6 pasta recipes for spring that are light, bright and full of produce

April 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. EDT
Pasta Primavera. (Rey Lopez for The Washington Post/food styling by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post )

Pasta is unquestionably a year-round food. Even so, dishes can skew heavy with sauce or cheese — not always what you want in warmer weather or at times when you prefer a lighter meal.

In the spirit of a pasta for all seasons, I’ve combed our archives for recipes brimming with spring produce and bright, light flavors.

Pasta Primavera

“Spring” (primavera) is right there in the name, so naturally this vegetable-packed pasta with a creamy parmesan sauce deserves to be on your table this time of year. Get the recipe.


Nutty, Herby Spring Pasta

Baby or new potatoes shine in this dish that also includes leeks, basil and asparagus. Get the recipe.


Fresh Pasta With Artichokes, Asparagus and Lemon-Mint Ricotta

Pencil-thin spears of asparagus star in this one-pan pasta. The fresh noodles cook in a flash in the skillet right alongside the vegetables. Get the recipe.


Pasta With Asparagus, Blue Cheese and Walnuts

Can you have too many pasta dishes with asparagus? I say no. This one pairs the spears with equally assertive arugula and strong blue cheese, such as Roquefort, though you could use baby spinach and goat cheese for something milder. Get the recipe.


Spaghetti With Smothered Peas

Fresh peas are one of the earliest harbingers of spring, and you’ll need a full pound to build the sauce for this basil-loaded spaghetti. Get the recipe.


Lemony Green Bean Pasta Salad

Seek out thin haricots verts (a.k.a. French green beans) for this pasta you could eat while it’s still warm or at room temperature. Get the recipe.