18 Quick and Romantic Pasta Recipes for Valentine’s Day Dinner

You’re looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. You’ll find 18 quick pasta recipes to impress your loved one. From spaghetti to fettuccine, these dishes offer rich flavors. Which one will you choose?

1. Spaghetti Carbonara With Poached Eggs

Spaghetti Carbonara With Poached Eggs is a rich Italian dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. Cut pancetta into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. When spaghetti is done cooking, drain and add to the bowl with egg mixture, tossing to combine.
5. Add cooked pancetta to the spaghetti and egg mixture, tossing to combine.
6. Poach eggs in a separate pot of simmering water for 3-4 minutes, or until whites are set and yolks are cooked to desired doneness.
7. Serve spaghetti hot, topped with a poached egg and sprinkled with parsley.

2. Fettuccine Alfredo With Steamed Asparagus

Rich and creamy fettuccine Alfredo paired with steamed asparagus.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fettuccine
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

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 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Steam the asparagus in a steamer basket until tender, about 4-6 minutes.
7. Drain the fettuccine and add it to the sauce, tossing to combine.
8. Serve the fettuccine hot, topped with steamed asparagus.

3. Pappardelle With Mushrooms and Truffle Oil

Rich pappardelle pasta dish infused with earthy mushrooms and truffle oil.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pappardelle pasta
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms
• 2 tbsp truffle oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the mixed mushrooms, cooking until tender.
3. Add the truffle oil, thyme, and garlic powder to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Drain the cooked pappardelle pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat with the mushroom mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with grated parmesan cheese.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

4. Linguine With Clams and Garlic Butter

Linguine With Clams and Garlic Butter is a classic Italian dish with a rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup clams
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

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, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the clams, white wine, and chicken broth to the skillet and cook until the clams open.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the cooked linguine and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the clam sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

5. Valentine’s Day Penne Alla Vodka

Rich and creamy Valentine’s Day Penne Alla Vodka for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 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 penne pasta until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the vodka to the skillet and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce is heated through.
8. Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
9. Drain the cooked penne pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
10. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Romantic Ravioli With Brown Butter Sauce

Indulge in romantic ravioli with a rich brown butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 package of fresh ravioli
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of white wine (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 and cook until it turns golden brown.
3. Add the minced garlic to the brown butter and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and cook until the liquid is almost completely reduced.
5. Remove the cooked ravioli from the water and add it to the skillet with the brown butter sauce.
6. Toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the ravioli hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

7. Baked Ziti With Meatballs and Melting Mozzarella

Classic Italian dish with meatballs and mozzarella.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup meatballs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add meatballs, cooking until browned.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and meatballs.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the ziti mixture.
6. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat layers, starting with the remaining ziti mixture, then the remaining cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

8. Creamy Tomato Pasta With Grilled Chicken

Creamy tomato pasta with grilled chicken is a classic romantic dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and season the chicken with salt, pepper, and basil.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the cherry tomatoes.
5. Cook the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
6. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomatoes.
7. Bring the cream to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
9. Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and chicken.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

9. One-Pot Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil

One-pot pasta with tomatoes and basil is a simple Italian dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their juices.
4. Add pasta, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
7. Stir in fresh basil and mozzarella cheese.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

10. Shrimp Scampi With Linguine and Parsley

Shrimp Scampi With Linguine and Parsley is a classic Italian dish with succulent shrimp and parsley.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh 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-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Add the white wine to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until reduced by half.
7. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
8. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
9. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the linguine and sauce.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped parsley.
11. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

11. Tortellini With Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Sauce

Tortellini With Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Sauce is a rich Italian dish.

Ingredients

• 1 package of cheese-filled tortellini
• 2 cups of fresh spinach
• 1 cup of mushrooms
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms and garlic until the mushrooms are tender.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
5. Add the cooked tortellini to the bowl and toss with the cream sauce.
6. Add the mushroom and spinach mixture to the bowl and toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

12. Chicken Fettuccine With Mushroom and Leek Sauce

Creamy chicken fettuccine with mushroom and leek sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup mixed mushrooms
• 2 medium leeks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fettuccine pasta
• Grated Parmesan cheese

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, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chicken until cooked through.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and leeks to the skillet and cook until they are tender.
4. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
8. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine.
9. Serve the chicken fettuccine hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

13. Quick and Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Italian dish with ground beef and tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 500g minced beef
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 carrot
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 500g spaghetti
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
2. Chop the onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté in olive oil until softened.
3. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the sauce, tossing to combine.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

14. Roasted Vegetable Pasta With Goat Cheese

Roasted Vegetable Pasta With Goat Cheese is a hearty, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and minced garlic.
6. Crumble goat cheese over the pasta and vegetables.
7. Toss to combine and serve hot.

15. Angel Hair Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes and Burrata

Delicate angel hair pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes and creamy burrata.

Ingredients

• 12 oz angel hair pasta
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ball burrata cheese
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
4. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the angel hair pasta.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cherry tomatoes and garlic, tossing to combine.
6. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
7. Cut the burrata cheese into small pieces and add to the pasta, tossing gently to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.
9. Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy burrata and sweet cherry tomatoes with the delicate angel hair pasta.

16. Lasagna With Meat Sauce and Ricotta Cheese

Classic Italian lasagna with rich meat sauce and creamy ricotta cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
7. Spread a layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
10. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
11. Repeat the layers, starting with the meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and cheese.
12. Top the final layer of noodles with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
14. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

17. Cannelloni With Spinach and Ricotta Filling

Tubular pasta filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 12-16 cannelloni tubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup bechamel sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook cannelloni tubes according to package instructions.
3. In a blender, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
4. Stuff each cooked cannelloni tube with the spinach and ricotta mixture.
5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of bechamel sauce on the bottom.
6. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni tubes on top of the sauce.
7. Cover the tubes with the remaining bechamel sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

18. Macaroni With Lobster and Creamy White Wine Sauce

Macaroni With Lobster and Creamy White Wine Sauce is a decadent seafood pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 12 oz macaroni
• 1 lobster tail, cooked and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tsp 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 macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the diced lobster and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
4. Add the heavy cream and white wine to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Bring the cream mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
6. Stir in the dried parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the lobster and cream sauce.
8. Serve the macaroni hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

You’ll impress your Valentine with these 18 quick pasta recipes. Did you know 61% of couples consider cooking together a romantic activity? It’s no wonder, as a homemade pasta dinner can spark intimacy and create lifelong memories, making this Valentine’s Day one to cherish with your loved one, over a delicious, lovingly prepared meal.