ByLauren
Valentine’s day pasta dinner ideas to celebrate the day of love! Valentine’s day is a great time to skip the crowded restaurants and dinner reservations and do a romantic date night at home! I’ve gathered up some of the best date night pasta recipes for you to try with your amore.
Having date nights at home is a great idea, especially if you enjoy cooking! You can do something quick and easy like pairing pre-made lobster ravioli with this Lobster Ravioli Sauce, or cook something a little more elaborate like Short Rib Ragu. Grab a good bottle of wine, and get cooking!
I also included some co*cktail and dessert recipes at the end as a bonus!
Expert Tips for the Best Pasta
Before we jump into the best pasta recipes for date night, I wanted to give you a few tips for making perfect pasta.
- Don’t add oil to the pasta water. Adding oil will prevent your sauce from sticking well to the pasta.
- Do add salt, and lots of it! The pasta water should be really well salted so the pasta itself becomes properly seasoned. I usually add at least a tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water.
- Save some pasta water. The starchy pasta water is liquid gold. Save a little when you are boiling the pasta. Add a splash of it when you mix the pasta and sauce together. It will help bring it all together.
- Cook to al dente. Cook your pasta to just al dente according to package instructions. The pasta will continue cooking a little in the sauce, and you don’t want it to overcook.
- Simmer the sauce and pasta together for a minute or two before serving. Just before serving, add cooked pasta, sauce, and a splash of pasta water. Mix it, then simmer to meld it all together.
For more past related tips, check out How to Reheat Alfredo Sauce and How Long Does Alfredo Sauce Last in the Fridge?.
Valentine’s Day Pasta Recipe Ideas
Delicious pasta recipes for Valentine’s day or your date night in!
The Best Sauce for Lobster Ravioli
Easy, decadent, and creamy lobster ravioli sauce, ready in only 20 minutes! It’s the perfect sauce for your homemade or store-bought lobster ravioli. Perfect for date night or special occasions, and goes great with some white wine! Level this dish up by serving with butter poached lobster tails!
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Cajun Salmon Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This creamy alfredo sauce is seasoned with cajun spices and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toss it with pasta for a fettuccine alfredo, or add in your favorite proteins like chicken, sausage, or shrimp for a classic pasta dinner.
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The best creamy bolognese sauce
Rich and savory homemade bolognese sauce. Made with bacon, pork, and beef and San Marzano tomatoes. This meaty sauce is the best bolognese sauce recipe, and the perfect date night pasta recipe.
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Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Creamy Alfredo sauce with savory roasted garlic. This homemade alfredo sauce is made without heavy cream. It's great for making chicken Alfredo, shrimp Alfredo, or white lasagna.
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Short Rib Ragu with Rigatoni
Slow cooked Short Rib Ragu with Rigatoni pasta is the ultimate comfort food pasta dish for a cozy night in! A rich and hearty sauce made from tomatoes, fresh herbs, parmesan, and slow braised short ribs, served over your favorite pasta.
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Cajun Alfredo Sauce
This creamy sauce is seasoned with cajun spices and freshly grated parmesan cheese to make the perfect Cajun Alfredo sauce. Toss it with pasta for a fettuccine alfredo, or add in your favorite proteins like cajun chicken, andouille sausage, or blackened shrimp for a satisfying meal.
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Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka (Spicy Vodka Sauce)
This spicy vodka sauce is so smooth and ultra creamy with salty bits of crispy pancetta. It is a deeply flavored, rich, and decadent pasta sauce that goes so well with rigatoni pasta. Top with fresh basil and a good glass of Italian wine, like Sangiovese, and you have the perfect date night dinner.
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Fresh Basil Pesto
This pesto is bright, herbaceous, savory, and garlicky. Make fresh basil pesto for date night and toss with your favorite pasta shape and protein like chicken or shrimp.
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Creamy Cajun Andouille Sausage Pasta
Rich and creamy sauce with peppers, onions, and spicy andouille sausage with the perfect amount of Cajun spices make for a decadent spicy pasta dinner.
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Homemade Hearty Marinara Sauce
Simple homemade tomato sauce recipe chucks of San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and lots of garlic. Throw in some homemade meatballs and you got yourself a delicious romantic dinner.
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Italian Meatballs
Super tender and juicy meatballs with lots of garlic, two types of cheese, and three meats including Italian sausage, ground pork, and ground beef. Sear these meatballs in olive oil, then finish them off in homemade marinara sauce. Serve it with some red wine, and you have a perfect Romantic valentine’s day dinner.
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One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is so creamy, decadent, and full of Cajun flavor! Tender chicken coated in cajun spices, blackened broccoli, and al dente pasta coated in a deliciously creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s an easy weeknight meal and ready in one hour!
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Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms
Not technically a pasta, but I included this short rib risotto because it is such a delicious dish. Savory mushrooms with juicy and tender fall off the bone short ribs, on top of creamy parmesan risotto. This restaurant worthy dinner will certainly be an impressive dish for valentine’s day dinner!
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Supreme Pizza Stuffed Shells
A fun twist on classic stuffed shells. This cheesy pasta is stuffed with all the toppings of a supreme pizza like pepperoni, black olives, peppers, onion, garlic, and sausage, then baked in your favorite marinara sauce. This one is great for a valentine’s day dinner with the whole family.
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Rigatoni Arrabbiata Sauce
This Rigatoni Arrabbiata is a fiery and flavorful pasta dish, ready in just 35 minutes! Rigatoni topped with deliciously spicy arrabbiata sauce is perfect paired with your favorite protein or a ball of burrata for a quick and easy valentine’s day pasta dinner.
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Baked Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato Pasta
Creamy goat cheese melts down with roasted garlic and cherry tomatoes to make a delicious savory pink sauce in this easy prep dinner. Inspired by the famous TikTok baked feta pasta.
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How to Make Homemade Pasta
Learn how to make homemade pasta with the perfect ratio and easy to follow step by step instructions. Only 3 ingredients needed! Making pasta together is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's day!
Valentine’s Day co*cktail Ideas
Blood Orange Gin Fizz Recipe
This blood orange gin fizz is light, refreshing and has a complex, yet still delicate flavor profile thanks to the Empress Gin and Aperol!
Pink Sangria with Rosé Wine
This pink rosé sangria is the perfect refreshing co*cktail for any summertime party or girls night! Made with rosé wine, vodka, and berries!
Festive Pomegranate Champagne co*cktail
This festive pomegranate champagne co*cktail is the perfect drink to serve for your holiday celebrations! Made with vodka or gin, pomegranate juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, and sparkling champagne. Bright, bubbly, and so delicious! Non-alcoholic mocktail option.
Valentine’s Day Dessert Ideas
Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Cream
Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Cream is an easy, delicious dessert that is the perfect way to enjoy juicy red strawberries.
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are fudgy, chewy, and super easy to make. They can be whipped up in less than 1 hour!
Dark Chocolate Fondue Board
In just 10 minutes you can have this rich, creamy dark chocolate fondue! Serve on a board with all your favorite dippers for a cozy spread!
This post was updated in 2024 to include additional delicious Valentine’s day pasta dinner ideas and some added tips.
Meet Lauren
I’m the blogger, recipe developer, food photographer, and otherwise food obsessed gal behind Lauren From Scratch. I was born and raised in New Orleans and lived in South Louisiana most of my life. Growing up around Cajun country has instilled a love of food that runs deep in my bones. I am passionate about food and teaching you how to make mouth-watering Louisiana inspired dishes in your own kitchen!
About Lauren
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