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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    The Spring Pasta Edit: 18 Lighter, Brighter Twists on Your Favorite Carb

    Published: Apr 17, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Pasta doesn’t have to be all heavy sauces and winter vibes—it can totally shine in spring, too. Think fresh veggies, zesty flavors, and all the satisfying comfort without the post-meal nap. These recipes are proof that pasta can feel light, bright, and totally seasonal. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to eat outside with a glass of something chilled.

    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.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    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

    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    A serving bowl of antipasto salad.
    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great for Spring.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Refreshing summer pesto pasta salad perfect for picnics and gatherings in a serving bowl.
    Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for spring picnics or cookouts.
    Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Ricotta Cheese And Broccoli Pasta

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

    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

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley.
    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great spring salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    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

    Creamy Garlic Pasta With Seared Scallops

    Creamy Garlic Pasta With Seared Scallops. Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

    This creamy garlic pasta is filled with intense roasted garlic flavor and topped with perfectly seared scallops!
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Pasta With Seared Scallops

    Pesto Chicken Pasta

    Pesto Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    Bursting with tomato and basil pesto flavor, this quick and easy pesto chicken pasta recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken Pasta

    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.

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