Need Valentine’s Day dinner ideas to cook at home? From creamy pastas to fancy seafood, these romantic recipes make the perfect date night meal for two or the whole family.
What’s better than a night in for Valentine’s Day? I love a good dinner out, but there’s something cozy about staying in and cooking dinner with the people you love. Sometimes it’s a romantic dinner with my husband Alex, but now that we have kids it’s often a special meal for the whole family!
Who better to provide recipe ideas than us, a couple who cooks together? Alex and I are two cookbook authors and recipe writers who’ve made a career of sharing the kitchen. Here I’ve compiled all our favorite Valentine’s Day dinner ideas and recipes for cozy night in. Each recipe could work for a romantic date or a family dinner night.
50 Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipe Ideas
One of my top Valentine's Day dinner ideas is this creamy Tuscan salmon! It might result in a few marriage proposals, which is why I also like to call it “Marry Me Salmon.” The tender fish is bathed in a luscious cream sauce with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and capers, making each bite bright, salty, and luxurious.
Here’s a classic dish that impresses every time: chicken piccata! Tender, golden-brown chicken cutlets are bathed in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce with pops of briny capers. This classic Italian American dish has captured hearts and stomachs around the world, and it’s a huge favorite over here.
Try this romantic creamy pasta recipe, starring chewy al dente pasta and an irresistible Parmesan garlic cream sauce! The way the creamy sauce and garlic accentuate the leafy greens makes it one of our top vegetarian pasta recipes to date. Cozy up to a bowl and it’s positively life-giving.
Shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine: what could be better? Yes, it’s the Italian American shrimp scampi, a classic that’s been stealing hearts and minds for decades. This version is pretty stellar: juicy, garlicky shrimp swimming in a rich, tangy butter sauce. Sop it up with crusty bread or pour it over pasta.
Try these spinach artichoke Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms! This recipe combines the deliciousness of spinach artichoke dip with the meaty, savory goodness of a baked portobello mushroom. Top it off with crunchy Italian breadcrumbs, and you’ll amaze everyone at the table! It’s vegetarian but will please every type of eater.
This cozy, flavor-packed recipe satisfies every time: Penne Pomodoro! The classic pairing of pomodoro sauce and short-cut pasta exemplifies the simplicity of Italian cuisine: juicy tomatoes, garlic, vegetables and herbs simmered until they meld into a pure, rich sauce.
This amazing crab cake recipe makes patties that are golden and seasoned, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Old Bay, Dijon mustard and tarragon accentuate the juicy lump crabmeat perfectly, and served with creamy tartar sauce, they’re a little bit of heaven in each bite! For vegan ,try Vegan Crab Cakes.
This Italian cheese and pepper spaghetti couldn’t be simpler; the recipe is from my friend Ashley Rodriguez’s book Date Night In. Alex and I ate a delicious cacio e pepe last time we were in Rome, and we had one of the best one’s of our life in NYC. It’s a truly simple recipe that’s elegant in its simplicity.
If I could eat just one dinner for the rest of my life, this might be it: a skillet of creamy Tuscan chicken! What is it that makes it so satisfying? Maybe it’s the dreamy sauce of sun dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. Or maybe it’s the savory flavor from the perfectly seasoned, juicy pan seared chicken breast.
This method for cooking fish seems like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it’s so simple to make. The aroma wafting from the oven will have you salivating before the food even reaches your plate! Each bite of fish is tender and topped with a crunchy, Parmesan pistachio topping.
Here's a creamy pasta perfect for Valentine's Day dinner: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta! There’s a wow-factor to this pasta, which comes together in just 30 minutes. Earthy, fruity sundried tomatoes lend a meaty quality to this easy vegetarian dish, which is bathed in a Parmesan cream sauce.
If there’s one recipe that’s a sure hit in my house, it’s creamy chicken skillets. This one is a family favorite: try this creamy lemon garlic chicken! The chicken is coated in spices and pan fried until tender and juicy, then topped with a quick pan sauce made with lemon, garlic and a little cream.
One of my more elegant Valentine’s Day dinner ideas is this Parmesan black truffle risotto! A seemingly gourmet dish, this Parmesan truffle risotto recipe is pretty simple to put together, and the black truffle flavor is fantastic. Also try my Mushroom Risotto.
Scallops have a beautiful, mild sweet flavor: and I love them with a seared crispy outside bathed in this Lemon Herb Sauce. It takes a little know how to get that golden brown crust without under cooking or overcooking them. But once you know a few secrets, it’s they take only 5 minutes to cook! Also try my Scallop Pasta with Lemon & Herbs.
