Romantic Heart-Shaped Pasta

Name: Romantic Heart-Shaped Pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup semolina flour; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cups marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce; Fresh basil for garnish; Grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

I absolutely adore making heart-shaped pasta for special occasions, especially romantic dinners. The process is not only fun but also allows me to get creative in the kitchen. Rolling out the dough and using a cookie cutter to create these delightful shapes adds a personal touch that elevates any meal. Paired with a vibrant tomato sauce or a rich Alfredo, this dish truly impresses. It's all about the love and effort you put into it, and trust me, the smiles around the dinner table make it all worthwhile.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:06:36.570Z

When I first decided to create heart-shaped pasta, I was excited but a bit intimidated. After experimenting with different dough recipes, I found that using a combination of semolina and all-purpose flour gave the best texture. It’s surprising how delicate the shapes turn out once cooked. I love serving it with a homemade marinara for a burst of flavor that complements the pasta beautifully.

One of my favorite moments was when I surprised my partner with this dish on Valentine’s Day. I made the pasta from scratch, and the joy on their face was truly priceless. Remember, the key is to roll out the dough thinly for a perfect cook, and don’t shy away from adding your favorite herbs to the sauce!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A unique and fun shape that sparks joy at the dinner table
Freshly made pasta that is delightfully tender and flavorful
Versatile pairings from classic marinara to creamy sauces

      

The Importance of Proper Kneading

Kneading the dough thoroughly is essential for achieving that perfect pasta texture. You should knead for approximately 10 minutes, aiming for a smooth and elastic feel. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a touch more all-purpose flour as you knead. This will help incorporate enough gluten, enabling the pasta to hold its shape whilst cooking. If the dough tears easily when rolled out, it might need more resting time to relax the gluten strands.

While mixing, be careful not to incorporate too much flour at the beginning. Start with a fork, gently pulling the flour into the egg mixture to avoid an overly dry dough. A well-hydrated dough will produce tender hearts that cook evenly and maintain their shape during boiling. Trust me, the texture plays a significant role in the overall dining experience.

Tips for Shaping and Cooking

When rolling out the dough, aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. This thickness will ensure that your heart-shaped pasta cooks evenly and isn't too doughy. If you're using a rolling pin and find it difficult to achieve even thickness, a pasta machine can be a great investment. It allows for consistent, thin sheets that are ideal for cutting out cute shapes without uneven edges.

During cooking, pay close attention to the pasta as it cooks. Fresh pasta requires less time in boiling water than dried pasta, usually about 3-5 minutes. Once the pasta rises to the surface, it's a good rule of thumb that it's ready to be drained. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so set a timer and taste-test for doneness to maintain that delightful tenderness.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Romantic Heart-Shaped Pasta

Pasta Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup semolina flour
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

For Serving

3 cups marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce
Fresh basil for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Make the Dough

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.

Shape the Pasta

Roll out the dough using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, aiming for about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Place the pasta on a floured surface to dry slightly.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the heart-shaped pasta and cook for 3-5 minutes or until they rise to the surface and are tender. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Serve

Heat your choice of marinara or Alfredo sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delightful, heart-shaped creation!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, incorporate finely chopped herbs into the pasta dough. You can also experiment with different sauces to find your perfect match.

Sauce Pairing Ideas

Pairing this heart-shaped pasta with different sauces can significantly enhance the meal's flavor profile. A classic marinara sauce adds a bright acidity that complements the tender pasta beautifully, while a rich Alfredo sauce offers a creamy, indulgent experience. For a twist, consider adding fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into your sauce to amp up the flavors and nutrition without compromising on taste.

If you crave a lighter option, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of garlic can also be delightful. Simply sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then toss in the cooked pasta for a simple yet flavorful dish. This technique allows the natural flavors of the fresh pasta to shine.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're planning for a romantic dinner, making the pasta dough ahead of time can save you valuable moments on the day of. After kneading, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it warm up slightly before rolling out, as cold dough can be difficult to shape.

Should you have leftovers, cooked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet with a bit of sauce over medium heat. This method helps to revive the pasta's texture without turning it mushy, ensuring a delightful dining experience even on second servings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge wrapped tightly.

→ What can I use besides heart shapes?

You can use any shape of cookie cutters to create various pasta shapes for different occasions.

→ How do I know when the pasta is done cooking?

The pasta should float to the surface and be tender but still firm to the bite (al dente).

→ Can I freeze the shaped pasta?

Yes, place the shapes on a baking sheet to freeze them first, then transfer to a zip-lock bag for long-term storage.