It's fine to say "I love you" with flowers, but it's even better to say it with food. A romantic meal is a courtship all its own, and there's no finer menu with which to woo your lover than Italian. Italy and its cuisine have a special connection to romance. So, how about some Italian dishes to make your date night or Valentine's dinner one to remember?
Spaghetti recipes for your sweetheart
Pasta has been a traditional romantic dish since long before the Lady and the Tramp made eyes at each other over spaghetti. So how about a pasta recipe to start your romantic meal? This Spaghetti with Magic Tomato Sauce has a delicious silky texture and umami flavour that will leave your date wondering how you learned to cook so well.
If you or your honey are vegetarian, consider a spaghetti recipe that takes its flavour from pepper, butter, and sharp, nutty pecorino cheese, then look no further than this Cacio e Pepe pasta recipe. It's deceptively simple, offering up an impressive taste and texture for minimal time in the kitchen.
For those who want the taste of meat without any animal products at all, check out this Vegan Pasta Carbonara recipe. Nutritional yeast provides the buttery, cheesy flavour of a traditional carbonara, while the mushrooms offer a rich bite that easily substitutes for the traditional cured meat that features in this classic pasta recipe.
Seductive seafood recipes
Seafood is a luxurious, indulgent component to a meal. It's a perfect way to inject that extra romance into Italian dishes. How about this Shrimp Scampi recipe to impress your lowed one for Valentine's dinner? It takes practically no time at all - shrimp should only cook for a few minutes to avoid them becoming too tough — but we guarantee they'll leave your date with a tender heart.
Alternatively, push the boat out with this Seafood Alfredo recipe. Our rich, cheesy Alfredo Sauce mix complements the gentle flavour of the shrimp in this date night favourite.
Romantic recipes for meat lovers
Some date night dinners cry out for red meat. For those carnivorous diners, we have a couple of Valentine's dinners on the menu. The Ultimate Meatball recipe uses the classic technique that separates great Italian meatballs from the rest: it uses a mixture of pork and beef to layer subtle textures and tastes together. The salty Parmesan cheese and fragrant Italiano seasoning add the finishing touches to a dish that's sure to melt your date's heart.
For extra brownie points, go large with this Easy Meat Lasagna, a dish that never fails to impress. Present this spiced meat dish with its three different kinds of cheese and watch your beloved's eyes light up. If ever you've wanted to try this traditional Italian dish, steeped in history and flavour, now's the time.
Date night Italian desserts
If your entrée is a love letter, then your dessert serves as the heart-melting closing note. It should be a sweet, subtle flourish that doesn't overwhelm, and it's important to get it just right. How about a Hazelnut Torte? This sweet layered hazelnut cake, flavoured with a little Pure Vanilla Extract is just decadent enough to put your sweetheart in a whirl.
If you want something even more refined, bowl them over with these Pumpkin Spiced Latte Tiramisu Cups. These individual servings are rich and elegant. 'Wow' isn't listed as an official ingredient in this recipe, but it's there in exactly the right amount for a romantic occasion.
So, get your apron on, put Dean Martin singing "That's Amore" on repeat, and prepare to impress. Whether you're cooking for Valentine's dinner, for a date night, or just because your honey deserves something special, these recipes are irresistible — and after bringing this out of the kitchen, you will be too.
More Italian recipes
Got a craving for more Italian recipes? Check these out.
