget options using storecupboard ingredients such as tinned fish and capers.
Learn more about what’s in season this spring with our March, April and May guides. Or, see our seasonal calendar for more ingredient ideas.
For more recipe inspiration, see the best five-ingredient pasta recipes and our top five family pasta ideas. You can even try a more nutritious dish with our easy healthy pasta recipes.
For more recipes perfect for spring, check out our top 10 spring dinner ideas. Our top 10 spring one-pots are perfect for when you don’t feel like dealing with tons of washing up. Make salad the star of the show with our 20 spring salad recipes for the new season.
Top spring pasta recipes
1. Creamy mushroom & spinach pasta
Toss together tagliatelle, mushrooms and fresh spinach in a parmesan and crème fraîche sauce. This quick dinner comes together in less than half an hour and has the added benefit of being low in calories. To keep it vegetarian, swap the parmesan for an Italian-style hard cheese that’s veggie friendly.
2. Vegan kale pesto pasta
This super-green pasta is loaded with the wholesome nutrients from a couple of handfuls of fresh kale. Whizz together kale, pumpkin seeds, basil and garlic to make a healthy vegan pesto to accompany your favourite pasta shape.
3. Charred cauliflower pasta with pumpkin seed pesto
Full of zingy lemon zest, this bright pasta really packs a punch. It’s a great option if you don’t have much on hand, as it calls for just a handful of storecupboard ingredients. Added bonus: it's suitable for vegetarians and high in fibre.
4. Homemade ravioli
Turn your hand to making your own pasta for a special date night or celebration dinner. This homemade ravioli is stuffed with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling and tossed in sage butter to finish.
5. Sardine tomato pasta with gremolata
Put those tins knocking around at the back of your storecupboard to work with this budget-friendly pasta recipe. Cook tinned sardines with capers and garlic, then pair with fresh tomatoes. Serve over wholemeal spaghetti for added nutritional benefits.
6. Spring greens carbonara
Seasonal spring greens, including broccoli, asparagus and peas, are the stars of the show in this comforting carbonara. Show off fresh herbs by adding chopped mint, basil and parsley. Add pancetta cubes or slices, guanciale or bacon lardons to boost the protein content.
7. Lemony tuna, tomato & caper one-pot pasta
Give that student staple – tuna pasta – an upgrade with capers, mascarpone, lemon zest and parmesan for a more sophisticated take. This top-rated recipe makes a great budget-friendly midweek meal.
8. Chicken & bacon pasta
Toss chicken and bacon with ribbons of tagliatelle in a deliciously creamy sauce to make this easy pasta recipe. This family-friendly dish is top-rated and sure to become a weeknight staple. Serve with a leafy green salad to pack in more veggies. Also, discover our how to cook bacon guide.
9. Healthy pasta primavera
Pile on the veggies with this healthy take on pasta primavera. It’s loaded with broad beans, leeks and asparagus tips to really make the most of the spring season. Serve with a scattering of parmesan and a light drizzle of olive oil. Discover our how to cook asparagus guide.
10. Broccoli pesto & pancetta pasta
Serve this healthy bowl of pasta topped with cherry tomatoes for a quick and easy midweek meal. Tossed with a clever broccoli alternative to traditional pesto, it takes just 25 minutes to make.
