15 Romantic Pasta Recipes for Valentine’s Day: Perfect Dinner Ideas

You’re looking for a romantic dinner idea. You’ll find classic Italian dishes and seafood options. What will you choose?

1. Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Rich and creamy Italian pasta dish with eggs, parmesan, and bacon.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, cook pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining spaghetti.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the bowl with egg mixture and toss to combine.
6. Add reserved pasta water to the bowl in small increments to achieve a creamy consistency.
7. Add cooked pancetta or bacon to the bowl and toss to combine.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

2. Valentine’s Day Fettuccine Alfredo

Rich and creamy fettuccine Alfredo perfect for a romantic evening.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it to the cheese sauce, tossing to combine.
6. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

3. Seafood Pasta for Two

Indulge in a seafood pasta dish perfect for a romantic evening.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed seafood
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the mixed seafood and cook until it starts to turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Pour in the white wine and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
7. Drain the cooked linguine and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the seafood mixture.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese.

4. Homemade Ravioli With Love

Indulge in tender, cheese-filled ravioli made from scratch for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Combine flour, eggs, and salt to make the pasta dough, kneading for about 10 minutes.
2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin sheet.
4. Mix ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.
5. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles of pasta dough.
6. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-circle, and press the edges together to seal.
8. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the ravioli.
10. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and your choice of sauce.

5. Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake

Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake is a rich and satisfying dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they release their juices.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomato sauce mixture, and chopped basil.
7. In a greased baking dish, arrange half of the pasta mixture.
8. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
9. Repeat the layers, starting with the pasta mixture, then the cheese.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

6. One-Pot Pasta With Garlic Shrimp

One-pot pasta with garlic shrimp is a quick and delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from pot and set aside.
5. Add white wine and chicken broth to pot, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Bring liquid to a boil, then add pasta and cook until al dente.
7. Stir in basil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Return shrimp to pot and toss with pasta and sauce.
9. Serve hot, topped with parmesan cheese.

7. Romantic Linguine With Clams

Romantic Linguine With Clams, a seafood dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 pounds clams, scrubbed
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, bringing to a simmer.
4. Add the clams to the skillet, covering with a lid and cooking for 3-5 minutes until they open.
5. Remove the clams from the skillet and set aside, leaving the liquid behind.
6. Add the butter to the skillet, stirring to melt and combine with the liquid.
7. Drain the linguine and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the liquid and butter.
8. Return the clams to the skillet, tossing to combine with the linguine.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with parsley.
10. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Chicken Piccata Pasta Dinner

Tender chicken and pasta in a zesty lemon-caper sauce.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp capers
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute.
6. Add the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
8. Stir in the capers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
10. Slice the cooked chicken and serve on top of the pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.

9. Baked Ziti With Meatballs and Love

Tender ziti baked with homemade meatballs and melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs.
4. Use your hands to mix the meat mixture until just combined.
5. Form the meat mixture into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
6. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
8. Add the cooked meatballs to the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes.
9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and meatballs.
10. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
11. Add the ricotta cheese mixture to the ziti pasta mixture and stir until combined.
12. Transfer the ziti pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves.
15. Serve hot and enjoy.

10. Decadent Pesto Pasta With Chicken

Decadent pesto pasta with chicken is a rich and creamy Valentine’s Day dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. In the same skillet, add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in the pesto sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and pesto sauce in a large serving bowl.
6. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and sprinkle with dried basil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

11. Simple yet Elegant Pasta Primavera

Delicate spring vegetables tossed with pasta in a light, creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 2 cups mixed spring vegetables
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the mixed spring vegetables to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and grated cheese.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Pour the cream mixture over the pasta and vegetables, tossing to combine.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

12. Heart-Shaped Ravioli With Butter Sauce

Heart-Shaped Ravioli With Butter Sauce is a tender, romantic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 package heart-shaped ravioli
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Remove the cooked ravioli from the water with a slotted spoon and add to the skillet.
5. Toss the ravioli in the butter sauce to coat, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the ravioli and toss to combine.
7. Serve the heart-shaped ravioli hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

13. Pan-Seared Salmon With Pasta and Veggies

Pan-Seared Salmon With Pasta and Veggies is a delicious and elegant dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cups mixed veggies
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup white wine

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the mixed veggies to the skillet and cook until tender.
6. Add the white wine to the skillet and cook until reduced by half.
7. Combine the cooked pasta, veggies, and parmesan cheese in the skillet.
8. Serve the pasta mixture with the pan-seared salmon on top.

14. Italian Sausage and Pepper Pasta Skillet

Savory Italian sausage and peppers in a flavorful pasta skillet.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 large onion
• 2 large bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender.
5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
7. Combine the cooked pasta and sausage mixture in the skillet.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

15. Tortellini With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Rich and creamy mushroom sauce coats cheese-filled tortellini, a perfect Valentine’s Day dish.

Ingredients

• 1 package of cheese-filled tortellini
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup of mixed mushrooms
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until tender.
3. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the mushroom sauce.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

You’ll impress your Valentine with these recipes. Notably, 61% of couples consider cooking together a romantic activity, making pasta the perfect choice. With these 15 recipes, you’ll create a memorable dinner, from classic Spaghetti Carbonara to Heart-Shaped Ravioli, that will leave a lasting impression on your loved one.