75 Romantic Valentine's Dinners That'll Convince Anyone You Didn't Just Forget To Reserve A Table

chicken in a creamy sundried tomato sauce
75 Romantic Valentine's Dinner Ideas PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Whether you just hate crowds, missed the boat on a reservation, or simply want to show off your cooking skills, these romantic dinner recipes practically shout, "I love you." Pinky promise, it's never been easier to impress with our special chicken, steak, seafood, or pasta dinners for a cozy night in this Valentine's Day. All these recipes are a step above usual weeknight fare without being too complex or time-consuming, so you can instead put all your energy into making sure your sweetheart feels extra loved. This Valentine’s Day, get inspired to cook something spectacular at home with this list of our 75 best romantic dinners. They're certainly a recipe for romance, that's for sure. 😉

But what if you're not a chef? Don’t worry, we got you. Everyone loves being cooked for, and remember, it’s the thought that counts! Stick with something simple and classic, like our marry me shrimp pasta, our chicken Alfredo, or our monster meatballs, or make a night out of cooking something more involved together. Our recommendations? Our Mediterranean pizza, our Boston roll, or our lobster risotto. No matter the outcome, if you put some love into it, your meal will come out delicious and memorable.

Hoping to give your boo that nice steakhouse experience but without the sit-down meal upcharge? Check out our cowboy butter steak, our steak & potato skillet, and our reverse sear steak. They only look difficult to pull off at home.

Craving comfort food? V-Day is smack dab in the middle of winter, after all. Try our million-dollar mac & cheese, our chicken cacciatore, or our coconut curry chicken meatballs. They’re sure to warm your bones (and your heart!).

Got a vegetarian or vegan sweetie? They’ll be so impressed at how thoughtful you are when you serve them something like our mushroom piccata pasta, our polenta with wild mushroom ragú, or our creamy Tuscan vegan pasta. These dishes are also a little lighter than your average fare, meaning you can really go all out for dessert. 😍

Want more ideas for impressing your beloved this Valentine’s Day? Try serving a fun cocktail or the perfect bottle of wine with your meal—check out our guides to both reds and whites. And don’t forget about snacks and apps to keep your bae busy while you cook too.


Monster Meatballs

Meatballs will forever be one of our favorite foods, but even we'll admit that forming a million of them can be tedious. Enter: monster meatballs. This recipe only makes 4 giant ones, perfect for sharing with your sweetie over a plate of spaghetti.

Get the Monster Meatballs recipe.

large meatballs covered in red sauce
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON


Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Marry Me shrimp pasta features a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce loaded with shrimp, tender spinach, and fragrant herbs, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. Taking inspiration from our beloved Marry Me chicken, this is the pescatarian spin on the classic that’s both indulgent and easy to make.

Get the Marry Me Shrimp Pasta recipe.

rigatoni tossed in a creamy sauce with shrimp
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Cowboy Butter Steak

Not to be confused with our equally delicious cowboy steak, this recipe calls for searing a bone-in ribeye, then basting it with a zesty, smoky butter until the outside has a perfectly brown crust, and the inside is tender and medium-rare. Slather each piece with even more cowboy butter for an wildly rich and decadent dinner main.

Get the Cowboy Butter Steak recipe.

juicy ribeye steak basted and served with zesty spicy butter
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE


Lobster Risotto

Here, a simple combination of fresh aromatics, white wine, and seafood stock transforms humble Italian rice grains into the dreamy, cheesy, luscious rice porridge that we’ve all come to love. Adding fresh, faintly sweet lobster meat is all that’s needed to take your risotto over the top.

Get the Lobster Risotto recipe.

lobster risotto
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS


Mozzarella Schnitzel

Like chicken and pork schnitzel before it, mozzarella schnitzel is crispy (thanks to a golden breadcrumb crust), and pairs perfectly with a mustard sauce as a special occasion dinner main. Your date will FLIP over that cheese pull.

Get the Mozzarella Schnitzel recipe.

mozzarella schnitzel with mustard cream sauce and lemon
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Mussels With Tomatoes & Garlic

No vacation this year? No worries—this dish will transport you straight to the Mediterranean seaside. In just 45 minutes, you'll have a date night or dinner party-worthy seafood dinner that will impress everyone you serve it to.

