There is perhaps no more delightful season than spring in Italy. And nothing heralds spring more than the arrival of the year’s first fresh vegetables in the country’s many farmers markets—a centuries-old tradition that is finding new life here at home, too. More Awaken your taste buds with these recipes inspired by the freshness of Italy’s homegrown produce. Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes with Mint Artichokes and Calamari Carrot Cake Linguine with Leeks and Clams Stuffed Bell Pepper with a Light Tomato Sauce If your local farmers market or grocery store doesn’t have the vegetables called for in these recipes, buy your favorite spring vegetables and go to Barillaus.com to search recipes by ingredient. Want an easy way to incorporate the food groups of the nutrition pyramid in one dish? Pair up your pasta! When combined with healthy “partners,” pasta can provide the foundation for a nutrient-rich, low-fat diet that supports an active lifestyle. Healthy accompaniments include fresh vegetables, fish, olive oil, and tomato sauce (for more healthy partners, click here). Farfalle, dating back to the 1500s, originated in Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy. Farfalle, which means “butterfly” in Italian, are rectangular or oval pieces of pasta that are pinched in the middle. They are versatile and are perfect in many dishes. Served hot, they are good with simple olive oil, butter, tomato and cheese-based sauces. Our recommended recipes include: Farfalle with Artichokes and Rosemary Farfalle with Chicken and Spinach (Farfalle con Pollo e Spinaci) Farfalle with Tomatoes, Red Onions and Thyme (Farfalle con Pomodoro, Cipolla e Timo) Pasta Pairing Tip – Farfalle Versatile shapes like Farfalle are great with intense fragrances and flavors, working well with both light sauces -- like olive oil or simple fresh tomato -- and richer dairy-based sauces. Discover more perfect pairs>>

Plus Two New Spring Pasta Recipes from TV host of "Everyday Italian” Cookbook author and TV personality Giada De Laurentiis will be visiting select cities this spring to sign copies of her second cookbook, Giada’s Family Dinners. Like her first book, Everyday Italian, Giada continues to focus on fresh Italian flavors with a twist towards simple, family fare. The book contains authentic, homemade Italian recipe classics such as Giada’s Chicken Vesuvio and a whole chapter dedicated to family-style pasta recipes. Giada is sharing two additional pasta recipes exclusively with Barilla eNewsletter subscribers that she created and are not found in the book, including: Castellane with Sausage, Artichokes and Asparagus Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables See the signing below and click on your city for details on where you can meet Giada! Giada’s Book Signing Appearances MILWAUKEE – April 19 CLEVELAND – April 20 WEST PALM BEACH – April 21 SEATTLE – April 26 PORTLAND – April 27 LOS ANGELES – April 29 & May 3-5 SAN FRANCISCO – May 1-2