Spring Pasta Dinners

When you need a meal that’s light yet satisfying, reach for these recipes. From delicate noodles tossed with tender green herbs to plates of penne topped with seasonal veggies — these pasta dishes celebrate the best of spring’s bounty.

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Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Giada's quick penne is easy to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough that some fans have even served it for a holiday dinner.

Get the Recipe: Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)

Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp

Giada’s yummy pasta is the perfect dish for a warm spring night. After tossing the spaghetti with shrimp and a lemon dressing, add fried capers for a crisp, flavor-packed bite.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Spaghetti with Shrimp

Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo

Spring vegetables brighten up classic pasta Alfredo, while lemon zest and chives cut the rich creaminess.

Get the Recipe: Spring Vegetable Fettuccine Alfredo

Spring Pasta Salad

"The little green peas and salty ricotta salata make a killer combo," says Jeff.

Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta Salad

Gemelli with Pesto, Potatoes and Green Beans

This savory pasta dish combines potatoes and green beans with pesto and lemon juice to give your weeknight dinner a refreshing burst of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Gemelli with Pesto, Potatoes and Green Beans

Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

Greek yogurt gives this classic pesto recipe a creamy, tangy finish. Top your dish with toasted breadcrumbs for an added crunch.

Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata Pasta Toss

Top this simple yet elegant pasta dish with snipped chives for a fresh springtime presentation.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata Pasta Toss

Spaghetti Puttanesca with Escarole Salad

To infuse the escarole with tangy flavors, make a dressing with anchovies, grated garlic, vinegar and mustard.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Puttanesca with Escarole Salad

Lemon and Pea Alfredo

Giada uses creamy mascarpone cheese and freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano to coat this curly pasta dish in a dreamy alfredo-like sauce.

Get the Recipe: Lemon and Pea Alfredo

Lemon-Butter Sauce with Chiles

Take a shortcut to dinner with this five-minute sauce.

Get the Recipe: Lemon-Butter Sauce with Chiles

Orecchiette with Ramps and Favas

"Nothing says spring like ramps. Their garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy Italian sausage," says Michael.

Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Ramps and Favas

Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Want to sneak some veggies into your pasta for a healthier meal? A homemade pesto sauce will do the trick, livening everything up with plenty of flavor.

Get the Recipe: Asparagus Pesto Pasta

Farmer's Pasta

This easy pasta dish has it all: a creamy sauce, golden-brown crust and fresh green herbs. Best of all, it only requires 25 minutes of prep work.

Get the Recipe: Farmer's Pasta

Gnocchi Primavera

Store-bought potato gnocchi makes this dish a quick weeknight meal. Some Parmesan cheese and lemon zest make the perfect sauce to use up spring produce.

Get the Recipe: Gnocchi Primavera

Spaghetti with Chianti and Fava Beans

Add some color to your dinner table (and menu) with this wine-infused pasta dish. To make your noodles purple, boil them directly in a pot of Chianti wine. Top with spicy Italian sausage, velvety mascarpone and sweet fava beans for a one-of-a-kind meal.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti with Chianti and Fava Beans

Cacio e Pepe with Pancetta and Arugula

Take classic cacio e pepe to the next level by adding in crispy pancetta and peppery arugula.

Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe with Pancetta and Arugula

Fettuccine with Creamy Pesto

Not only is this velvety pasta dish done in just 25 minutes, you can also cook the pasta and spinach together in the same pot!

Get the Recipe: Fettuccine with Creamy Pesto

Garden Pasta With Bocconcini

This simple pasta dish is light, bright and refreshing thanks to cherry tomatoes and zucchini, tangy red wine vinegar and plenty of fresh basil.

Get the Recipe: Garden Pasta With Bocconcini

Linguine with Asparagus

Don't have asparagus on hand? Nancy Fuller recommends adding fresh spinach or artichoke hearts instead.

Get the Recipe: Linguine with Asparagus

Whole-Wheat Pasta with Sausage and Swiss Chard

Keep your chard stems for this one. They add texture to the pasta sauce — and add extra antioxidants.

Get the Recipe: Whole-Wheat Pasta with Sausage and Swiss Chard

Creamy Farfalle with Cremini, Asparagus and Walnuts

Walnuts, asparagus and cremini mushrooms lend this quick and hearty dinner its rustic appeal.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Farfalle with Cremini, Asparagus, and Walnuts

Orecchiette with Truffle-Asparagus Pesto

You'll find an unexpected umami flavor in this pesto thanks to truffle pecorino cheese, plus a bit of texture from toasted hazelnuts.

Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Truffle-Asparagus Pesto

Penne with Baby Artichokes, Black Olives and Peas

Tyler's penne recipe combines some of spring's freshest ingredients and still allows you to have dinner on the table in less than an hour.

Get the Recipe: Penne with Baby Artichokes, Black Olives and Peas

Fiery Angel Hair Pasta

Giada takes basic pantry ingredients to the next level with her simple (but oh-so-flavorful) pasta. The secret? She infuses olive oil with crushed red pepper flakes. It takes a few hours to make the chili oil, but it can be done ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Get the Recipe: Fiery Angel Hair Pasta

Warm Tortellini and Roasted Vegetable Salad

This veggie-packed pasta salad is the perfect dish for those colder spring days. It’s heavy enough to fill you up without being dense.

Get the Recipe: Warm Tortellini and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Pasta, Pesto and Peas

Using frozen peas and chopped spinach will cut down on prep work so you can spend less time in the kitchen.

Get the Recipe: Pasta, Pesto, and Peas

Pasta Primavera

From the fresh carrots and cherry tomatoes to the red and yellow bell peppers, Giada's primavera is a vibrant spring meal.

Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera

Sicilian Bucatini with Sardines

Golden raisins and a pinch of turmeric give this super-savory pasta dish a sweet touch. For additional texture, top your pasta with toasted breadcrumbs.

Get the Recipe: Sicilian Bucatini with Sardines

Ravioli with Spring Onions

Sometimes, the most elegant dishes are also the simplest. This impressive meal comes together with canned cherry tomatoes, store-bought ravioli and fresh spring onions.

Get the Recipe: Ravioli with Spring Onions