Get the Mussels With Tomatoes & Garlic recipe.

mussels in a pot with tomatoes and garlic
PHOTO: BRYAN GARDNER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Homemade Pizza

Nothing beats a fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza, and once you see how easy it is to make for yourself, you'll never order delivery again. Switch up the toppings and add your favorites to make it your own. Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, pineapple? You can have it all! We can't get enough of bacon pickle pizza, personally.

Get the Homemade Pizza recipe.

homemade pizza
PARKER FEIERBACH


Spaghetti All'Assassina

This one-pot pasta is the ultimate hot dinner. The spaghetti is cooked in a spicy tomato broth in a style similar to risotto and charred in the pan as the broth gets absorbed. And when we say charred, we mean burnt. Trust us, the rich tomato, burned starch, and spicy mess of it all is absolutely delicious.

Get the Spaghetti All'Assassina recipe.

spaghetti all'assassina
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING BARRETT WASHBURNE


Shrimp Scampi

Lemon, garlic, and butter is a hard flavor combo to beat, and they really shine in homemade shrimp scampi. Relying on a handful of basic pantry ingredients, this is quick and delicious on its own, but it can also be tossed with pasta and dressed up as a special occasion main. No matter how you serve it, it always satisfies.

Get the Shrimp Scampi recipe.

shrimp scampi tossed with breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Scallion Pancake Quesadilla

Scallion pancakes are the flaky, crispy part of a good dim sum spread that can make you fall in love and lose track of time. But when you stuff those same pancakes with gooey cheese and savory sautéed mushrooms to make scallion pancake quesadillas? Be prepared for your newest dinner (or late-night snack) obsession.

Get the Scallion Pancake Quesadilla recipe.

flaky scallion pancakes are fried to golden brown perfection then transformed into quesadillas stuffed with melty mozzarella and umami packed spiced mushrooms and paired with a tangy soy scallion dipping sauce
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE


Chicken Cacciatore

Rooted in Italian tradition, chicken cacciatore—meaning “hunter-style”—was originally a rustic dish made with whatever was on hand. Our modern take keeps that comforting vibe but makes it foolproof for any home cook. Serve it with crusty garlic bread, creamy mashed potatoes, or polenta for a comforting meal for a night in with your love.

Get the Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

chicken in a tomato sauce over polenta
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLIN: BROOK


Creamy Garlicky Alfredo Ditalini

Nothing invigorates more than the words pasta, creamy, and garlic, so we created a ditalini dinner that’s a little smoky, crispy, and cheesy too. Toasting the ditalini similar to how you would when making risotto gives this dish a slight toasty edge that takes it into special occasion territory.

Get the Creamy Garlicky Alfredo Ditalini recipe.

creamy garlicky alfredo ditalini
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Reverse Sear Steak

Reverse searing, so-called because it starts by cooking the steak in the oven low-and-slow and finishes it over high heat in the pan (literally the "reverse" of a typical pan-sear process), promises a beautiful, evenly-cooked result with a gorgeously browned crust that will likely be the best steak of your life.

Get the Reverse Sear Steak recipe.

reverse sear steak in a cast iron skillet with garlic and thyme
PHOTO: MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER


Penne Alla Vodka

Ready in around 30 minutes, this penne alla vodka is one of our go-to pasta dinners when we're looking for an easy-to-make recipe that delivers. Making homemade pasta sauce does require a bit more effort than picking up that trusty jar, but trust us—with this vodka sauce, it makes all the difference.

Get the Penne Alla Vodka recipe.

penne tossed in vodka sauce topped with parmesan and basil
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON


Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese

What do you get when you take mac & cheese on a shopping spree to the fanciest cheese shop you know and shower it with gold leaf? Million-dollar mac. Showcasing a trifecta of bougie (and delicious) cheeses and a crispy crunchy panko topping, this irresistible comfort food in a casserole will take center stage this Valentine's.

Get the Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese recipe.

million dollar mac and cheese topped with panko and gold leaf on a plate with a fork
JULIA GARTLAND


Indian Butter Chickpeas

Looking for your new favorite way to dress up canned chickpeas? You’re in the right place. Simmered in an aromatic tomato gravy, this vegetarian spin on classic butter chicken will forever change the way you look at a can of beans.

Get the Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe.

indian butter chickpeas and rice in a bowl with pita
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Brie Spaghetti

Nutty, buttery brie is one of our favorite cheeses because it’s approachable yet fancy, and it goes with a wide variety of other flavors. We used it here to make a simple yet impressive pasta dish that's perfect for Valentine's.

Get the Brie Spaghetti recipe.

brie spaghetti
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE


Mediterranean Pizza

Classic pizza dough and sauce are swapped out for alternatives (including an infused oil) to create a lighter pie perfect for spring. Topped with plenty of Mediterranean-inspired veggies, marinated olives, and crumbled feta, this flavor-packed pizza is worthy of any warm weather dinner or pre-party appetizer.

Get the Mediterranean Pizza recipe.

skillet pizza topped with olives, artichokes, tomatoes, feta, and onions
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON


Steak With Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce

Steak will always say “I love you,” but if you want to really jazz it up this Valentine’s Day, make this 12-ounce strip with a creamy bourbon garlic sauce. Seared until deeply browned, basted in garlicky butter, and served with a dreamy pan gravy, this steak is the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion dinner.

Get the Steak With Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe.

sliced steak with bourbon garlic cream sauce on a white plate
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Grilled Lobster Tails

Skip the fancy restaurant this Valentine's Day—make these buttery grilled lobster tails right at home. Ready in just 30 (!) minutes, this grilled classic—paired with an irresistible garlic herb butter—is guaranteed to win the heart of whoever you're serving it to.

Get the Grilled Lobster Tails recipe.

lobster tails grilled and brushed with herb butter
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Italian Meatloaf

As Italian-American food enthusiasts, we had strong feelings about developing Italian meatloaf. There are many variations of what this Italian-American version consists of, but ours shares history with the meatball: it's tender, cheesy, garlic-forward, and rich with tomato umami.

Get the Italian Meatloaf recipe.

italian meatloaf
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON


Lobster Ravioli

For this version of lobster ravioli, we used wonton wrappers instead of pasta dough. If you want actual pasta-encased lobster ravioli, then our pasta dough is great; otherwise, we promise you’re going to make these over and over again.

Get the Lobster Ravioli recipe.

lobster ravioli
PHOTO; ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLIST; FRANCESCA ZANI


Ribeye Steak

Rich, juicy and extra-flavorful, ribeye is a great choice when you're looking for a homemade steak dinner to impress. Follow our tips & tricks for perfecting your ribeye right at home, and you just might have the most special date night-in yet.

Get the Ribeye Steak recipe.

ribeye steak
PHOTO: KATE JORDAN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Chili Crisp Fried Tofu

Chili crisp is the MVP in the flavor bomb pantry, and it’s back to prove it again with this chili crisp fried tofu. Featuring a vibrant spicy-sweet sauce made with just four pantry ingredients, this crispy fried tofu is waiting to spice up date night (literally!).

Get the Chili Crisp Fried Tofu recipe.

chili crisp fried tofu in a bowl on top of rice topped with scallions
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE


Marry Me Chicken

This simple chicken is one of our most romantic recipes ever. If you (or your boo) is a sun-dried tomato hater (we feel you), use fresh ones instead. It won’t have as much of a tangy kick, but it’ll still be just as impressive.

Get the Marry Me Chicken recipe.

marry me chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS


Cacio E Pepe

Cacio e pepe literally translates to “cheese and pepper." These two ingredients are usually thought of as small components to a dish, but in this pasta recipe, they take center stage. The fruity bite of freshly ground pepper adds complexity, and is earthy, sweet, and spicy all at once.

Get the Cacio E Pepe recipe.

cacio e pepe topped with pepper and parmesan
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Tuscan Butter Scallops

We switched up our creamy Tuscan chicken—one of our most popular chicken dinners—by swapping out the chicken for buttery, delicate scallops and keeping the well-loved iconic flavors.

Get the Tuscan Butter Scallops recipe.

scallops in a creamy tuscan butter sauce
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM


Brown Sugar Salmon

When it comes to easy (just 15 minutes!) dinners, nothing is better than a simple piece of flaky, tender, savory-sweet brown sugar-glazed salmon. It takes 5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook, and cleanup is an absolute breeze (meaning you'll have lots of time for after-dinner drinks and desserts).

Get the Brown Sugar Salmon recipe.

tender, flaky broiled salmon glazed with a sweet, slightly tart glaze of brown sugar, dijon mustard, lime juice, fish sauce, and berbere spice
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER


Detroit-Style Pizza

If you’re the type to prefer deep-dish over thin crust pizza, let us introduce you to your new obsession—Detroit-style pizza. With a tender, airy crust (think focaccia), lots of crispy edges, tons of melty cheese, and savory pepperoni slices, there's a lot to love about this unconventional pizza.

Get the Detroit-Style Pizza recipe.

detroit style pizza
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: FRANCESCA ZANI


Creamy Steak Fettuccine

This steak dish comes together quickly and is so full of flavor. It makes us forget chicken fettuccine Alfredo ever existed. If you want the steak without the pasta, may we suggest Cajun butter steak?

Get the Creamy Steak Fettuccine recipe.

creamy steak fettuccine
PARKER FEIERBACH


Perfect Chicken Alfredo

Oh, chicken Alfredo: It's the classic pasta we just can't seem to get enough of. Of course there are tons of jarred pasta sauces you can buy, but making Alfredo sauce from scratch is actually so easy.

Get the Perfect Chicken Alfredo recipe.

perfect chicken alfredo
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS


Homemade Cavatelli

Nicknamed "mini hot dogs," this easy-to-shape fresh pasta will impress any dinner guest. It's perfect for beginner pasta makers too because your hands, not any fancy equipment, do all the shaping.

Get the Homemade Cavatelli recipe.

homemade cavatelli
Andrew bui


Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta

Far too often, we've tried vegan sauces that just don’t quite get the creaminess down right, so we decided to solve this problem outright with this instant classic: creamy Tuscan vegan pasta. This recipe takes a note from our classic creamy Tuscan chicken, but made vegan-friendly while still maintaining the creaminess you know and love.

Get the Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta recipe.

rigatoni tossed in a creamy vegan tuscan sauce with spinach and sundried tomatoes
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Smash Burger Tacos

Don't make your date choose between burger night or taco night—instead make them these fully loaded smash burger tacos! They're the ultimate comfort food hybrid with a crispy, juicy, thin beef patty, melty American cheese, and all the classic burger fixings loaded onto a toasted flour tortilla.

Get the Smash Burger Tacos recipe.

the ultimate comfort food hybrid with a crispy, juicy, thin beef patty, melty american cheese, and all the classic burger fixings loaded onto a toasted flour tortilla
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE


Marry Me Tofu

Because tofu is so versatile, why not give this plant-based protein a romantic spin, à la our marry me chicken? Pairing our signature creamy, garlicky sauce with crispy tofu was every bit as good as we knew it would be.

Get the Marry Me Tofu recipe.

cubes of tofu in a creamy marry me sauce
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


French Onion Mac & Cheese

TikTok may be obsessed with French onion pasta, but we added a special Delish twist: French onion mac & cheese. The comfort food classic gets a grown-up upgrade from Gruyère and caramelized onions in this recipe, lending that rich French onion flavor you know and love to extra-cheesy mac & cheese.

Get the French Onion Mac & Cheese recipe.

mac and cheese with caramelized onions and thyme in ramekins
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE


Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken

Chicken breasts can be a snooze fest, but this maple pecan-crusted chicken is sure to break you out of the boring dinner blues. Cutlets are tossed in a punchy and herby maple-mustard sauce, then topped with chopped pecans and baked to juicy, crunchy perfection in this fun, but easy dinner.

Get the Maple Pecan Crusted Chicken recipe.

chicken cutlets are tossed in a punchy and herby maple mustard sauce, then topped with chopped pecans and baked to juicy, crunchy perfection
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON


Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs

This easy dinner combines ginger-garlic meatballs and a spicy red curry coconut milk sauce to create a flavorful dish that's both comforting and packed with bold, aromatic spices. The curry paste does double duty too, so this delicious dinner is deceptively simple.

Get the Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs recipe.

ginger, garlic, and scallion meatballs and a spicy red curry coconut sauce
PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Marry Me Pasta

The sauce here is based after our beloved marry me chicken—it's possible that we might love it even MORE on pasta. We can almost guarantee that if you make it, someone will fall for you, so be careful whom you choose to share this meal with!

