Spring Pasta with Morels, Ramps, and Peas

The vibrant taste of spring comes to life in this elegant pasta featuring tender morels, aromatic ramps, and bursts of sweet peas. This dish is a celebration of seasonal ingredients, harmonizing earthy mushrooms with the zing of fresh greens in a velvety, creamy sauce.

Perfect for spring evenings or weekend gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s both rustic and refined. Whether you’re foraging your own ingredients or picking them up at the farmer’s market, this dish invites you to slow down and savor the season’s best with each delicious bite.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup fresh morel mushrooms, cleaned and halved

• 1 cup ramps (bulbs and leaves), chopped

• 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add morels and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender.

3. Add chopped ramps and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and wilted.

4. Stir in peas and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss with sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

7. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined and creamy.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Celebration of Spring in a Bowl

Few dishes capture the essence of springtime better than a creamy pasta featuring morel mushrooms, fresh ramps, and tender green peas. This recipe is a vibrant, seasonal medley that brings together forest-foraged ingredients and garden-fresh vegetables in a comforting, yet sophisticated pasta dish. While hearty enough to stand on its own, it feels light and refreshing—making it ideal for spring lunches or casual dinners al fresco.

Why This Pasta Stands Out

The harmony of flavors in this dish is what makes it truly special. Earthy morels, with their spongy texture and deep umami flavor, complement the garlicky zing of ramps and the sweet pop of spring peas. Together, they create a pasta that is both rustic and gourmet. The addition of cream and Parmesan ties everything together with a silky richness, without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients. This balance between indulgence and lightness is what makes this recipe so crave-worthy during the changing seasons.

Spotlight on Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are a seasonal delicacy prized by chefs and foragers alike. Known for their honeycomb-like appearance and nutty, meaty flavor, they appear briefly in spring, growing wild in forested regions. Their limited availability makes them a sought-after ingredient, and when cooked properly, they bring an unmatched depth of flavor to any dish. In this pasta, the morels are lightly sautéed to enhance their earthy notes, which contrast beautifully with the brightness of the ramps and peas.

The Wild Charm of Ramps

Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are another springtime favorite. With a flavor somewhere between garlic and onion, they have a punchy aroma and tender leaves that wilt beautifully in warm dishes. Their short harvest season makes them a culinary treasure during spring. Unlike cultivated leeks or scallions, ramps grow in shaded forest floors and are typically hand-foraged. Their freshness adds a lively brightness to this creamy pasta, elevating it with a natural complexity that feels as though it came straight from the woods.

The Sweet Simplicity of Spring Peas

Green peas bring a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch that complements the deep, savory notes of the morels and ramps. Not only do they add flavor, but their vibrant green hue makes the dish visually appealing—like spring itself on a plate. Whether you use fresh peas when they’re in season or frozen ones for convenience, they offer a lovely contrast to the richness of the cream and cheese. Peas are also a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, adding both nutrition and texture to the meal.

Texture and Color That Pop

Aesthetics matter, and this dish is a true visual delight. The mix of creamy pasta ribbons tangled with golden-brown morels, bright green ramps and peas, and flecks of fresh herbs creates a plate that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that looks as if it were made in a restaurant kitchen, but it’s entirely achievable at home. The creamy sauce glistens across the pasta, binding all the elements while allowing each to shine.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe not only pleases the palate but also offers a variety of nutritional perks. Morel mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamin D. Ramps contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and powerful compounds that support cardiovascular and immune health. Peas add fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients like vitamin K and folate. While the pasta and cream provide comforting carbs and fats, the balance of fresh, whole ingredients makes this dish feel nourishing rather than heavy.

A Nod to Farm-to-Table Cuisine

This pasta recipe embodies the spirit of farm-to-table dining. It celebrates ingredients that are in season and best when freshly picked or foraged. By using what’s abundant in springtime—like ramps, morels, and peas—you’re not only enhancing the flavor but also supporting sustainable cooking practices. It encourages mindful eating and a deeper appreciation for the cycle of the seasons and the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients.

Perfect for Special Occasions or Weeknight Dinners

While this dish feels special enough to serve at an intimate dinner party or spring celebration, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare. With a cook time of around 20 minutes and minimal prep, it works just as well for a satisfying weeknight dinner. It also makes a beautiful date night meal or a celebratory dish for Mother’s Day, Easter brunch, or any seasonal gathering.

Customizations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable to suit different preferences or what you have on hand. Can’t find morels? Try cremini, chanterelle, or shiitake mushrooms for a similar earthy depth. If ramps are unavailable, leeks or scallions make good substitutes—just add a bit of garlic to bring in that same robust flavor. You can also make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth in place of any meat-based stock, or gluten-free by swapping the pasta for a certified gluten-free variety.

Want to make it lighter? Use a splash of whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese. Or make it heartier by adding a poached egg or crispy pancetta on top. The base of this pasta is a blank canvas, allowing you to tailor it to your mood, diet, or pantry.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

• Clean morels thoroughly: Soak them briefly in salt water to remove any insects or grit, then pat them dry before sautéing.

• Don’t overcook ramps: Add them after the mushrooms so they stay tender but not mushy. The leaves wilt quickly and bring out their best flavor when just barely cooked.

• Reserve pasta water: This is key to achieving that silky, restaurant-style sauce. The starch helps bind the cream and cheese to the noodles.

• Use fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme at the end adds a pop of freshness and color.

• Grate cheese fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged versions.

A Perfect Pairing: What to Serve With It

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the freshness of the vegetables. For sides, consider a fresh spring salad with lemon vinaigrette or a slice of crusty sourdough bread to mop up any leftover sauce. For dessert, a simple fruit tart or lemon sorbet keeps the seasonal theme going without overpowering the meal.

Why You’ll Love It

This pasta isn’t just about taste—it’s about experience. Cooking it feels like a celebration of the changing seasons, a chance to reconnect with nature’s rhythms and enjoy ingredients at their peak. It’s comforting but not heavy, rich but still bright, and every forkful tells a story of springtime. It’s an excellent dish for anyone looking to expand their culinary repertoire with something simple yet sophisticated.

Conclusion

Creamy Spring Pasta with Morels, Ramps, and Peas is a dish that honors the vibrant bounty of spring. It combines wild, earthy mushrooms with zesty greens and sweet peas in a light cream sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. What makes it shine isn’t just the combination of flavors—it’s the intentionality behind it. This dish encourages us to slow down, cook with the seasons, and appreciate the little luxuries like a handful of fresh morels or a bundle of ramps. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning to explore seasonal eating, this pasta will quickly become a springtime favorite that you look forward to making year after year.