Want Valentine’s Day dinner concepts to cook dinner at residence? From creamy pastas to fancy seafood, these romantic recipes make the right date night time meal for 2 or the entire household.
What’s higher than an evening in for Valentine’s Day? I like a very good dinner out, however there’s one thing cozy about staying in and cooking dinner with the folks you like. Typically it’s a romantic dinner with my husband Alex, however now that we have now children it’s usually a particular meal for the entire household!
Who higher to supply recipe concepts than us, a pair who cooks collectively? Alex and I are two cookbook authors and recipe writers who’ve made a profession of sharing the kitchen. Right here I’ve compiled all our favourite Valentine’s Day dinner concepts and recipes for cozy night time in. Every recipe may work for a romantic date or a household dinner night time.
50 Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipe Concepts
One in every of my high Valentine's Day dinner concepts is that this creamy Tuscan salmon! It would lead to a couple of marriage proposals, which is why I additionally prefer to name it “Marry Me Salmon.” The tender fish is bathed in a luscious cream sauce with garlic, solar dried tomatoes, spinach, and capers, making every chunk vibrant, salty, and opulent.
Right here’s a basic dish that impresses each time: hen piccata! Tender, golden-brown hen cutlets are bathed in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce with pops of briny capers. This basic Italian American dish has captured hearts and stomachs all over the world, and it’s an enormous favourite over right here.
Do this romantic creamy pasta recipe, starring chewy al dente pasta and an irresistible Parmesan garlic cream sauce! The best way the creamy sauce and garlic intensify the leafy greens makes it one in all our high vegetarian pasta recipes to this point. Cozy as much as a bowl and it’s positively life-giving.
Shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine: what may very well be higher? Sure, it’s the Italian American shrimp scampi, a basic that’s been stealing hearts and minds for many years. This model is fairly stellar: juicy, garlicky shrimp swimming in a wealthy, tangy butter sauce. Sop it up with crusty bread or pour it over pasta.
Strive 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. Prime it off with crunchy Italian breadcrumbs, and also you’ll amaze everybody on the desk! It’s vegetarian however will please each sort of eater.
This cozy, flavor-packed recipe satisfies each time: Penne Pomodoro! The basic pairing of pomodoro sauce and short-cut pasta exemplifies the simplicity of Italian delicacies: juicy tomatoes, garlic, greens and herbs simmered till they meld right into a pure, wealthy sauce.
This superb crab cake recipe makes patties which might be golden and seasoned, crispy on the surface and tender on the within. Previous Bay, Dijon mustard and tarragon intensify the juicy lump crabmeat completely, and served with creamy tartar sauce, they’re a little bit little bit of heaven in every chunk! For vegan ,attempt Vegan Crab Truffles.
This Italian cheese and pepper spaghetti couldn’t be less complicated; the recipe is from my good friend Ashley Rodriguez’s ebook Date Evening In. Alex and I ate a scrumptious cacio e pepe final time we have been in Rome, and we had among the finest one’s of our life in NYC. It’s a very easy recipe that’s elegant in its simplicity.
If I may eat only one dinner for the remainder of my life, this is likely to be it: a skillet of creamy Tuscan hen! What’s it that makes it so satisfying? Perhaps it’s the dreamy sauce of solar dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan. Or perhaps it’s the savory taste from the peerlessly seasoned, juicy pan seared hen breast.
This technique for cooking fish looks like one thing you’d get at a restaurant, nevertheless it’s so easy to make. The aroma wafting from the oven may have you salivating earlier than the meals even reaches your plate! Every chunk of fish is tender and topped with a crunchy, Parmesan pistachio topping.
Right here's a creamy pasta excellent for Valentine's Day dinner: Creamy Solar Dried Tomato Pasta! There’s a wow-factor to this pasta, which comes collectively in simply half-hour. Earthy, fruity sundried tomatoes lend a meaty high quality to this simple vegetarian dish, which is bathed in a Parmesan cream sauce.
If there’s one recipe that’s a positive hit in my home, it’s creamy hen skillets. This one is a household favourite: do that creamy lemon garlic hen! The hen is coated in spices and pan fried till tender and juicy, then topped with a fast pan sauce made with lemon, garlic and a little bit cream.
One in every of my extra elegant Valentine’s Day dinner concepts is that this Parmesan black truffle risotto! A seemingly connoisseur dish, this Parmesan truffle risotto recipe is fairly easy to place collectively, and the black truffle taste is implausible. Additionally attempt my Mushroom Risotto.
Scallops have a stupendous, delicate candy taste: and I like them with a seared crispy exterior bathed on this Lemon Herb Sauce. It takes a little bit know how one can get that golden brown crust with out beneath cooking or overcooking them. However as soon as you already know a couple of secrets and techniques, it’s they take solely 5 minutes to cook dinner! Additionally attempt my Scallop Pasta with Lemon & Herbs.
This spectacular pasta hails from Sicily and like every basic Italian dish, it’s all about elegant simplicity. Sauteed eggplant tastes savory and meaty in opposition to a tangy tomato sauce, al dente pasta and salty ricotta salata cheese.
This pot pie has turn out to be one in all my favourite recipes: the flaky crust is scented with sage, and the within is pure creamy, savory goodness with candy potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and white beans. Additionally attempt my favourite Vegan Pot Pie which is simply as tasty.
This creamy vodka sauce is simmered with garlic and basil, served over rigatoni with a lot of Parmesan. It's so filled with taste, it’s value each second of the 1 hour simmer time. What says "I like you” greater than gradual simmered pasta? Serve with my Favourite Chopped Salad or Italian Salad.
This Italian basic dish is hearty, filling, and pleases nearly everybody. Most eating places use fried eggplant, however my selfmade model is baked which is way less complicated. This Eggplant Parmesan recipe is quicker and simpler to make at residence than most recipes and full of huge taste.
Chilean sea bass is likely one of the most costly fish dishes on a restaurant menu: tender fillet has a succulent, buttery texture that tastes glamorous. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to attain your self a fillet or two, right here’s the recipe for them. Evenly season and pan fry the fillets till the outside is golden and crisp, then season with garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs.
There’s simply one thing about silky caramelized onions topped golden, crusty cheese! This French onion soup is basic French cooking at its best: it's a little bit of a venture, however value each minute of it for a sublime Valentine's Day dinner. Good for a date night time in!
This Italian-style dish stars tender shrimp that swim in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce. “Fra diavolo” interprets to “brother satan” in Italian, alluding to the extraordinary warmth of this dish. However make it selfmade and you may customise the spiciness to your style!
I like utilizing Valentine's Day as an excuse to make a flowery paella! This gorgeous one pan dinner is made for celebrations! This conventional Spanish rice dish has hundreds of variations. nevertheless it’s all the time rice with an explosion of colourful toppings. Pair with purple sangria or apple sangria.
Gooey white cheddar mac and cheese is sort of a enormous hug! It’s cozy and comforting, and with tangy purple roasted tomatoes, it’s an ideal Valentine’s Day dinner thought! It’s on the wealthy aspect, so serve with a refreshing inexperienced salad.
This recipe is basic: juicy, savory shrimp and al dente pasta swimming in a creamy sauce. For the sauce, you may attempt my white wine sauce, bursting with tangy taste, or my simple cream sauce, a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s made with no cream in any respect.
Ever tried making meatballs with eggplant? I'd been listening to for years that eggplant makes nice vegetarian meatballs, however I didn’t actually consider it till I attempted it! Garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese make one deliciously juicy and savory meatball.
What’s extra Valentine’s Day acceptable than sizzling pink hummus? That is the right appetizer to a comfy dinner. Including a roasted beet to hummus makes it gorgeous to take a look at: and attractive too.
Cherries are excellent for Valentine's Day dinner, and right here's an awesome appetizer thought: cherry and goat cheese crostini! Sauté tart cherries with a little bit of sage and balsamic vinegar, then spoon them over a goat cheese crostini. They're a easy and scrumptious starter to pair with the primary dishes above!
Right here's an ideal salad for Valentine's Day dinner: shaved Brussels sprout salad! This one is a examine in texture contrasts: the feathery shaved Brussels, the pop of the Pomegranate seeds, and the intense crunch of the apple. It’s vibrant and colourful, coated in a calmly candy French dressing.
Right here's a straightforward salad to make any Valentine's Day dinner recipe right into a meal. It’s fairly presumably the best salad you’ll make. You don’t even must make a salad dressing! In 5 to 10 minutes, you’ve received a sublime salad that goes with nearly any meal!
Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a stupendous confetti excessive of leafy greens. Add tart inexperienced apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles, and it’s a celebration of taste. Choose from a couple of totally different dressing decisions: my favorites are apple cider vinegar dressing or pomegranate French dressing.
Beets are excellent for Valentine's Day dinner with their vibrant pink coloration. Strive them on this Beet Salad recipe! Make it with roasted beets and even pre-cooked from the shop: and man is it good. It has all the precise parts: child greens, creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic beet dressing.
If I may eat one salad for the remainder 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 throughout recent greens with a zingy maple and apple cider vinegar dressing.
Right here’s a vibrant, lovely salad recipe that works in nearly 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 style and the fragile, zingy, and creamy textures and flavors complement one another completely!
Right here's a enjoyable salad for Valentine's Day dinner: do that Endive Salad! Bitter endive pairs completely with juicy orange and a candy tart purple wine French dressing. Prime it off with savory Parmesan shavings and crunchy almonds, and the contrasts are divine. Every chunk is crunchy, candy, savory and citrusy.
In the case of fast and chic aspect dishes, that is one in all my favorites: sauteed broccolini! The lengthy stems of this inexperienced veggie make it look fancy, however right here’s a secret. You possibly can cook dinner it up in simply 5 minutes in a sizzling skillet. Add a little bit of garlic and lemon. Additionally attempt my Easy Roasted Broccolini.
Right here’s a easy option to gown up recent inexperienced beans as a connoisseur aspect: Inexperienced Beans Almondine! The beans are vibrant inexperienced and completely tender, sautéed in butter with garlic and toasted almonds and completed with a little bit lemon zest.
These Brussels sprouts are a implausible Valentine's Day aspect dish: impossibly crispy, baked till they’re caramelized and the surface 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 together with the dinner concepts? Do this candy tart purple cocktail: the Raspberry Martini! This drink is gorgeous and filled with vibrant berry taste. From first sip, the candy tart, calmly floral taste of raspberry is fantastically pure, because of selfmade raspberry syrup.
Right here's a fantastically vibrant sensible pink Valentine's Day drink: sure, it’s a Cosmo! A Cosmopolitan cocktail, to be precise. This basic cocktail is prepared to boost your subsequent Valentine's Day gathering or Galentine's Day menu!
The chocolate martini is wealthy and creamy, principally a dessert in a glass! It’s received Irish cream and creme de cacao for max taste, just like the liquid model of your favourite chocolate bar. Combine this up for Valentine’s Day or any romantic dinner.
Right here’s probably the most refined and refreshing cocktails on the market, and ideal for Valentine's Day dinner: attempt the French 75! It’s received a mysterious title, nevertheless it’s made with a couple of easy components. It’s tangy, bubbly, and a bit botanical, and it makes each dinner extra festive!
The Gin Fizz is one in all my favourite basic cocktails: candy tart and refreshing, with a festive egg white foam. Take it excessive with this pomegranate spin: it elevates the candy tart taste and provides the drink an excellent jewel-toned coloration.
Searching for a decadent Valentine's Day dinner deal with? Do this chocolate mousse recipe: wealthy, clean, and surprisingly simple to whip up at residence! Right here's how one can make a clean, creamy, and wealthy chocolate mousse.
This iconic Valentine's Day dessert is the definition of decadence: Molten Chocolate Lava Cake! It will get its title from its liquid “lava” middle, which flows like a volcano if you dig into it with a fork. Seems, it’s not as difficult to make as you assume!
This genius technique for going from 0 to cake in just some minutes is totally value a attempt. This chocolate mug cake recipe comes out insanely fudgy and 100% scrumptious! It’s received a secret ingredient that makes a delightfully wealthy taste. The toughest half is ready for it to chill till you may dig in!
How about pulling some heat chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven for Valentine's Day dinner? Outrageously good is the one option to describe these cookies! They’re chewy with crispy edges, candy with simply the precise nutty intrigue within the taste, and studded with darkish chocolate chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
What's higher than ending a Valentine's Day dinner with flourless chocolate cake? Wealthy and fudgy, dense and darkish chocolaty, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. Prime it with this simple raspberry compote for a candy tart pairing that cuts the sweetness of the cake completely.
Everybody loves a very good chocolate cookie. However right here’s one thing we predict is even higher: these gentle, gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! They’ve received an irresistibly chewy texture, that includes an expensive dough with a great deal of darkish chocolate chips. A little bit of oatmeal offers it a nostalgic heartiness, and the sides get completely golden.
Cherries appear to be Valentine's Day meals to us, in all probability due to the colour. So do that cherry crisp with candy tart, juicy purple fruit coated in cinnamon-spiced butter crumbles. I additionally like so as to add a touch of floor cardamom for some intrigue.
Final up: one in all my very favourite methods to finish a Valentine’s Day dinner bananas foster! If you happen to like taking part in with hearth, this one’s for you. My recipe is straightforward with directions on how one can flambé and get that dramatic flame! It tastes really unbelievable. Seize two spoons to your skillet and dig in!
Suggestions for Valentine’s Day Dinner Success
Over a decade of cooking Valentine’s Day dinners, I’ve realized a couple of tips that make the night circulate easily.
- Do as a lot prep work as attainable as early as attainable! Chop greens, measure components, and even set the desk so that you’re not scrambling when it’s time to cook dinner.
- Select recipes with totally different cooking strategies: In case your major dish requires the oven, decide a stovetop aspect dish so that you’re not combating for area.
- Don’t stress about perfection! The purpose is to benefit from the course of, to not create restaurant-worthy meals!
For drinks, I all the time suggest having one thing particular able to pour if you begin cooking. I like all my Valentine’s Day cocktail concepts, however a bottle of champagne might be best should you’re cooking a full meal.
