35 Spring Pasta Recipes That Feel Lighter but Still Satisfy

Spring pasta is a great way to enjoy a lighter meal without giving up bold flavors or satisfying bites. With fresh ingredients, bright herbs, and just the right touch of richness, these recipes are perfect for warmer days when you want something tasty but not too heavy. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these dishes bring a fresh twist to your pasta routine.

An overview image of Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta on a plate with a fork. — Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Spicy Vodka Pasta

Spicy vodka pasta can be made with or without vodka and easily adjusted for vegan or vegetarian diets. It’s a bold and creamy pasta dish that works for both casual weeknights and date nights.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Butter, garlic, and mushrooms create a rich pasta dish that feels special without extra effort. Cooking the mushrooms until golden brown adds depth, while a swirl of butter and a splash of pasta water bring everything together smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl. — Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan rasta pasta is mildly spiced and made with fresh ingredients, making it a quick weeknight option. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful pasta dish with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish. — Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy sun-dried tomato pasta comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes. Ricotta and parmesan add richness, while garlic and sun-dried tomatoes bring bold flavors, making it a go-to for pasta lovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon. — Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bucatini cacio e pepe uses just three ingredients—Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and pasta—but delivers deep flavor. This classic Roman dish is a simple yet satisfying choice for any pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells combine seasoned beef, peppers, and creamy provolone in a fun pasta format. It’s a hearty meal that brings familiar flavors into a new dish perfect for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma combines sautéed eggplant, a rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil for a satisfying Italian dish. With just a few ingredients, it’s an easy way to enjoy a bold pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate. — Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegetable lasagna layers roasted vegetables, ricotta, and pasta for a balanced dish. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta while incorporating more vegetables into your meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Paccheri Pasta

Paccheri pasta combines melty cheese, Italian herbs, and red wine for a rich dish. The oversized pasta tubes make it especially fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri Pasta

Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic parmesan pasta blends rich cheese and garlic in a simple, comforting dish. It’s a flavorful pasta meal that requires little effort but delivers great results.
Get the Recipe: Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta is a quick and hearty meal, ready in just 30 minutes. The pasta shapes make it easy and familiar for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Penne Pomodoro

Penne pomodoro is a budget-friendly pasta made with a fresh tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple and reliable choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Morel Mushroom Pasta

Morel mushroom pasta balances nutty flavors with a creamy shallot and garlic sauce. The pasta shapes make it a satisfying choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta

Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Vegan spring pasta features pea shoot pesto and roasted oyster mushrooms for a fresh, earthy dish. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to highlight seasonal ingredients with pasta.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms

Eggplant Lasagna

This eggplant lasagna keeps all the familiar flavors with layers of marinara, beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Roasted eggplant adds extra texture, making it a hearty pasta option.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna

Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fry quickly with fresh vegetables for a colorful dish. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a simple pasta option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles

Pasta Fresca

Pasta fresca keeps things simple with fresh ingredients and a short cooking time. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy go-to pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie

Pasta pie layers beef, tomatoes, and herbs with structured pasta shapes, creating a fun and hearty meal. It’s a great way to turn pasta night into something different.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Rigatoni Pasta Pie

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan. — Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

One-pot leek and mushroom pasta is light and creamy, featuring fresh herbs, ricotta, and parmesan. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s an easy and comforting pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Smoked Italian pasta salad adds a fresh yet smoky element to a classic dish. The pasta shapes make it visually interesting, making it a reliable choice for casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Trenette al Pesto

Trenette al pesto is a classic pasta from Liguria, combining basil pesto, potatoes, and green beans. It’s a hearty dish with familiar pasta flavors.
Get the Recipe: Trenette al Pesto

Creamy Halloumi Pasta

Creamy halloumi pasta comes together quickly with golden halloumi slices, Roma tomatoes, and a rich herbed sauce. It’s a simple way to enjoy pasta on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Halloumi Pasta

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese is a bold take on the classic meat sauce, served over tagliatelle. The wide pasta strands hold the sauce well, making every bite rich.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Mac and beer cheese in mini pretzel bowls makes a fun dish for gatherings. The creamy pasta paired with its creative presentation is popular with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli is a straightforward Italian dish with peas and Pecorino cheese. It’s a quick and simple pasta option that requires few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Oregano Pesto Pasta

Oregano pesto pasta is creamy and packed with fresh flavors while coming together quickly. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy pasta with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Oregano Pesto Pasta

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti squash lasagna layers ricotta, mozzarella, and herbs in a pasta-free dish with all the flavors of a classic lasagna. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a simple meatless option.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci

Cheesecake Factory-inspired pasta da Vinci blends bacon, chicken, and a creamy sauce for a bold dish. The playful pasta shapes make it a hit for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Rigatoni arrabbiata combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil in a bold and spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy pasta dish for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Pasta Marinara inside a grey plate with extra sauce and basil leaves on the side. — Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

This easy pasta marinara is great for meal prep and a simple dinner option. The pasta shapes make it fun for kids while keeping the flavors classic.
Get the Recipe: Italian Low Carb Pasta Marinara

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top. — Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan bolognese swaps meat for lentils and mushrooms, creating a hearty pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce. Ready in under an hour, it’s a satisfying and easy weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta. — Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Meatball casserole is a one-pan dish that’s easy to put together. The fun pasta shapes make it kid-friendly while still being a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl. — Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon butter pasta is bright and buttery, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a quick pasta meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Pesto fettuccine with bolognese sauce pairs fresh basil pesto with a hearty beef sauce. It’s a flavorful way to enjoy pasta with bold and herby flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli pesto pasta blends roasted broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and whipped ricotta for a flavorful dish. Toasted lemon zest adds extra depth, making it a solid choice for a quick pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta