Valentine's Night In: Creamy Pasta for Two

Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to mean crowded restaurants, fixed menus, and long waits. Some of the best celebrations happen right at home—with good food, a cozy atmosphere, and someone you love across the table. That’s where this creamy pasta for two comes in.

This dish is rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to feel special without being stressful. Whether you choose tender steak or juicy shrimp, the creamy sauce ties everything together and turns a simple pasta night into a Valentine’s-worthy meal.

I love recipes like this because they’re flexible. You can dress them up with steak for a more indulgent feel or keep it light and classic with shrimp or chicken. Either way, it’s the kind of meal meant to be shared, slowly enjoyed, and followed by dessert.

Perfect for a date night in, an anniversary dinner, or even a quiet Valentine’s evening at home, this pasta proves that romance doesn’t have to be complicated.

Creamy Valentine’s Pasta for Two (Steak, Shrimp, or Chicken)

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)

• 1/2 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), sliced

  • or 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • or 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, divided

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• Optional: red pepper flakes

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Season steak, shrimp, or chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

   • For steak: Sear slices for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.

   • For chicken: Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

   • For shrimp: Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter or oil and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

7. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, tossing to coat.

8. Return steak, shrimp, or chicken to the skillet and gently toss everything together.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Note: You could also add mushrooms if you like. I would cook them after the meat, in the olive oil and garlic sauté, and before adding ingredients for the sauce.