17 Pasta Dinners That Taste Restaurant Worthy

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a comforting and elegant dish, ideal for a cozy night in. The richness of the cream combined with the sharpness of parmesan creates a mouthwatering flavor that complements the tender pasta perfectly. The garlic adds a touch of savory goodness, making this dish a winner for any romantic dinner.

To prepare this dish, you will need 8 ounces of fettuccine, 2 tablespoons of butter, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the cream. Stir in the parmesan cheese and mix until smooth, then toss in the pasta. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy meal.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells filled with a mixture of spinach and ricotta create a hearty and flavorful dish that feels like an upscale meal without too much effort. The rich cheese and tender pasta are paired with the slightly earthy flavor of spinach, making it a well-balanced and comforting choice for a romantic dinner. The tomato sauce adds a tangy contrast to the richness.

For the filling, you will need 12 jumbo pasta shells, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of spinach (cooked and chopped), 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1 egg. Cook the pasta shells and set aside. Mix the ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, and egg to form the filling. Stuff the shells with the mixture, then place them in a baking dish with marinara sauce. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes and serve hot.

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta

Lemon basil pesto pasta offers a refreshing and fragrant flavor that is both light and satisfying. The zesty lemon pairs perfectly with the fresh basil, creating a bright and aromatic sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. This dish feels fresh, yet indulgent, perfect for an evening that feels a bit special.

For the pesto, you will need 2 cups of fresh basil, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and juice of 1 lemon. Cook 8 ounces of pasta, then toss it in the prepared pesto sauce. For the pesto, blend all the ingredients until smooth. Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few basil leaves.

Beef Bolognese Pasta

Beef bolognese is a classic, rich sauce that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of pasta. The slow-cooked meat sauce, with its deep flavors and tender texture, makes this a hearty, satisfying dish that is perfect for a special evening. The flavors only deepen as the sauce simmers, making it even better when served fresh.

For the sauce, you will need 1 pound of ground beef, 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 cup of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and 1/2 cup of red wine. Brown the beef in a pan, then add the onion and garlic. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Serve the sauce over your choice of pasta, and top with parmesan.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish with tender shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce. This flavorful dish is light yet decadent, perfect for a date night dinner. The lemon and parsley bring freshness to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic.

For this recipe, you will need 8 ounces of linguine, 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined), 4 tablespoons of butter, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, juice of 1 lemon, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Cook the linguine and set aside. In a large pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add the shrimp, cooking until pink, then toss in the cooked pasta and lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Pappardelle with Mushroom Cream Sauce

Pappardelle with mushroom cream sauce is an indulgent yet simple dish, perfect for a romantic meal. The wide, flat noodles soak up the rich, creamy mushroom sauce beautifully, offering a satisfying bite. The earthy mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy sauce, creating a comforting yet refined flavor.

For the sauce, you will need 8 ounces of pappardelle, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of white wine, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan. Cook the pasta and set aside. In a pan, sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender. Add the white wine and let it reduce, then stir in the cream and parmesan. Toss the pasta in the sauce and serve.

Carbonara

Carbonara is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that uses simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal. The creamy sauce, made with eggs and cheese, coats the pasta perfectly, while crispy pancetta or bacon adds a savory crunch. This dish has a luxurious feel that is perfect for a date night dinner.

For the recipe, you will need 8 ounces of spaghetti, 1/2 cup of pancetta (diced), 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Cook the spaghetti and set aside. In a pan, cook the pancetta until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheese, and cream. Toss the pasta in the pancetta and pour over the egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Serve immediately.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a vibrant and fresh dish, showcasing the best of seasonal vegetables. The combination of colorful veggies and a light olive oil dressing makes this pasta a perfect choice for a healthier date night meal. It is light yet satisfying, with a refreshing flavor that feels both elegant and effortless.

For this dish, you will need 8 ounces of penne, 1 zucchini (sliced), 1 bell pepper (sliced), 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the penne and set aside. In a pan, sauté the vegetables in olive oil until tender. Toss the cooked pasta with the veggies, adding parmesan and seasoning to taste. Serve warm.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a timeless dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and béchamel sauce come together to create a hearty meal perfect for a romantic dinner. The flavors meld beautifully, making each bite better than the last.

For the lasagna, you will need 12 lasagna noodles, 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan. Cook the noodles and set aside. Brown the beef and mix with marinara sauce. Layer the noodles with the cheese mixture and sauce in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then serve.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that feels both casual and special. The baked cheese and marinara sauce make the pasta rich and satisfying, while the ziti pasta holds the sauce well. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug and is perfect for sharing.

For the recipe, you will need 8 ounces of ziti, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of parmesan. Cook the ziti and set aside. Mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and ricotta, then top with mozzarella and parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes and serve warm.

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto chicken pasta is a vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with the aromatic flavors of pesto. The freshness of the basil and the nuttiness from the pine nuts make the pesto sauce a perfect match for the pasta, while the chicken adds protein and richness. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a romantic dinner.

For the recipe, you will need 8 ounces of spaghetti, 2 chicken breasts (cooked and sliced), 1/4 cup of pesto sauce, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the pasta and set aside. In a pan, sauté the chicken slices in olive oil until browned. Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and pesto sauce, and top with parmesan before serving.

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti offers an elegant presentation with stuffed pasta shells filled with a rich ricotta and spinach mixture. The smooth marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese create a comforting and satisfying meal that feels upscale yet easy to prepare. This dish brings a touch of Italian warmth to your dinner table.

For the filling, you will need 12 manicotti shells, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of spinach (cooked and chopped), 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1 egg. Cook the pasta shells and set them aside. Mix the ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, and egg to form the filling. Stuff the shells, place them in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine alfredo is a classic and indulgent dish that is perfect for a romantic evening. The creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and parmesan coats the fettuccine, making each bite a rich and comforting experience. This dish is luxurious and simple, allowing the pasta to shine with a smooth and velvety sauce.

For the sauce, you will need 8 ounces of fettuccine, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the fettuccine and set aside. In a pan, melt the butter and stir in the cream, bringing it to a simmer. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens, then toss in the pasta. Serve warm with extra parmesan.

Pappardelle with Braised Lamb

Pappardelle with braised lamb offers a rich and flavorful experience, perfect for a date night. The tender lamb pairs perfectly with the wide, flat pappardelle pasta, while the sauce created from the braised lamb is hearty and savory. This dish feels luxurious and filling, perfect for a special evening.

For the braise, you will need 1 pound of lamb shanks, 8 ounces of pappardelle, 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 cup of red wine, 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of thyme. Brown the lamb shanks in a pan, then sauté the onion and garlic. Add the wine, broth, and thyme, then cover and braise the lamb for 2 hours. Serve the braised lamb over the cooked pappardelle.

Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce

Gnocchi with sage butter sauce is a comforting and aromatic dish that feels both indulgent and simple. The soft, pillowy gnocchi is complemented perfectly by the nutty and fragrant butter sauce, while the crispy sage leaves add texture and flavor. This dish is rich yet balanced, making it a great choice for a romantic dinner.

For the recipe, you will need 1 pound of gnocchi, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of fresh sage leaves, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, then set aside. In a pan, melt the butter and fry the sage leaves until crispy. Toss the gnocchi in the sage butter, then sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla norma is a flavorful Sicilian dish featuring roasted eggplant and a tangy tomato sauce. The eggplant adds depth and richness, while the tomato sauce provides a vibrant contrast, making this dish a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s a simple, yet elegant pasta dish that is perfect for a date night dinner.

For the recipe, you will need 8 ounces of pasta, 1 eggplant (diced), 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of ricotta salata cheese, and basil leaves for garnish. Roast the eggplant in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. In a pan, sauté the garlic, then add the tomatoes and simmer. Toss the pasta with the sauce and roasted eggplant, and top with ricotta salata and fresh basil.

Clams with Linguine

Clams with linguine is a light yet flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. The briny clams are cooked in a savory white wine and garlic sauce, which is absorbed beautifully by the linguine. This dish feels both elegant and refreshing, making it a great choice for a special dinner.

For the recipe, you will need 8 ounces of linguine, 1 pound of fresh clams, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of white wine, 2 tablespoons of butter, and parsley for garnish. Cook the linguine and set aside. In a pan, sauté the garlic in butter, then add the clams and wine. Cover and cook until the clams open, then toss the pasta in the sauce and clams. Garnish with parsley and serve.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.