Spring is officially in full bloom. With the weather warming and the kitchen slowly cooling down, now is the perfect time to celebrate the bountiful spring harvest with a showcase of all kinds of fresh veg. Our creamy, lemony twist on carbonara is everything we want to eat right now: quick, comforting and full of fresh spring flavour.
But it’s not the only pasta worth having on your radar this season. From herby sauces to zesty finishes, we’ve thrown in nine more recipes to carry you through spring. Learn more about what’s in season now with our April and May guides. Or, see our seasonal calendar for more ingredient ideas.
For more recipe inspiration, see the best five-ingredient pasta recipes and our top five family pasta ideas. Unlock new ways to hit your nutritional goals with our easy healthy pasta recipes.
For more recipes perfect for spring, check out our top 10 spring dinner ideas. Our top 10 spring one-pots are perfect for when you don’t feel like dealing with tons of washing up. Make salad the star of the show with our 20 spring salad recipes for the new season.
Top spring pasta recipes
1. Spring greens carbonara
Seasonal spring greens, including broccoli, asparagus and peas, are the stars of the show in this comforting carbonara. Show off fresh herbs by adding chopped mint, basil and parsley. Add pancetta cubes or slices, guanciale or bacon lardons to boost the protein content.
2. Creamy mushroom & spinach pasta
Toss together tagliatelle, mushrooms and fresh spinach in a parmesan and crème fraîche sauce. This quick dinner comes together in less than half an hour and has the added benefit of being low in calories. To keep it vegetarian, swap the parmesan for an Italian-style hard cheese that’s veggie friendly.
3. Charred hispi cabbage & sausage pasta
Hispi cabbages, also known as sweetheart cabbages, are ready to harvest in the spring. They have a subtle, mild flavour that’s often slightly sweet and is a terrific accompaniment to the savoury sausages in this pasta dish.
4. Pasta & purple sprouting broccoli with anchovies, garlic & preserved lemon
Purple sprouting broccoli is in season from February to May and is one of our favourite spring vegetables to cook with. In this dish, they are paired with the bold, salty flavour of anchovies and finished with crisp breadcrumbs for texture. Discover more ways to cook with purple sprouting-broccoli this season.
5. Lasagne primavera
Celebrate spring with a veggie lasagne made with the best that the season has to offer, including spinach, peas, asparagus and leeks. A mashup of two favourites, this dish marries the indulgence of a lasagne with the lightness of a pasta primavera. You can also top this recipe with pine nuts for added texture and healthy nutrients.
6. Creamy spring greens rigatoni with lemon, bacon & chilli
This creamy rigatoni strikes the perfect balance between comforting and fresh, with sweet spring greens and peas folded through a silky parmesan sauce. Ready in around 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that still feels special.
7. Charred cauliflower pasta with pumpkin seed pesto
Full of zingy lemon zest, this bright pasta really packs a punch. It’s a great option if you don’t have much on hand, as it calls for just a handful of storecupboard ingredients. Added bonus: it’s suitable for vegetarians and high in fibre.
8. Sardine tomato pasta with gremolata
Put those tins knocking around at the back of your storecupboard to work with this budget-friendly pasta recipe. Cook tinned sardines with capers and garlic, then pair with fresh tomatoes. Serve over wholemeal spaghetti for added nutritional benefits.
9. Lemony tuna, tomato & caper one-pot pasta
Give that student staple – tuna pasta – an upgrade with capers, mascarpone, lemon zest and parmesan for a more sophisticated take. This top-rated recipe makes a great budget-friendly midweek meal.
10. Broccoli pesto & pancetta pasta
Serve this healthy bowl of pasta topped with cherry tomatoes for a quick and easy midweek meal. Tossed with a clever broccoli alternative to traditional pesto, it takes just 25 minutes to make.
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