Twenty easy spring pasta recipes packed with protein and veggies for quick weeknight dinners.
Easy weeknight meals that can be made in about 20-30 minutes is my secret sauce. If it’s a meal I know my whole family will love, that’s even better. Like most little boys, my kids are pasta-obsessed which is why I’m always looking for new ways to change up pasta night. Quick-cooking, versatile and affordable, what’s not to love about a pasta dinner?
Since we eat pasta all year round, I love incorporating seasonal produce whenever possible. During the spring months, try adding asparagus, peas, green beans, or swiss chard. Fresh herbs are also always a good idea such as basil, dill, or parsley. This would also be a great time to use up the last of any basil pesto you have in the freezer.
To make it a complete meal, add your favorite protein such as shrimp or chicken and you’re well on your way to a quick and delicious dinner that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter how much water I use when boiling pasta?
Actually yes. If you use too little water the pasta will not have room to cook without sticking together. The pasta also releases starch when cooking, and if there is not enough water the pasta will reabsorb the starch making your pasta too sticky.
Should I add salt when boiling pasta?
Yes. Salt enhances our ability to taste. When boiling pasta in salted water, the pasta absorbs the salt, helping us taste the sauce and ingredients in our pasta.
How far in advance can I prepare pasta recipes?
You can cook pasta up to 48 hours prior to serving.
How can I freeze pasta recipes?
Cooked pasta will last up to three months in the freezer. When it is time to use, defrost the pasta by putting it in the fridge to thaw. You can either put it in boiling water or in the microwave to reheat. Another idea is to add the cooked pasta to a soup or slow cooker dish when it is almost done cooking.
Your fork is waiting.
Top 20 Spring Pasta Recipes
Orzo Salad with Yogurt-Dill Vinaigrette
20 minutes
Orzo pasta is mixed with bright veggies and tossed in a creamy, yogurt-dill vinaigrette. Perfect for entertaining or a brown-bag lunch, this dish can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Try: Orzo Salad with Yogurt-Dill Vinaigrette Pin
Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Tuna and Peas
20 minutes
A quick and easy kid-friendly pasta recipe, this Stovetop Tuna Mac and Cheese is sure to be a family favorite weeknight dinner!
Try: Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Tuna and Peas Pin
Pesto Pasta with Asparagus and Goat Cheese
25 minutes
Penne pasta is tossed with roasted asparagus, fragrant pesto and creamy goat cheese to create this easy, crowd-pleasing pasta salad recipe.
Try: Pesto Pasta with Asparagus and Goat Cheese Pin
Easy Grilled Vegetable Pasta
25 minutes
This quick and easy grilled vegetable pasta recipe is made with grilled peppers, eggplant, and onions tossed in olive oil, oregano, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Try: Easy Grilled Vegetable Pasta Pin
Whole Wheat Pasta with Sausage, Peas and Ricotta
30 minutes
This hearty one-pot pasta meal is filled with whole wheat bowtie pasta, sweet Italian turkey sausage and creamy ricotta cheese.
Try: Whole Wheat Pasta with Sausage, Peas and Ricotta Pin
Garlic Roasted Vegetable Pasta
35 minutes
A quick and easy meatless main or healthy side dish, your family will love this vegetarian Garlic Roasted Vegetable Pasta.
Try: Garlic Roasted Vegetable Pasta 
Italian Chicken Pasta with Artichokes
20 minutes
This easy and delicious Italian pasta recipe is filled with large chunks of chicken, tender artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes.
Try: Italian Chicken Pasta with Artichokes 
Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Peas
20 minutes
A quick and easy dinner recipe, this pesto pasta with shrimp and peas comes together in just 15 minutes!
Try: Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Peas 
Tabbouleh Pasta Salad
40 minutes
Fresh tabbouleh flavors get an added boost of protein from chickpeas, feta cheese and whole wheat pasta to make this a delicious side dish or entree salad.
Try: Tabbouleh Pasta Salad 
Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta
17 minutes
This Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta is the perfect dish to serve with grilled vegetables, chicken or salmon. Can be served cold, warm or at room temperature.
Try: Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta 
Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce
35 minutes
Chicken broccoli pasta gets kicked up a notch with a simple, yet flavorful, white wine butter sauce bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
Try: Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Lemon Butter Sauce Pin
Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
23 minutes
Juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and nutty pine nuts are the perfect compliment to whole wheat pasta in this bright and fresh pasta salad with toasted pine nuts.
Try: Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts Pin
Sausage, Kale and White Bean Pasta
25 minutes
The ultimate weeknight dinner, this hearty whole grain pasta recipe is packed with sweet Italian sausage, kale and white bean.
Try: Sausage, Kale and White Bean Pasta Pin
Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo With Linguine
25 minutes
An easy 15 minute dinner recipe, this spicy shrimp pasta is made with tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes and linguine.
Try: Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo With Linguine Pin
Pasta Primavera With Sautéed Vegetables
35 minutes
Sautéed vegetables are tossed with whole wheat pasta, olive oil, garlic and creamy Stonyfield yogurt. The ultimate family friendly weeknight dinner recipe.
Try: Pasta Primavera With Sautéed Vegetables Pin
Garlicky Pasta with Swiss Chard and Beans
35 minutes
If you follow a vegetarian diet or simply want to save money and calories by eating less meat, my Garlicky Pasta with Swiss Chard and Beans is for you!
Try: Garlicky Pasta with Swiss Chard and Beans 
Pesto Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Corn
15 minutes
This simple and flavorful pasta salad is made with just a few simple ingredients including whole wheat pasta, pesto, green beans and corn.
Try: Pesto Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Corn Pin
Spicy Tuna Pasta Puttanesca
25 minutes
This fast and easy pasta recipe is quick, spicy and delicious. Made with common pantry ingredients, the whole meal comes together in less than 15 minutes!
Try: Spicy Tuna Pasta Puttanesca Pin
Greek Pasta Salad
25 minutes
Perfect for your next backyard BBQ or summer picnic, this Greek pasta salad is filled with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta and tangy kalamata olives.
Try: Greek Pasta Salad Pin
Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Arugula
20 minutes
Made with whole wheat linguine, plump shrimp, and fresh lemon juice, this lemon shrimp pasta recipe is bursting with brightness and flavor.
Try: Lemon Shrimp Pasta with Arugula 
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