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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Eat Like It’s Still Spring: Light Meals That Celebrate the Season

    Published: May 14, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Fresh herbs, bright veggies, and meals that don’t weigh you down—that’s the kind of energy we’re holding onto. Spring flavors are too good to rush through, and these dishes make the most of everything the season has to offer. Think crisp salads, tender greens, and dinners that taste like sunshine on a plate. Light, vibrant, and perfect for stretching out those spring vibes a little longer.

    Shrimp And Asparagus With Lemon Vinaigrette

    Oven roasted shrimp over asparagus on a platter
    Shrimp And Asparagus With Lemon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Shrimp and Asparagus with a lemon shallot vinaigrette is a light and healthy one pan dinner you can make in less than 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Asparagus With Lemon Vinaigrette

    Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta

    A large bowl of broccoli pasta with ricotta.
    Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

    Ricotta pasta with roasted broccoli makes a perfect quick weeknight dinner. A lighter, but still flavorful, mac and cheese dish.
    Get the Recipe: Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta

    Rich And Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti

    A black plate holds a serving of pasta mixed with diced tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese—an inviting choice for easy date night dinners. A vintage-style fork rests on the side atop a gray tray set on a white, hexagon-tiled surface.
    Rich And Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This delicious chicken mushroom pasta is a blend of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a mouthwatering tomato-based mushroom sauce.
    Get the Recipe: Rich And Creamy Chicken Mushroom Spaghetti

    Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta In Meat Sauce

    A stuffed shell being removed from a baking dish
    Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta In Meat Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Stuffed Shells with Spinach, three cheeses, a fabulous tomato sauce, and with either Italian or chicken sausage make for an Italian meal that’s restaurant worthy.
    Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells With Spinach And Ricotta In Meat Sauce

    Shrimp Carbonara With Grilled Corn

    A skillet of creamy shrimp carbonara.
    Shrimp Carbonara With Grilled Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Follow these easy make-ahead steps for shrimp carbonara with grilled corn (it doesn’t have to be grilled) and bacon.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Carbonara With Grilled Corn

    Cheesy Chicken Mac

    A close-up of chicken mac in a floral-patterned dish. The pasta is covered in a creamy sauce and mixed with cooked spinach and chunks of tender chicken. A serving spoon is scooping out a portion, capturing some of the gooey, cheesy topping.
    Cheesy Chicken Mac. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Cheesy Chicken Mac is less like mac and cheese and more like a casserole with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Mac

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    Introducing the most perfectly cooked and easy-to-prepare salmon you will ever eat. Dinner is on the table in less than 30 minutes!
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon

    30-Minute Baked Mac & Cheese With Spinach

    A spoon full of baked mac and cheese with spinach.
    30-Minute Baked Mac & Cheese With Spinach. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Baby spinach leaves are mixed into this rich, creamy gruyere and cheddar macaroni and cheese before it’s baked to perfection for 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Baked Mac & Cheese With Spinach

    Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

    A black platter of lemony chicken pasta on a grey napkin.
    Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Lemon Chicken Pasta is an easy weeknight dish with tender chicken and a lemony cream sauce. A 30 minute meal you’ll love.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe

    Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake With Ricotta Cheese

    A blue casserole dish with baked cauliflower pasta.
    Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake With Ricotta Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy cauliflower pasta bake has surprise pockets of ricotta cheese along with lemon and capers and a crispy topping.
    Get the Recipe: Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake With Ricotta Cheese

    30 Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Artichoke Hearts

    Sun-Dried pasta with artichokes in a skillet.
    30 Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Mix up pasta night and try Penne with Artichokes and Italian sausage. Artichokes add just the right flavor along with some sun-dried tomatoes for an easy pasta dish you can make in just 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Artichoke Hearts

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot

    A creamy chicken breast served on a bed of pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and two lemon slices. Perfect for fans of pasta recipes, the rich sauce is seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavorful finish.
    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Indulge in this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Only 15 minutes of prep.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot

    30 Minute Caramelized Zucchini Pasta with Lemon and Ricotta

    30 Minute Caramelized Zucchini Pasta with Lemon and Ricotta. Photo credit: Josie and Nina.

    A 30 minute pasta recipe. Caramelized zucchini pasta is topped with ricotta, lemon and a spicy honey glaze for a quick weekday meal!
    Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Caramelized Zucchini Pasta with Lemon and Ricotta

    Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Pasta

    Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Pasta. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    Mediterranean zoodles, ready in 20 minutes. A healthy, alternative to the typical pasta de sardina with artichokes and lemons.
    Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Zucchini Noodle Pasta

    15-Minute Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta

    Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta top view.
    15-Minute Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Parmesan and Garlic Linguine Pasta is super easy, fast and SO flavorful! This is sure to be one of your new favorite linguine recipes!
    Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Parmesan Garlic Linguine Pasta

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

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