This impressive pasta hails from Sicily and like any classic Italian dish, it’s all about elegant simplicity. Sauteed eggplant tastes savory and meaty against a tangy tomato sauce, al dente pasta and salty ricotta salata cheese.
This pot pie has become one of my favorite recipes: the flaky crust is scented with sage, and the inside is pure creamy, savory goodness with sweet potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and white beans. Also try my favorite Vegan Pot Pie which is just as tasty.
This creamy vodka sauce is simmered with garlic and basil, served over rigatoni with lots of Parmesan. It's so full of flavor, it’s worth every second of the 1 hour simmer time. What says "I love you” more than slow simmered pasta? Serve with my Favorite Chopped Salad or Italian Salad.
This Italian classic dish is hearty, filling, and pleases just about everyone. Most restaurants use fried eggplant, but my homemade version is baked which is much simpler. This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is faster and easier to make at home than most recipes and full of big flavor.
Chilean sea bass is one of the most expensive fish dishes on a restaurant menu: tender fillet has a succulent, buttery texture that tastes glamorous. If you’re lucky enough to score yourself a fillet or two, here’s the recipe for them. Lightly season and pan fry the fillets until the exterior is golden and crisp, then season with garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs.
There’s just something about silky caramelized onions topped golden, crusty cheese! This French onion soup is classic French cooking at its finest: it's a bit of a project, but worth every minute of it for an elegant Valentine's Day dinner. Perfect for a date night in!
This Italian-style dish stars tender shrimp that swim in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce. “Fra diavolo” translates to “brother devil” in Italian, alluding to the intense heat of this dish. But make it homemade and you can customize the spiciness to your taste!
I love using Valentine's Day as an excuse to make a fancy paella! This stunning one pan dinner is made for celebrations! This traditional Spanish rice dish has thousands of variations. but it’s always rice with an explosion of colorful toppings. Pair with red sangria or apple sangria.
Gooey white cheddar mac and cheese is like a huge hug! It’s cozy and comforting, and with tangy red roasted tomatoes, it’s a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner idea! It’s on the rich side, so serve with a refreshing green salad.
This recipe is classic: juicy, savory shrimp and al dente pasta swimming in a creamy sauce. For the sauce, you can try my white wine sauce, bursting with tangy flavor, or my easy cream sauce, a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s made with no cream at all.
Ever tried making meatballs with eggplant? I'd been hearing for years that eggplant makes great vegetarian meatballs, but I didn’t really believe it until I tried it! Garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese make one deliciously juicy and savory meatball.
What’s more Valentine’s Day appropriate than hot pink hummus? This is the perfect appetizer to a cozy dinner. Adding a roasted beet to hummus makes it stunning to look at: and tasty too.
Cherries are perfect for Valentine's Day dinner, and here's a great appetizer idea: cherry and goat cheese crostini! Sauté tart cherries with a bit of sage and balsamic vinegar, then spoon them over a goat cheese crostini. They're a simple and delicious starter to pair with the main dishes above!
Here's a perfect salad for Valentine's Day dinner: shaved Brussels sprout salad! This one is a study in texture contrasts: the feathery shaved Brussels, the pop of the Pomegranate seeds, and the bright crunch of the apple. It’s vibrant and colorful, covered in a lightly sweet vinaigrette.
Here's an easy salad to make any Valentine's Day dinner recipe into a meal. It’s quite possibly the easiest salad you’ll make. You don’t even have to make a salad dressing! In 5 to 10 minutes, you’ve got an elegant salad that goes with almost any meal!
Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens. Add tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles, and it’s a celebration of flavor. Pick from a few different dressing choices: my favorites are apple cider vinegar dressing or pomegranate vinaigrette.
Beets are perfect for Valentine's Day dinner with their bright pink color. Try them in this Beet Salad recipe! Make it with roasted beets or even pre-cooked from the store: and man is it good. It has all the right elements: baby greens, creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic beet dressing.
If I could eat one salad for the rest of time, this one is it. Crisp tart apple slices pair with pops of pomegranate seeds, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy, cinnamon spiced pecans. Toss them all over fresh greens with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing.
Here’s a bright, beautiful salad recipe that works in almost any season: this refreshing Grapefruit Salad! It pairs the juicy citrus fruit with nutty toasted almonds, salty feta cheese and a zingy poppy seed dressing. Give it a taste and the delicate, zingy, and creamy textures and flavors complement each other perfectly!
Here's a fun salad for Valentine's Day dinner: try this Endive Salad! Bitter endive pairs perfectly with juicy orange and a sweet tart red wine vinaigrette. Top it off with savory Parmesan shavings and crunchy almonds, and the contrasts are divine. Each bite is crunchy, sweet, savory and citrusy.
