Spring dinners call for meals that feel fresh, light, and simple. These 25 pasta ideas are perfect for adding a little brightness to your plate without much effort. Each recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it simple to enjoy a satisfying meal on any spring evening.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.
Lemon Butter Pasta
The fresh kick of lemon pairs with smooth butter for a pasta that’s bright, rich, and never too heavy. Each bite is simple but satisfying, with flavors that feel light and refreshing. It’s perfect for meals when you want something that tastes fresh but still feels comforting.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta
Cacio e Pepe
Creamy cheese and sharp black pepper come together to create bold flavor without weighing the dish down. The simple ingredients blend quickly, giving you a pasta that’s hearty but still feels light. It’s an easy choice for meals when you want something rich, satisfying, and uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tender tuna and sweet tomatoes bring fresh flavor to a pasta that feels light but still filling. The ingredients come together quickly for a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and never too heavy. Serve it when you need a meal that’s easy but still full of bold, fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Spinach Orzo Salad
Fresh spinach and tender orzo make this salad feel light but still satisfying with every bite. The simple flavors keep it fresh, perfect for meals that don’t feel too heavy but still offer plenty of flavor. Serve it as a side or main when you want a dish that’s easy, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Creamy Pea Pasta
Sweet peas mix with a creamy sauce to create a pasta that feels light but still rich in flavor. The natural sweetness of the peas balances with the smooth sauce, making it a dish that’s fresh, filling, and easy to enjoy. Serve it for meals when you want something that feels comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Light palmini noodles soak up creamy baked feta and sweet tomatoes, creating bold flavors that stay fresh and satisfying. The dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for meals that need to be simple but still full of flavor. Serve it when you want something hearty that doesn’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Palmini Baked Feta Pasta
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and soft orzo bring fresh flavors that are light but still satisfying. Fresh herbs add brightness, keeping the dish bold without feeling too heavy or complicated. It’s a great option for meals that focus on easy, flavorful eating.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Light salmon and crisp vegetables are tossed with pasta for a salad that’s fresh but still hearty enough to feel like a meal. The creamy dressing adds just enough richness without making the dish feel too heavy. Serve it for dinners when you want a flavorful option that’s simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad
Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Garlic, olive oil, and spicy peppers bring bold flavors to a pasta that feels simple but still satisfying. Fresh basil adds a burst of brightness, keeping every bite light but flavorful. It’s perfect for meals when you need something easy that’s packed with flavor but never too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Aglio Olio e Peperoncino
Rasta Pasta
Creamy sauce and fresh spices create bold flavors while keeping this pasta light and easy to enjoy. Simple ingredients come together fast for a dish that feels hearty without being too heavy. Make it when you want a meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta
Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet cherry tomatoes and tender salmon mix in a light white wine sauce that feels flavorful without being too heavy. The simple ingredients keep every bite fresh and easy to enjoy. It’s perfect for dinners that need bold flavors but still feel light and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Easy Pasta Puttanesca
Olives, capers, and tomatoes bring bold flavors to a pasta that stays light but still feels filling. The simple sauce packs plenty of taste without feeling too rich or complicated. Serve it when you want a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pasta Puttanesca
Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Spicy tomato sauce gives this pasta a bold flavor while keeping it fresh and light. The simple ingredients come together fast for a dish that’s fiery but never feels too heavy. Serve it when you need a meal that’s easy, flavorful, and full of heat.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Arrabbiata
Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and soft rice noodles bring bold flavor while keeping this dish light and satisfying. The seasonings add depth without making it feel too heavy, perfect for meals that stay simple but flavorful. Serve it when you need an easy option that’s still full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Pad Kee Mao with Chicken
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Sweet tomatoes and tender shrimp mix with garlic and seasonings for a pasta that feels light but full of flavor. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it easy for meals that need a bold taste without feeling too heavy. Serve it when you want a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Tender shrimp and sweet tomatoes pair with garlic for a pasta that’s fresh but still full of bold flavor. The simple ingredients keep the dish light and satisfying without feeling too heavy. Serve it for meals that need something flavorful, easy, and simple to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Pancit Bihon
Soft rice noodles, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables come together for a dish that’s light but still satisfying. The simple seasonings add bold flavor without weighing the dish down. Serve it when you need an easy option that’s fresh, filling, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pancit Bihon
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Fresh tuna and bold pesto mix with tender spinach and sweet tomatoes for a pasta that’s light but still full of flavor. The ingredients come together fast for a meal that feels simple but satisfying. Serve it when you need something that’s flavorful, easy, and perfect for light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy baked feta and sweet tomatoes create bold flavors that keep this pasta light but still satisfying. The simple ingredients come together quickly, making it an easy option for meals that focus on fresh flavors. Serve it when you need a dish that’s flavorful but never feels too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Spicy Harissa Pasta
Creamy harissa adds bold heat to a pasta that’s flavorful but still light enough to enjoy with ease. The sauce keeps the dish rich without making it feel too heavy. Serve it when you need a meal that’s packed with spice but still easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Creamy walnut sauce brings rich, bold flavors to this pasta while keeping it light and easy to enjoy. The simple ingredients come together fast, making it perfect for dinners that focus on simplicity without losing flavor. Serve it when you need a dish that’s hearty but still fresh.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Crisp Brussels sprouts and savory bacon mix for a pasta that feels bold but still light enough for easy meals. The simple ingredients come together fast, keeping every bite flavorful but not too heavy. Serve it when you need a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta
Seafood Pasta Salad
Tender shrimp, crab, and pasta are tossed in a creamy dressing that keeps flavors light but still filling. The simple ingredients make it perfect for meals that need something easy and flavorful. Serve it when you want a dish that feels fresh, satisfying, and quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Zesty lemon, creamy feta, and tender spinach come together for a pasta that’s bold in flavor but still light and fresh. The simple ingredients keep every bite satisfying without feeling heavy. Serve it when you want a dish that’s easy to make and full of fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Greek Spaghetti
Juicy tomatoes, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes bring bold flavors to a pasta that feels fresh but still satisfying. Feta cheese adds richness without making the dish feel too heavy. Serve it when you need a meal that’s easy, flavorful, and simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti