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53 Cozy Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes for an Intimate Evening In
Skip the crowds and celebrate with a special meal.
They say the way to a person's heart is through their stomach, and we 100% agree with that sentiment! And a homemade meal is often far more romantic than what the fanciest restaurant has to offer even if you're not the greatest cook. So don't fret if you think your skills in the kitchen are lacking—with these recipes, your special someone might think you've gone to cooking school in your free time.
That's because we made these Valentine's Day dinner ideas accessible and easy to make. One of the keys is to use quality ingredients: When you have a nice cut of steak, a fresh piece of fish, or a farm fresh chicken, then you don't need to do much to it to let the quality shine through. So the meal will taste excellent, and you'll get all the credit!
You can also dazzle your love with a little mood setting decor. Put up a few Valentine's day decorations. Scatter lit candles around and turn the overhead lights down low. And don't forget to turn on some romantic love songs. And if you're so inclined consider splurging on a Valentine's Day gift.
Of course, a Valentine's Day dinner is not complete without the perfect romantic dessert. Choose a special chocolate treat or, if you need to keep the oven free for the main dish, go with an easy no-bake dessert. Don't forget to toast the night with a special pink drink or Valentine's Day cocktail. Love is in the air!
Marry Me Chicken
Will it cause your partner to declare their undying love and/or immediately drop to one knee and propose? Who can say? But one thing is for sure: if you make this dish, they'll definitely feel well-cared for.
Lasagna Soup
Want all the flavors of lasagna without the work, then give this Lasagna Soup a whirl. Your special someone will be so happy that you made them something, well, special.
Get the recipe for Lasagna Soup.
Creamy Shells with Sausage and Chestnuts
This version of a classic Italian dish serves up two favorites—sweet Italian sausage and a cream sauce. Roasted chestnuts make it extra elegant. Just what you want to eat on Valentine's Day.
Get the recipe for Creamy Shells with Sausage and Chestnuts.
Shrimp Gumbo
This dish may take a little time to put together but it can be made a day ahead—just don't add and cook the shrimp until the day of. Getting ahead will leave you more time to sip wine by the fire!
Get the recipe for Shrimp Gumbo.
Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Ravioli
If you want to go the extra mile you can make fresh pasta for this decadent dish. Or use store-bought pasta sheets and use that extra time to snuggle up with your boo on the couch.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Ravioli.
Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta
Two special ingredients go into making this sophisticated, yet simple, pasta dish: asparagus and shrimp. It's so elegant and comes together in no time.
Get the recipe for Shrimp and Asparagus Pasta.
Leek-and-Chestnut Soup
There is something about creamy soups that always seems so fancy. This one made with sweet leeks and hearty chestnuts makes a perfect light Valentine's dinner when served with a crusty piece of baguette.
Get the recipe for Leek-and-Chestnut Soup.
Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken and Cabbage
This one dish meal combines sweet and sour flavors melded with buttery roasted cabbage and rich chicken legs.
Get the recipe for Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken and Cabbage.
Cream of Asparagus Soup with Parmesan Croutons
A soup made from a special ingredient, asparagus, and with the added bonus of a crunchy crouton is more than memorable enough for a romantic dinner.
Get the recipe for Asparagus Soup with Parmesan Croutons.
Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Scallops
If seafood is your love language, these pan-seared scallops will turn your eyes into big red hearts.
Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Bacon-Pepita Crunch
Using a fresh pumpkin (vs canned) to make this soup will show your special someone that you are willing to go the extra mile for them. The Bacon-Pepita Crunch is just the icing on the cake!
Get the recipe for Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Bacon-Pepita Crunch.
Pasta Carbonara
This dish is incredibly rich and filling. We love it as a simple but romantic dinner-for-two with a glass of red wine.
Coconut Curry Chicken
Looking for an elegant, easy, and delicious dinner to treat someone special? This rich homemade curry is about as delicious as it gets.
Truffled Risotto with Mushrooms and Parmesan
Though it has a reputation for being fussy, risotto is actually pretty easy to make. It just takes a little bit of stirring. (We like to do it with a glass of wine in one hand, and some good music on.)
Get the recipe for Truffled Risotto with Mushrooms and Parmesan.
Filet Mignon with Duck Fat Potatoes
Steak and potatoes gets some very serious, very delicious upgrades in this dinner fit for royalty.
Oysters Rockefeller
Though they're often served as an appetizer or even h'ors d'oeuvre, we think they make an absolutely decadent romantic dinner for two, as well as a lighter main dish for four (served with a side salad, for instance).
Serve them with a glass of Champagne, and you have a meal that's sure to impress!
Easy, Delicious Chicken Parmesan
A couple glasses of a good red wine, and a bubbling dish of this coming out of the oven? You've just made someone special very happy.
Linguine with Clam Sauce
If you love seafood but have been reluctant to cook it at home, this is a great starter dish. It makes an excellent date-night meal, and the cooking will infuse your kitchen with an alluring ocean-like scent!
Steak au Poivre
This French bistro dish is as tasty as it is simple: a very good cut of steak, crusted in cracked peppercorns and cooked perfectly, then doused in a rich pan sauce made from brandy and heavy cream.
Baked Halibut with Snap Pea Gremolata
If you're looking to eat a fancy seafood dinner, halibut is a first-rate choice. Like other quality ingredients—steak, or lobster—you get what you pay for. And when you get the good stuff, it doesn't need a whole lot to make it taste great.
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