Get the Marry Me Pasta recipe.

marry me pasta
PHOTO: DOAA ELKADY, FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is one of life's greatest comfort foods. It's creamy, cheesy, carb-y, and super super flavorful. I especially love this version because the shrimp not only adds extra flavor, but some lean protein to boot.

Get the Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe.

fettuccine alfredo with shrimp
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER


Caprese Stuffed Chicken

A Caprese salad is great, but sometimes we crave those flavors (and something a little more hearty) in the dead of winter. The solution? Stuff sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and spinach into chicken breasts for an Italian-inspired meal you can enjoy year-round.

Get the Caprese Stuffed Chicken recipe.

chicken breasts sliced and stuffed with mozzarella cheese, sun dried tomatoes and spinach
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE


Marry Me Meatballs

For this creamy meatball recipe, we combined ground chicken and pork with garlic, fresh thyme, and grated Parmesan, seared them in sun-dried tomato oil, then tossed them in a garlicky, sun-dried tomato-studded cream sauce. It's romantic and cozy, perfect for a night in with your love.

Get the Marry Me Meatballs recipe.

ground chicken and pork with garlic, fresh thyme, and grated parmesan cheese, seared in sundried tomato oil, then tossed in a garlicky, sundried tomato studded cream sauce and topped with torn fresh basil
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON


Paella Verdura

This veggie-packed paella comes together in under an hour, and, even better, most of the cooking happens in the oven. Briefly returning the skillet to the stovetop after baking is the key to achieving a crispy rice crust on the bottom, often referred to as socarrat (meaning “burnt” in Catalan).

Get the Paella Verdura recipe.

paella verdura
Emily hlavac green


Greek Salmon

We love this meal because it comes with lots of veggies and is perfect over orzo or rice. If you want to earn extra points, serve the salmon over a bed of arugula salad or spinach.

Get the Greek Salmon recipe.

greek salmon with feta, tomatoes, lives, red onion, and cucumber
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Coconut Braised Cabbage

This recipe is a perfect example of how versatile cabbage can be. Big wedges of the veg are seared, then simmered along with chickpeas, in a savory and slightly spicy coconut milk broth. You’ll be amazed how this humble vegetable is transformed into something to brag about.

Get the Coconut Braised Cabbage recipe.

coconut braised cabbage with peppers and chickpeas in a skillet
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE


Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken

Tomato butter works wonders on a whole chicken. Not only does it keep the bird moist, but the healthy dose of tomato paste brings a slightly sweet, umami acidity, which chicken could often use.

Get the Tomato-Butter Roast Chicken recipe.

tomato butter roast chicken
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Cassoulet

Cassoulet, one of France’s most heralded and sublime dishes, is a formidable stew made of white beans, sausage, confit (usually duck), and pork. Put it at the top of your list of comfort foods to tackle this Valentine's Day to really show the love—you won’t regret it.

Get the Cassoulet recipe.

cassoulet
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Classic Paella

This Spanish dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing centerpiece for special occasions and parties, but honestly, this dish is enough reason to celebrate all on its own. With its beautiful and impactful presentation, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few tears are shed when you serve it.

Get the Classic Paella recipe.

paella with sausage, shrimp and lemon
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Polenta With Wild Mushroom Ragú

Make this showstopper with a custom blend of your favorite funghi! If wild mushrooms are not accessible, creminis or button mushrooms would also work perfectly. If serving for a dinner party or event, the ragú can be made up to three days in advance; just reheat gently on the stovetop while you make the polenta.

Get the Polenta With Wild Mushroom Ragú recipe.

polenta with wild mushroom ragu
Emily hlavac green


Grilled Steak Salad

This salad is simple enough for a weeknight but worthy of planning a get-together around, thanks to its star ingredient—ribeye steak. You’ll grill it (and red onions), then combine it with cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, basil, and a drizzle of tangy balsamic dressing, turning it into the kind of impressive-but-secretly-easy dish you’ll be making all the time.

Get the Grilled Steak Salad recipe.

grilled steak salad with avocado, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and red onions
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE


Linguine With Clams

When you want a bit of decadence and elegance at the dinner table, but don't have time to make a super-fancy meal, this your recipe. It's so simple, it can be thrown together in about 30 minutes. That wine sauce is perfection.

