15 Dreamy Pasta Dishes for Valentine’s Day: Romantic Dinner Inspirations

You’re probably unaware that Valentine’s Day originated from an ancient Roman festival. You’re planning a romantic dinner, and it’s getting complicated. What’s the best option?

1. Classic Carbonara With a Twist

Rich and creamy classic carbonara with a romantic twist.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the bowl with the egg mixture, tossing to combine.
5. Add the cooked pancetta or bacon to the bowl and toss everything together.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. Spaghetti With Lobster and Garlic

Indulge in a romantic spaghetti dish with succulent lobster and garlic.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lobster tail
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the lobster tail to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
4. Remove the lobster from the skillet and set aside to cool.
5. Add the white wine to the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the cream sauce.
8. Chop the cooked lobster into bite-sized pieces and add to the spaghetti, tossing to combine.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
10. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine

Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine is a romantic pasta dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the mixed mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper.
8. Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the mushroom sauce.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

4. Valentine’s Day Lasagna

Rich layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese create a romantic lasagna.

Ingredients

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 cup bechamel sauce
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
3. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan.
6. Spread a layer of bechamel sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the ricotta mixture.
10. Repeat the layers, starting with the noodles, then the bechamel sauce, the remaining ricotta mixture, and finally the remaining meat sauce.
11. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover with aluminum foil.
12. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Pan-Seared Ravioli With Brown Butter

Pan-Seared Ravioli With Brown Butter is a romantic Italian dish.

Ingredients

• 12 cheese ravioli
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 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 ravioli according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet and cook until reduced by half.
5. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until browned and fragrant.
6. Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss to coat with the brown butter sauce.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and sage.
8. Serve the ravioli hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.

6. Pappardelle With Wild Mushrooms and Truffle

Pappardelle With Wild Mushrooms and Truffle is a decadent, earthy dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pappardelle
• 2 cups wild mushrooms
• 2 tbsp truffle oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat and add the wild mushrooms.
3. Cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the white wine to the skillet and cook until the liquid is almost completely reduced, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the truffle oil and dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Drain the cooked pappardelle and add it to the skillet with the mushroom mixture.
7. Toss the pappardelle in the mushroom mixture, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and grated parmesan cheese.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh thyme if desired.

7. Seafood Linguine for Two

Seafood Linguine for Two is a romantic seafood dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound mixed seafood
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the mixed seafood and cook until it’s opaque and cooked through.
6. Add white wine to the skillet and stir to deglaze.
7. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Drain the cooked linguine and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the seafood mixture.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

8. Homemade Gnocchi With Tomato Sauce

Homemade gnocchi with tomato sauce is a romantic Italian dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup mashed potato
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Combine flour, eggs, mashed potato, and salt to make the gnocchi dough.
2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a long rope.
4. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi for 5 minutes.
6. Heat olive oil in a pan and add the tomato sauce.
7. Add the cooked gnocchi to the tomato sauce and toss gently.
8. Season with black pepper and top with parmesan cheese.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

9. Baked Ziti With Meatballs and Melting Mozzarella

Baked Ziti With Meatballs and Melting Mozzarella is a classic Italian dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, and breadcrumbs.
4. Use your hands to mix the ingredients until just combined.
5. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
6. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat.
8. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and toss with the marinara sauce until the pasta is well coated.
9. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, create a thin layer of marinara sauce.
10. Arrange half of the ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
11. Add the meatballs on top of the pasta.
12. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining ziti pasta, then the remaining marinara sauce, and finally the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
14. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
15. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Romantic Tortellini En Brodo

Tortellini En Brodo is a classic Italian dish perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 package cheese tortellini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions.
5. Stir in the olive oil and dried basil.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the tortellini hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

11. Asparagus and Prosciutto Pasta Bake

Creamy pasta bake with asparagus and prosciutto.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 lb fresh asparagus
• 6 slices prosciutto
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces and sauté in olive oil until tender.
4. Chop the prosciutto into small pieces and add to the asparagus.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, asparagus mixture, and grated mozzarella.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

12. Decadent Truffle Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy mac and cheese infused with decadent truffles.

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp truffle oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh truffle shavings for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
8. Add truffle oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce.
10. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Garnish with fresh truffle shavings before serving.

13. Light and Airy Cannelloni With Spinach

Delicate pasta filled with spinach and cheese, perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 cannelloni tubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup bechamel sauce
• 1 cup grated mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the cannelloni tubes according to package instructions.
3. In a blender, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and egg.
4. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each cannelloni tube with the spinach mixture.
6. In a baking dish, spread a layer of bechamel sauce.
7. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni tubes on top of the sauce.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the cannelloni.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

14. Chicken Piccata Fettuccine With Capers

Tender chicken and fettuccine in a rich, caper-infused sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried 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 fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
6. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
7. Add the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
8. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Stir in the capers and parsley, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
11. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and add to the skillet, tossing to combine with the fettuccine and sauce.
12. Serve the chicken and fettuccine hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

15. One-Pot Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil

One-Pot Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil is a simple, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In the same pot, add olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in fresh basil and cook for an additional minute.
4. Combine cooked pasta, tomato mixture, and mozzarella cheese in the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Conclusion

You’ve got 15 dreamy pasta dishes to woo your Valentine. After all, “the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach,” so don’t mess it up. Pick a recipe, cook with love, and you’ll be golden – just don’t burn the pasta, that’s a recipe for disaster. Now, get cooking and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember, or regret, depending on your skills.