Whether we're celebrating Valentine's Day, or a weekly date night, we love to do it with one of these homemade romantic dinners for two.
Making a meal from scratch is an easy and sweet way to let your special someone know just how special they are. And the truth is, it doesn't need to be that much work! Some of these recipes will burble happily on the stove while you decorate the table, light some candles, and put on a little mood music. Others can be tossed together in as little as ten minutes — but all of them are tasty enough that you'd easily find them at a white-linen tablecloth restaurant.
Pair the meal with one of our romantic desserts to make it extra special!
1
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.
Get the recipe for Marry Me Chicken.
2
Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Scallops
If seafood is your love language, these pan-seared scallops will turn your eyes into big red hearts.
Get the recipe for Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Scallops.
3
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.
Get the recipe for Pasta Carbonara.
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4
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.
Get the recipe for Coconut Curry Chicken.
5
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.
Steak and potatoes gets some very serious, very delicious upgrades in this dinner fit for royalty.
Get the recipe for Filet Mignon with Duck Fat Potatoes.
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7
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).
Get the recipe for Oysters Rockefeller.
8
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!
Get the recipe for Linguine with Clam Sauce.
9
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.
Get the recipe for Steak au Poivre.
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10
Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons
When a light dinner is just what you're looking for, this flavorful shrimp salad is just the thing. Serve it with a glass of white wine and biscuits for an elegant dinner for two.
Get the recipe for Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons.
There's something wonderfully fun and intimate about fondue for two. Break out your vintage fondue set and enjoy a snacky array of fruit and bread dipped in a tasty cider cheese sauce! We do recommend cutting the recipe back at least by half, if you're just serving two!
Get the recipe for Apple Cider Fondue.
12
Beef Stroganoff
This comfort-food stew is rich and tasty — but also surprisingly easy to make. If you want to make a romantic dinner that's also hearty, give it a whirl.
Get the recipe for Beef Stroganoff.
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13
Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta
If you're looking for a fast, veggie-forward pasta dish that doesn't involve red sauce, then look no further.
Get the recipe for Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta.
14
Baked Halibut with Gremolata
If you're looking to eat a fancy seafood dinner, halibut is a first-rate choice. Like other quality ingredients—steak, or lobster—it doesn't need a whole lot to make it taste great.
Get the recipe for Baked Halibut with Gremolata.
15
Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey-Mustard Sauce
This upgrade on basic baked chicken is an absolute must-try. Finely chopped pecans add rich, nutty flavor that will surprise and delight.
Get the recipe for Pecan-Crusted Chicken.
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16
Chicken Parmesan
Crispy, cheesy, and comforting, chicken Parmesan is a classic restaurant dish. But it's sneakily easy to make at home.
Get the recipe for Chicken Parmesan.
17
Zucchini Galette
This rustic savory pie has a light, flaky crust filled with sweet summer squash and a rich melange of olives, cheese, and sautéed onions. It's ideal with a glass of wine and a side salad.
Get the recipe for Zucchini Galette.
18
Cajun Coq au Vin
Got a partner who really loves French cooking, and Cajun cuisine? Give them a taste of this rich, delicious stew!
Get the recipe for Cajun Coq au Vin.
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19
Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach
Served with a glass of wine and this 10-minute meal is a fancy dinner for two that tastes like it took a lot more work than it actually did.
Get the recipe for Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach.
20
Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes
Pan seared chops, crispy and tender, are especially delicious with tender roasted radishes and a quick, delicious pan sauce.
Get the recipe for Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes.
Whether you're staying in for a romantic night or going to a restaurant, you'll want to set the mood. For dinner at home, set some mood lighting and candles out. At a restaurant, you can ask the staff to deck out your table with décor, candles, and more.
Decide on your romantic dinner menu.Keep it simple, but don't forget the appetizers or dessert.Plan on serving foods that your spouse likes. This isn't a time to experiment with a new recipe or discover a food allergy.
From 2015–2019, the results moved in a narrow range from a low of 43% who reported sitting down together every day in 2016 to a high of 48% in 2018. But in 2020 the daily response jumped to 54%. Another 18% reported gathering for meals a few times a week. Only 3% said their family never ate dinner together.
Plan a Date Night Surprise. It can be having a simple candlelit dinner waiting when they get home, but the fact that it's a surprise will make it special.
When planning a romantic dinner you should consider several factors: lighting, music, decor, and of course, the food and drinks. Candles and soft music are a great way to set the mood for romance. Select unscented candles or neutral-scented candles that won't interfere with the flavors of the food you intend to serve.
Stick with something simple and classic, like our linguine with clams, our Greek salmon, or our chicken Alfredo, or make a night out of cooking something more involved together. No matter the outcome, if you put some love into it, your meal will come out delicious and memorable.
Fancy, restaurant-quality surf and turf is super easy to make with fresh lobster tail and tender rib-eye steak with a delicious garlic butter sauce. One of my favorite romantic dinner ideas. Easy chicken parmesan (parmigiana) with crispy breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
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