Italy is famous for many things, but their food is at the top of the list. And when it comes to Italian food, pasta is the star for a romantic dinner. Each region of Italy has its own special pasta dishes, with unique flavors and ingredients that tell a story about where they come from.
In this article, I’m taking you on a trip through Italy to discover the best main course pasta dishes for your next at home date night dinner. Whether you’re a food lover or just curious, you’ll find something to enjoy. From garlicky tomato sauce to extra virgin olive oil, I can just taste the flavors of Italy. These pasta dishes are sure to please. So, let’s make Italian tonight!
Whether it’s Valentine’s day, a special anniversary, a dinner party, or just a random day of the week, these Italian dishes are sure to please. After all, it’s hard to resist a delicious Italian meal made from these best recipes!
PS – Not in the mood for Italian? If Mexican sounds better, check out these awesome Mexican airfryer recipes.
1. Homemade Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Roasted Tomato Sauce
This simple homemade ravioli recipe by Karen’s Kitchen Stories is perfect for a delicious dinner. You’ll start by making your own fresh pasta made from just eggs and all-purpose flour. The ravioli is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cheeses and spinach. Smothered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s the perfect dish!
Pair with a summer green salad on the side for a complete meal!
2. Baked Eggplant Parmesan (Gluten Free)
This lighter version of Baked Eggplant Parmesan by The Rustic Foodie is both vegetarian and gluten-free. Instead of frying, the eggplant slices are breaded and baked to perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. If you’re craving Italian American comfort food, this healthier take on Eggplant Parmesan still provides great Italian flavor! You don’t have to be an Italian native to whip this dish up.
3. Spicy Sausage Pasta
This easy spicy sausage pasta by Lemons & Zest makes for a hearty and comforting dinner. The star of the dish is Italian sausage, and you can adjust the spiciness to your liking. It’s all coated in a creamy parmesan cheese tomato sauce with a perfect blend of Italian seasoning and a touch of spinach for added veggies. It’s a delicious meal with no side dish needed!
The sausage in this one provides a nice dose of protein! If you’re interested in more protein focused dishes check out our daily meal plans for 140+ grams of protein.
4. Gigi Hadid Pasta
Learn how to make the viral Gigi Hadid Pasta with this straightforward recipe by one of my favorites – The Big Man’s World! Using common ingredients and a dash of vodka, this simple dish is quick to whip up and packed with vibrant, rich flavors (can sub vodka for lemon juice and add a touch of lemon zest, too). It’s cheesy, savory, and absolutely worth trying.
5. Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This chicken parmesan pasta by The Flavours of Kitchen is a delicious twist on the classic dish, bringing together all the flavors you love from chicken parm! It’s incredibly tasty and offers a new take on a favorite meal that you’ll enjoy. Not to mention, it’s a super easy dish to prepare and the best way to get dinner on the table in a short amount of time.
6. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Okay how delicious does this easy recipe look from The Flavours of Kitchen? This sun dried tomato pasta delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy experience. It calls for sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and cheese. It’s another fast dinner you and your date could easily whip up together!
7. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Shells
I mean, this might not be the healthiest dish ever but man does it look good. I love that it’s not from your everyday traditional recipes. This recipe is from the blog The Cooking Jar which has a ton of other absolutely amazing looking ideas, too. You can take a few shortcuts here like buying store bought Alfredo sauce. I can pretty much guarantee your date will love you after serving them these!
8. Spinach and Three Cheese Manicotti
This spinach and three-cheese manicotti is a must-try for vegetarians who love Italian cuisine. Relish the cozy flavors of manicotti! These are filled with a delicious blend of spinach and cheese, all topped with a rich marinara sauce. Another perfect recipe from The Cooking Jar! I can’t wait to try this traditional Italian dish.
Make these for your date, your best friend, your mom, I don’t care. Just MAKE THEM.
9. Baked Ziti One Pan Pasta
Let’s talk about one of my favorite things – easy Italian recipes! If you’re craving a comforting Italian dish that’s easy to make, look no further than this one-pot baked ziti from A Simple Pantry. It’s incredibly delicious and saves you from a pile of dirty dishes. Packed with hearty pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this baked ziti is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or date night!
I’m all about some easy pasta!
10. The Best Baked Italian Meatballs
There’s always a good reason to have a great classic meatballs recipe in your back pocket. These baked Italian meatballs are incredibly moist, juicy, and packed with flavor! This recipe is from Barley and Sage and are super easy to make. Meatballs are such a Italian classic, right? This dish yields restaurant-quality pasta for any occasion. Don’t forget to add cheese for the final touch!
11. Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Even if you or your partner are a vegetarian, you’ll be able to enjoy this dinner. So many different ways to make stuffed shells! These look like the perfect comfort food. I could just scoop up that sauce with a huge hunk of bread! This is the THE recipe to make from Barley and Sage if you want to truly knock the socks off your date.
12. Baked Rigatoni Pasta
You can make this pasta bakes ahead of time and then just pop it in the oven to bake right before your Italian date night starts! This recipe from A Couple Cooks is a great one to save for next time you’re stumped on what to cook and want something filling, delicious, and comforting.
Conclusion
These delicious Italian pasta dishes are perfect for creating a memorable date night or celebrating a special occasion! Turn on the Italian music, turn off all social media for the night, and spent quality time together the Italian way – with traditional flavors from easy Italian dinner recipes!
Each classic recipe brings a blend of flavors and textures, from the creamy richness of Alfredo to the spice from Italian Sausage. All you might need to add is a little black pepper and salt and these dishes can speak for themselves. Simple ingredients transformed into masterpieces!
Whether you’re cooking together or surprising your partner, these dishes are sure to impress and set the mood for a romantic evening. So, gather your ingredients, pour a glass of white wine if you choose, and enjoy a delightful Italian meal that will make your date night truly special. Top it off with your favorite Italian desserts for the meal of a lifetime. Now, that’s my kind of meal!
