Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Romantic Pasta Dinner for Two

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore....


When I think about romantic dinners, I think pasta.

Derek and I like to take a break from the kitchen and go out to celebrate Valentine's Day. We've been married for 11 years now, so over-priced flowers and elaborate gifts aren't necessary. All I want is a nice dinner with my man and by going out, we get to spend some quality time together and I get to enjoy a break from the kitchen.

If you're the type of person who would rather stay in and romance your sweetie with a delicious and heart-warming meal, I have the perfect Italian entree for you! Pair this pasta, with a bottle of your favourite red wine and some strawberries dipped in chocolate and you are sure to sweep that special someone off their feet!

Romantic Pasta for Two
Serves 2

1 pkg of your fave spaghetti (I used brown rice pasta)
2 pints grape tomatoes (I used red & yellow)
1/2 red onion sliced
6 large crimini mushrooms, cut into quarters
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Pre-heat your oven to 325. Spray a baking pan with non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, garlic, sea salt, Italian seasoning and oil. Stir until the veggies are evenly coated with olive oil and seasonings.

Pour the tomato mixture out evenly into your baking pan. Roast for 50 minutes making sure to give the pan a shake once or twice during the cooking time.  Once the tomatoes are roasted, use a fork to gently mash them down.

While the veggies are cooking, prepare your pasta according to the package directions.

Once done, place your pasta in the middle of the plate and top with half of the tomato mixture. Finish the plate with some freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of basil. I used dried, but fresh basil would be amazing with this!

The yellow tomatoes are the sweetest little suckers I've ever had!


The tomatoes are done roasting when they start to wilt and split open.

Gently mash with a fork, but be careful they don't squirt ya!


As a side, I made heart-shaped garlic toasts with cheese.
My large heart-shaped cookie cutter was perfect for cutting the toasts into cute little hearts!


The roasted tomatoes in this dish are so sweet and flavourful. You're sure to make your special someone weak in the knees before they even leave the table ;-) We thought we'd died and gone to heaven when we tasted it!

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day or is it just another day on the calendar?
What is your favourite thing to make when you're trying to "wow" that special someone?


If breakfast is more you're thing, check out last year's post for a cute and easy breakie idea!  

I've added this post to a Love Fest link party. If you're looking for meal ideas, crafts, gifts or anything love or V-Day related, check it out!




Enjoy your day and happy romance-planning!

Andrea

PS - don't forget to follow me on Twitter or Pinterest - just click the buttons on the right!



11 comments:

  1. That looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That looks so yummy! Thanks for linking up :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You're amazing!!! Heart Shaped Garlic Toast??? So Cute!

    This pasta dish looks so simple and so tasty, just the way I like it!!!

    I love V-Day!
    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  4. MMMMMMM That's makes me REALLY hungry!! It looks amazing!! Thanks for linking up with us at the Find Some Love Fest!!

    All The Love In The Universe
    Digger

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like the perfect romantic dinner for ONE :) I am always single on V-Day, but I also always celebrate it--I take a bubble bath, make some heart-shaped (and absolutely NOT healthy) cookies, have a sip or two of wine, and unwrap the present I bought for myself. Sounds goofy (is goofy), but I just plain love a good holiday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think your V-Day sounds fabulous!!! It's important to remember to pamper ourselves once in a while - we deserve it!!!! This recipe is definitely perfect for one: a divine dinner with wine and some leftovers for lunch the next day.

      Delete
  6. This pasta looks so yummy!! And the heart shaped toast is such a great touch! We had so much fun with the Find Some Love Fest! So happy to connect with other amazing bloggers.
    We are following you and we'd love for you to visit our blog.
    Have a great day!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
    http://www.herlatenightcravings.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think the yellow tomatoes are nice touch... Gives the dish a more zesty look.. And taste too!! Oh, and the heart-shaped bread.. Nice touch ;)

    http://www.ladyonaroof.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. I just couldn't go away your site before suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info an individual provide for your guests? Is gonna be again continuously to investigate cross-check new posts

    Here is my web site; vigrx penis enhancer

    ReplyDelete