17 Date Night Pasta Recipes For Valentines Day

Updated: Oct 15th, 2024 · By Bethany Kramer
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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!

images of pasta dishes arranged in a collage.

“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!

A close up pappardelle pasta and bolognese sauce in a white dish. The bowl is sitting on a wooden board with a small bowl of parmesan cheese and a gray napkin around it.

2. Three Cheese Baked Rigatoni with Roasted Vegetables

Impress your loved ones with this healthier baked rigatoni that is filled with sweet roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. It is filling, easy to prepare, and rich in flavor!

Pink ceramic bowl with rigatoni pasta in it on wooden background with gray napkin.

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!

fork in ceramic bowl with lobster raviolis.

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.

creamy pasta in a gray bowl with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes in it.

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!

A white bowl with pasta in a cherry tomato sauce. The bowl of pasta has a fork in it and fresh basil leaves and is arranged on a tan background with herbs around it.

6. 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.

A white bowl with short rib beef ragu and pappardelle pasta in it. Around the bowl is fresh basil leaves, a glass of red wine, and a small dish with chopped fresh basil in it all decorated on a wooden background.

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!

chicken meat balls in a bowl with pesto and noodles.

8. Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Try this meatless mushroom pasta by Family Style Food. You’ll find each bite is packed with flavor and the whole dish takes a total of 25 minutes to make!

mushrooms and pasta noodles in a ceramic bowl with black fork in it.

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!

A white bowl with red sauce and Italian meatballs over spaghetti in it. The bowl is sitting on a wooden board with a gray napkin, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs arranged around it.

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.

white bowl with orange vodka sauce and pasta noodles on brown wooden board.

11. Lemon Pepper Shrimp with Pappardelle

Juicy shrimp and pasta noodles in a light citrus sauce! This elegant dish by Nourish and Fete is simple but full of impressive flavor.

skillet pan with pappardelle noodles, shrimp, and lemon slices.

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.

Ceramic bowl with chickpea pasta in red pepper sauce.

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.

white pot with noodles, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes

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!

mushrooms and raviolis on a speckled ceramic dish.

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.

white plate with creamy pasta noodles and sliced brussels sprouts on it.

16. Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle Pasta

Short ribs with pappardelle by Sip and Feast is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cooler nights when all you want to do is cozy up with a warm bowl of pasta. The short rib is braised in tomatoes, wine, and then served with pappardelle and Parmigiano Reggiano!

A white bowl with short rib ragu and pappardelle pasta noodles and a fork.

17. Rotini Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

A healthier pasta we love is this cheesy rotini pasta served with healthy roasted vegetables! It’s easy to make, cheesy and delicious, and a quicker pasta dish to prepare if you’re short on time!

white bowl with rotini pasta and roasted vegetables on gray background.

Make This For Dessert!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Finish off your meal with this incredibly rich & delicious FLOURLESS cake by Also The Crumbs Please. You’ll need only 7 ingredients to make it – no flour or gluten needed.

If you are new to baking, Sabine provides a recipe video and step-by-step photos to ensure your cake is a success!

flourless cake cut into slices on gray background.

Chocolate Mousse Cake

This Impressive cake by Also The Crumbs Please is layered with creamy chocolate mousse and soft chocolate ganache. A rich dessert that will “wow” your loved ones in looks and in taste!

A slice of chocolate mousse cake with berries on top.

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