Looking for a date night pasta recipe to make at home? Try one of these comforting and cheesy pasta dishes. Whether you’re looking for a vegan, vegetarian, or meat dish – there is something for everyone!
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” – Federico Fellini
I genuinely believe there is no better way to say “I love you” than with a bowl of pasta!
I have you covered if you want to make a fancy meal at home for Valentine’s Day this year. I gathered some seriously delicious pasta dishes perfect for a date night at home or for treating your family to a special meal!
You’ll find some of these recipes to be fancy and elevated, and some that are super approachable and attainable for any home-cook! A little something for everyone.
And don’t forget – always save room for dessert!
1. Authentic Pappardelle Bolognese (ragu alla bolognese)
One of the most popular sauces in Italy is bolognese sauce! Served with pappardelle pasta noodles, it is the ultimate date night pasta recipe. This hearty meat sauce tastes like a restaurant bolognese, but even better because it’s homemade!
2. Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle
This short rib ragu will impress anyone! It’s a true restaurant-quality dish, but it’s so much better made at home. It’s made of braised tender short ribs in a red wine sauce that’s tossed with ribbon-shaped pappardelle pasta and Parmigiano Reggiano.
3. Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Cream Sauce
If you’re looking for something extra special and elegant to serve up for date night, then this Lobster Ravioli by Inside the Rustic Kitchen is exactly what you need!
4. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
This creamy pasta by Platings and Pairings is incredibly easy and takes just 20 minutes to put on the table! And if you’re looking for the perfect pasta & wine pairing – she’s the gal to go to.
5. Cherry Tomato Pasta (20-minutes!)
This cherry tomato pasta is a favorite of mine when I want to incorporate fresh tomatoes! It takes only 20 minutes, and the results are better than most restaurant pasta. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly flavored! You’ll win anyone over with this dish. Don’t forget to serve it with lots of Parmigiano Reggiano!
6. White Bolognese
Not to be confused with traditional red sauce bolognese, this white bolognese (known as Ragu Bianco) is rich in flavor without the use of any tomatoes. It’s simmered with white wine, rosemary, and tossed with ribbon-shaped pasta and lots of Parmigiano Reggiano!
7. Baked Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Pesto
Pair up some pesto pasta noodles with juicy chicken meatballs by The Modern Proper. A fancy feast that is easy to prepare!
8. Cheesy Mushroom Pasta
This mushroom pasta is actually one of the simplest and most flavorful pasta dishes on my site! A little white wine is used to boost flavor along with lots of garlic and herbs. Fresh cheese and pasta water are used to create a creamy sauce without using cream at all! It’s absolutely delicious.
9. Authentic Italian Meatballs with Pasta
Nothing says “I love you” quite like homemade Italian meatballs. These tender Italian meatballs are my family’s famous recipe, made with a secret ingredient that makes them melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Serve them with your favorite pasta for the perfect date night meal at home!
10. Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
This creamy vodka pasta by Half Baked Harvest is the ultimate comfort food! And you’ll need only 30 minutes to prepare this decadent dish.
11. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
This lemon & garlic shrimp pasta is packed with flavor! The shrimp shells are used to create a white wine stock that adds incredible depth and flavor to the dish. It’s tossed in freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and pasta water to create a cheesy, creamy sauce!
12. 15-Minute Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Pasta
You’ll find so much impressive flavor packed into this simple vegan pasta dish! The creamy, velvety sauce is made from cashews and takes only 15 minutes to prepare.
13. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta with Kale
Every bite of this healthy pasta from Love and Lemons is filled with texture and flavor! It takes 30 minutes to make and has so much fresh flavor.
14. Rosemary Butter Mushroom and Cheese Raviolis
This mushroom ravioli recipe by Half Baked Harvest is full of restaurant quality flavor. Use homemade raviolis or store-bought to save time!
15. Garlic & White Wine Pasta with Brussels Sprouts
This plant-based pasta dish by Minimalist Baker is rich and satisfying! If you are looking for a vegan rendition of Alfredo, you have found your match.
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