Get the Linguine With Clams recipe.

linguine with clams fresh herbs, lemon, and red pepper flakes
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken

If our creamy Tuscan chicken is a mainstay at your house, this recipe is going to be just the thing to shake up your date night. We paired quick-cooking chicken cutlets with a spicy-sweet coconut milk sauce that’s out-of-this-world tasty.

Get the One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken recipe.

one pan coconut lime chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Steak Diane

A little bit of Cognac makes this steak extra special. In our recipe, no torch is required, but the final flambé still adds flair!

Get the Steak Diane recipe.

three beef tenderloin steaks covered in creamy brown sauce and chopped parsley in a cast iron pan with a spoon sticking out of it
JOEL GOLDBERG


Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you’re looking for an easy pasta recipe that will make anyone fall in love with you, look no further. This creamy penne with sausage and sun-dried tomatoes could not be more delicious or easy. Go for hot Italian sausage here if you like things spicy!

Get the Creamy Penne With Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe.

creamy penne with sausage sundried tomatoes
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


French Onion Gnocchi Soup

Forget bread and croutons, we found an even more delicious way to enjoy French onion soup—by adding gnocchi! Marrying the French classic with the convenience of store-bought gnocchi means you can have the most comforting dinner on the table in just under an hour. It’s sure to warm you up on even the coldest of nights this Valentine's Day.

Get the French Onion Gnocchi Soup recipe.

french onion gnocchi soup
ERIK BERNSTEIN - Hearst Owned


Carbonara Pizza

If you can't get enough of Rome's famous spaghetti carbonara, then we have a sneaking suspicion you'll love this extra-cheesy pizza version. Keep it simple with a side of peppery arugula dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to cut the richness of the pie!

Get the Carbonara Pizza recipe.

carbonara pizza
PARKER FEIERBACH


Steak Au Poivre Soup

Steak au poivre is a French classic (not to be confused with similar steak Diane), typically made with filet mignon or sirloin steak covered in a creamy, peppery sauce. The sauce is downright drinkable and was made to be eaten with a spoon, so we thought—let’s soup-ify it!

Get the Steak Au Poivre Soup recipe.

steak au poivre soup
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS


Pesto Chicken

Ready in under an hour, this chicken breast recipe gets a flavorful upgrade with homemade pesto and melty cheese. This dish is extremely versatile with what’s in season, meaning you can keep it simple, or add extra veggies and sides to make it extra special.

Get the Pesto Chicken recipe.

pesto chicken
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS


Chicken Parm Pasta

Cooking everything here in one pan layers the flavors, building a complex, delicious dish by the end. With a recipe this flexible, any sauce you like will do just fine, as long as you jazz it up with our recommendations, like the addition of slightly spicy, Italian-seasoned everything bagel seasoning on top.

Get the Chicken Parm Pasta recipe.

chicken parmesan pasta
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Mushroom, Spinach & Gruyere-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This ultra-stuffed mushroom, spinach, and Gruyère pork tenderloin is already jam-packed with vegetables, so we suggest pairing it with a carb-y side like our jeweled saffron rice or our best mashed potatoes.

Get the Mushroom, Spinach & Gruyere-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe.

mushroom spinach and gruyere stuffed pork tenderloin
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Ricotta Gnudi

Making gnudi, or Italian ricotta dumplings, only sounds fancy—just like their cousin, gnocchi, they're actually so easy to make. Where gnocchi is made with potato, gnudi is made with ricotta, which makes them even more tender, light, and plump. Yum!

Get the Ricotta Gnudi recipe.

ricotta gnudi
ANDREW BUI


Miso Bolognese

Miso may sound intimidating at first, but trust us, you’re going to love how it elevates this Bolognese sauce to new heights. The strong flavors of miso alongside coconut milk and sherry wine melt right into the fettuccine, creating something both new and exciting and familiar.

Get the Miso Bolognese recipe.

closeup of miso bolognese
Joel goldberg


Chicken Marbella

A nostalgic classic for many, chicken Marbella is briny, piquant, and incredibly flavorful. The chicken is tenderized (and flavored by) a marinade dotted with prunes, olives, capers, and herbs. Serve atop rice, potatoes, or even egg noodles. No matter what you serve it with, this classic dish is sure to impress.

Get the Chicken Marbella recipe.

chicken marbella
Emily Hlavac Green


Salmon & Potato Skillet

While the potatoes here cook, the salmon takes a quick bath in an easy marinade that doubles as cooking fat in this simple dish. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and filling meal that'll give you energy for whatever the rest of your night entails.

