Spring-Inspired Pasta Primavera

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fresh, vibrant, and full of seasonal flavor, my gluten free spring-inspired Pasta Primavera is the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation. Packed with tender asparagus, fresh spinach, bright lemon juice, and a creamy parmesan sauce, this pasta celebrates everything we love about spring cooking.

Primavera is a classic pasta dish known for highlighting fresh vegetables and light, bright flavors. Many versions include seasonal produce like asparagus, peas, or leafy greens paired with pasta and a simple sauce that lets the ingredients shine. My version keeps things simple but flavorful. Garlic and shallots create a savory base, asparagus adds that signature spring vegetable crunch, and spinach brings a little freshness and color. Everything gets tossed with butter, parmesan cheese, milk, and lemon juice to create a creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta.

This dish is naturally easy to make gluten free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta (check out my favorites here). It’s delicious on its own as a vegetarian dinner, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken if you want to add extra protein. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting a spring brunch, or just craving something fresh after a long winter, this pasta primavera is light, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 5

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

6 tbsp butter, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

3 cups spinach, chopped

2 tbsp chives, chopped (plus more for garnish)

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

¾ cup milk

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp sea salt

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 box pasta of choice

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Wash and chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic, finely chop the shallot, and slice the chives. Juice the lemon and shred the parmesan cheese.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the seasonings to the skillet. Stir in the asparagus and cook until tender. Toss in the spinach and cook just until wilted.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the remaining butter, milk, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

6. Top with chopped chives and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Pasta Primavera

• Use Seasonal Vegetables Asparagus and spinach give this pasta a classic spring feel, but you can also add peas, zucchini, or broccolini depending on what’s in season.

• Salt Your Pasta Water Well The pasta water should taste like the sea. This helps season the entire dish from the inside out.

• Don’t Overcook the Vegetables You want the asparagus to stay slightly crisp so it keeps its bright flavor and texture.

• Add Protein Easily Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas work beautifully with this dish.

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice Fresh lemon brightens the creamy sauce and balances the richness of the butter and parmesan.