There are plenty of hearty pasta recipes out there, from pasta soups to rich baked ziti. But once the chilly days of winter start to subside, our mouths start to crave a lighter fare. The markets beckon tender spring vegetables that lend their way to vibrant spring dinners. A warm plate of pasta can provide the perfect blank slate to bring spring flavors together. Sweet green peas, snappy spears of asparagus, even tiny baby artichokes, can all provide a pleasant transition to the spring season. That’s why we’ve rounded up our best spring pasta dishes, so you can make the most of the warmer weather and enjoy all the best flavors of this time of year.

Start simple with a pasta dish that comes together in a snap. Sauté some tart cherry tomatoes until they burst open and toss them with a few cups of blanched spring peas and asparagus. A shower of fresh chopped basil and a garlic-infused olive oil takes the place of a heavier sauce and lets the delicate flavors shine through.

The best thing about Alfredo sauce is that it can be eaten simply or dressed up with extra ingredients to make it suit any occasion. This version has fresh spring peas and a one-two punch of lemon zest and juice to give it a nice sharp tang.

Pasta salads grace many a summer barbecue table, most often laden with heavy mayonnaise. This version is lightened-up for spring with plenty of asparagus, peas and fresh dill, all tossed in a simple honey mustard dressing.

Utilize the creamy comfort of a classic fettuccini Alfredo to serve up a dish showcasing all of spring’s best offerings. Packed with peas, asparagus and a snipping of chopped chives, this pasta keeps things bright with a touch of lemon zest.