When it comes to quick and elegant side dishes, this is one of my favorites: sauteed broccolini! The long stems of this green veggie make it look fancy, but here’s a secret. You can cook it up in just 5 minutes in a hot skillet. Add a bit of garlic and lemon. Also try my Simple Roasted Broccolini.
Here’s a simple way to dress up fresh green beans as a gourmet side: Green Beans Almondine! The beans are bright green and perfectly tender, sautéed in butter with garlic and toasted almonds and finished with a little lemon zest.
These Brussels sprouts are a fantastic Valentine's Day side dish: impossibly crispy, baked until they’re caramelized and the outside layers flake off into darkened crunchy chips. Then they’re draped in a tangy maple balsamic glaze that heightens the flavors to their peak.
Why not have some romantic Valentine's Day cocktails to go with the dinner ideas? Try this sweet tart red cocktail: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is stunning and full of bright berry flavor. From first sip, the sweet tart, lightly floral flavor of raspberry is beautifully pure, thanks to homemade raspberry syrup.
Here's a beautifully bright brilliant pink Valentine's Day drink: yes, it’s a Cosmo! A Cosmopolitan cocktail, to be exact. This classic cocktail is ready to spice up your next Valentine's Day gathering or Galentine's Day menu!
The chocolate martini is rich and creamy, basically a dessert in a glass! It’s got Irish cream and creme de cacao for maximum flavor, like the liquid version of your favorite chocolate bar. Mix this up for Valentine’s Day or any romantic dinner.
Here’s one of the most sophisticated and refreshing cocktails out there, and perfect for Valentine's Day dinner: try the French 75! It’s got a mysterious name, but it’s made with a few simple ingredients. It’s tangy, bubbly, and a bit botanical, and it makes every dinner more festive!
The Gin Fizz is one of my favorite classic cocktails: sweet tart and refreshing, with a festive egg white foam. Take it over the top with this pomegranate spin: it elevates the sweet tart flavor and gives the drink a brilliant jewel-toned color.
Looking for a decadent Valentine's Day dinner treat? Try this chocolate mousse recipe: rich, smooth, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home! Here's how to make a smooth, creamy, and rich chocolate mousse.
This iconic Valentine's Day dessert is the definition of decadence: Molten Chocolate Lava Cake! It gets its name from its liquid “lava” center, which flows like a volcano when you dig into it with a fork. Turns out, it’s not as tricky to make as you think!
This genius method for going from 0 to cake in just a few minutes is absolutely worth a try. This chocolate mug cake recipe comes out insanely fudgy and 100% delicious! It’s got a secret ingredient that makes a delightfully rich flavor. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool until you can dig in!
How about pulling some warm chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven for Valentine's Day dinner? Outrageously good is the only way to describe these cookies! They’re chewy with crispy edges, sweet with just the right nutty intrigue in the flavor, and studded with dark chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
What's better than ending a Valentine's Day dinner with flourless chocolate cake? Rich and fudgy, dense and dark chocolaty, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. Top it with this easy raspberry compote for a sweet tart pairing that cuts the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Everyone loves a good chocolate cookie. But here’s something we think is even better: these soft, gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! They’ve got an irresistibly chewy texture, featuring a luxurious dough with loads of dark chocolate chips. A bit of oatmeal gives it a nostalgic heartiness, and the edges get perfectly golden.
Cherries seem like Valentine's Day food to us, probably because of the color. So try this cherry crisp with sweet tart, juicy red fruit covered in cinnamon-spiced butter crumbles. I also like to add a hint of ground cardamom for some intrigue.
Last up: one of my very favorite ways to end a Valentine’s Day dinner bananas foster! If you like playing with fire, this one’s for you. My recipe is easy with instructions on how to flambé and get that dramatic flame! It tastes truly incredible. Grab two spoons for your skillet and dig in!
Tips for Valentine’s Day Dinner Success
Over a decade of cooking Valentine’s Day dinners, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the evening flow smoothly.
- Do as much prep work as possible as early as possible! Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and even set the table so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to cook.
- Choose recipes with different cooking methods: If your main dish requires the oven, pick a stovetop side dish so you’re not fighting for space.
- Don’t stress about perfection! The goal is to enjoy the process, not to create restaurant-worthy food!
For drinks, I always recommend having something special ready to pour when you start cooking. I love all my Valentine’s Day cocktail ideas, but a bottle of champagne is probably easiest if you’re cooking a full meal.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/E2ZkMjR
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