This Valentine’s Day, Barilla is serving love on a plate. The pasta brand’s heart-shaped pasta, aptly named Barilla Love Pasta, returns for its third year online and in stores. For romantics, it’s perfect for a heartfelt home-cooked dinner for two.
Here’s how to incorporate these amore-filled hearts into a fancy at-home Valentine’s Day meal with loved ones and how to buy a box (or two) before they are off the shelves.
The Return of Barilla Love Pasta
For over 145 years, Barilla has brought premium specialty pasta to the market, and its delicacy continues with the return of Barilla Love Pasta for Valentine’s Day. The heartfelt pasta is a Mezzi Rigatoni shape and uses the same high-quality ingredients the company prides itself on.
For best results, Barilla suggests cooking the pasta al dente.
“At Barilla, we believe that love comes in all shapes, and food is a universal way to celebrate it,” said Barilla U.S. pasta category marketing director Angie Cotter, “We have a long history of crafting unique pasta shapes that bring people together around the table—for example our Limited Edition Barilla Snowfall Pasta released in December of 2024. We’re returning Barilla Love for its third year with expanded availability because of the heart and passion that consumers have for the shape and the love it represents.”
Boxes are available now through the end of February on shelves at select retailers and restaurants nationwide and on Amazon. To find a store near you, visit Barilla.com.
Recipe Ideas for Barilla Love
This pasta simplifies menu planning while setting the mood for Valentine’s Day. If you’re stuck or want to try something new, look for recipes that call for Rigatoni. Also, consider what you have on hand, your time commitment, and who’s eating.
Barilla emphasizes that this pasta is meant for all your love-filled relationships, from spouses to friends and children. For an upgraded staple to share with the whole family, try butternut squash macaroni and cheese. The heart-shaped pasta makes this comforting, kid-friendly meal more whimsical, and the creamy cheese sauce will fill all crevices. To take the Valentine’s Day cheer up a notch, a beet-based sauce will make for the prettiest pink meal, and Barilla even offers a recipe for this as well as others on their website.
If you want to stay cozy on the day of love, try a one-pot savory and indulgent French onion pasta. The heart-shaped pasta will soak in caramelized onions, white wine, garlic, and thyme. For added comfort, top each bowl with Parmesan and Gruyère cheese.