Old-World Italian Pasta Recipes for Date Nights

Nothing says romance quite like a home-cooked Italian dinner. Whether you’re looking to impress your significant other with an exquisite meal or just spend a cozy night together, old-world Italian pasta recipes are the perfect way to set the mood. From classic dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo to lighter options like Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil, these recipes will transport you to the romantic Italian countryside. So, grab your favorite bottle of Italian wine, light some candles, and try out one of these delicious Italian pasta recipes for your next date night.

Spaghetti alle Vongole

This classic Italian pasta dish is a perfect choice for a romantic date night dinner. Spaghetti alle vongole is a light and fragrant dish, with a delicate flavor of garlic and fresh clams. The combination of white wine, garlic, and herbs makes this recipe a perfect balance of flavors.
To make Spaghetti alle Vongole, start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and adding the spaghetti. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil until lightly golden, then add white wine and clams. Simmer everything for a few minutes until the clams open. Add chopped parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper for an extra kick of flavor. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and add it to the sauce. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Fettuccine Alfredo

There is something special about the classic Italian dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. With its creamy cheese and pasta combination, it’s the perfect indulgent dish for a romantic date night. This simple yet elegant dish only requires a few ingredients and is easy to make in the comfort of your kitchen.
The key to making a great Fettuccine Alfredo is all in the sauce. Start by melting some butter in a large pan, add heavy cream, and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat and add a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted into the sauce and created a rich, creamy texture. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Next, cook your pasta according to the packet instructions, then drain it before adding it to the sauce. Mix everything until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of parsley.
Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect comfort food for a romantic evening in. Serve it up with a glass of wine and enjoy this classic Italian dish together.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for date nights. It’s a simple, yet delicious meal made with spaghetti, pancetta, eggs, black pepper, and parmesan cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish.
To start making Spaghetti Carbonara, begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the pasta is boiling, cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once the pancetta is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add some olive oil and garlic and sauté for about a minute. Then, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet along with some beaten eggs and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the eggs begin to thicken and coat the spaghetti.
Lastly, add the cooked pancetta back to the skillet and stir to combine. Top the spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Enjoy this classic Italian pasta dish with a glass of red wine for a romantic dinner.

Linguine with Clams

If you’re looking for a classic Italian pasta dish to share with your special someone on date night, look no further than linguine with clams. This simple yet delicious seafood pasta dish is full of flavor and sure to please your taste buds. The combination of tender linguine noodles and freshly shucked clams cooked in a white wine garlic sauce creates an exquisite dish that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
To make this dish, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine noodles and cook until they are al dente. While the noodles are boiling, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add some garlic and shallots and cook for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Pour in some white wine and let it reduce for about 5 minutes. Then add the clams, cover the pan, and let them steam until they open up. Add some parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Once the clams have opened, remove the lid and turn off the heat. Drain the linguine noodles and add them to the pan with the clams. Stir everything together and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the linguine with clams hot, garnished with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.
Linguine with clams is a deceptively simple Italian pasta dish that’s sure to impress. With its delicate flavors and luxurious texture, this is the perfect dish for date night. Enjoy!

Rigatoni all’Amatriciana

Rigatoni all’Amatriciana is a classic Italian pasta dish that makes for a perfect date night meal. It features guanciale, which is cured pork jowl, simmered in a tomato sauce, and topped with pecorino cheese. The traditional recipe calls for the guanciale to be cooked in olive oil, however, it can also be cooked in butter or lard to give it a more rich flavor. This dish is usually served with some freshly grated pecorino cheese and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
This dish is not overly complicated and can be made in under 30 minutes. To start, cook your guanciale in either butter or lard until it is lightly browned. Then add diced onions and garlic to the pan and sauté until softened. Once the vegetables have softened, pour in a can of diced tomatoes, along with a bit of salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes and then add your rigatoni noodles to the pan and continue cooking until the pasta is tender. Once cooked, top the pasta with freshly grated pecorino cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Rigatoni all’Amatriciana is a delicious and simple Italian dish that makes for an excellent date night meal. The combination of salty pork and sweet tomatoes creates a unique flavor profile that will impress any dinner guest. This hearty and flavorful dish pairs well with a glass of Chianti and will leave you feeling full and satisfied!