Get the Salmon & Potato Skillet recipe.

salmon potato one skillet meal with herbed yogurt sauce
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Linguine

Though you totally could roast your own peppers for this dish, we actually preferred the jarred version while testing this recipe. The store-bought variety tends to be more tender, which makes for a smoother, more velvety sauce. Creamy, smoky, and spicy, this comforting shrimp pasta is low effort, high reward.

Get the Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Linguine recipe.

roasted red pepper shrimp linguine
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE


Orange Chicken

If you (or your boo) just can't get enough of the classic Panda Express dish, our copycat recipe is a game-changer. Serve over rice (and maybe with some crab rangoons if you're feeling extra fancy) for a stay-at-home meal to impress even the biggest Panda lover in your life.

Get the Orange Chicken recipe.

orange chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS


Steak Au Poivre

Steak au poivre, or pepper steak, is a classic French-style preparation. The meat is coated in crushed peppercorns that, when seared, create a beautiful and crisp crust. The steak is finished with a cream-based pan sauce that balances out the pepper perfectly. It's typically made with filet mignon, but you can always use a NY strip instead.

Get the Steak Au Poivre recipe.

steak au poivre
Joel Goldberg


Chicken Tikka Alfredo

This recipe marries two of our favorite creamy comfort foods, spicy chicken tikka masala and rich, garlicky fettuccine Alfredo. Weirdly enough, Parmesan and curry are a pretty unbelievable pairing!

Get the Chicken Tikka Alfredo recipe.

bucatini pasta in a creamy tikka masala sauce and chicken
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE


One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi

This easy dinner harnesses the power of seasoned sausage, jarred marinara, and fresh potato gnocchi to make a super-flavorful dish with minimal prep and active cooking time. Perfect for a lazy night when you're craving the 3 C’s: comfort, carbs, and CHEESE.

Get the One-Pan Cheesy Sausage Gnocchi recipe.

cheesy one pan sausage gnocchi
Andrew bui


Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs

If you're looking for a super simple, comforting, no-frills bowl of spaghetti and meatballs to impress your date, you've come to the right place. And if you're feeling adventurous, it's also a great jumping-off point to make your own version of this classic dish!

Get the Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe.

a fork spinning spaghetti and meatballs topped with parsley and parmesan on a white plate
ETHAN CALABRESE


Coconut Curry Salmon

The coconut milk and spice go so well together here, making a rich, but not heavy, sauce that really tastes and feels far more complicated than it is. The salmon simmers in the milk, keeping it very tender and flaky and extra flavorful. Spoon the sauce over the salmon a few times as it cooks to give it a nice coating.

Get the Coconut Curry Salmon recipe.

coconut curry salmon
Emily Hlavac Green


Thai Red Curry Coconut Noodles

If you're short on time, but want to make something special, these vegan noodles are here to save your night. Feel free to swap in your favorite quick-cooking vegetables, and adjust the amount of curry paste to your and your date's spice preference. Make sure to keep stirring once your rice noodles are added, since they tend to stick to the bottom of the pot if left in one spot for too long.

Get the Thai Red Curry Coconut Noodles recipe.

one pot coconut curry noodles
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SIMON ANDREWS


Pork Schnitzel

There’s not much that rivals a thinly pounded piece of meat, breaded and fried until perfectly golden brown. Add a special side of potatoes and a bright salad, and you'll be good to go.

Get the Pork Schnitzel recipe.

prok schnitzel
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: JUSTIN SULLIVAN


Mushroom Piccata Pasta

This is everything you love about chicken piccata, without the chicken. The sauce is bright and briny and extra buttery. Take your time with the mushrooms; you need to let them turn a dark golden brown (tip: wait to salt them, as salt will draw out moisture, making them soggy instead of crispy).

Get the Mushroom Piccata Pasta recipe.

mushroom piccata pasta
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON


Boston Roll

The Boston roll is a classic of Americanized sushi. Rolled uramaki-style, with the rice wrapped around the nori, the fillings are a simple mix of poached shrimp, crunchy cucumber, and rich avocado. Briny, crunchy, and brightly colored, it makes every bite extra special.

Get the Boston Roll recipe.

boston roll
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

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