"We’ve (almost) made it through January—did that feel like the longest month ever to anyone else?! I don’t know about you, but I’m dreaming of the day when my husband and I can get a babysitter and go to a restaurant, kid-free, and enjoy each other’s company like romantic partners instead of the roommates/passing ships we sometimes feel like. Life is busy, ya’ll, and we desperately need a date night! As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re planning to have an at-home dinner date after the kids go to sleep instead of heading out to a crowded restaurant. The more likely scenario to happen, however, is a special February 14th dinner at home with the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for some alone time and romance or a chance to get everyone involved in an activity together in the kitchen, we rounded up some easy and delicious recipes for a Valentine’s Day dinner. There are also a handful of inviting dessert recipes to end on a sweet note! Read on for 30+ easy Valentine’s Day dinner recipes to make this year.
Poultry & Pork Recipes
1. Bruschetta Chicken
If you’re not spending the day of love on the romantic streets of Italy, this 10/10 bruschetta chicken dish is the next best thing.
2. One Pot Coconut Chicken & Rice
We truly swear by a one-pot meal. Give this coconut chicken a go for a unique but easy-to-make dinner for V-Day.
3. Baked Pork Chops
Dazzle your partner with a batch of juicy and flavor-packed pork chops—it’s a lot simpler to create than it sounds! You’ll have their mouth watering minutes after you place this recipe in your oven.
4. Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Truly, who doesn’t love a classic chicken parm dish? Serve alongside pasta, salad, and a glass of wine for the romantic dinner of your dreams.
5. Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Homemade chicken enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dinner perfect for any special occasion. With tender shredded chicken, savory sauce, and melted cheese, it’s practically like a hug in meal.
6. Rustic Lemon Rosemary Chicken and Orzo
Think of this like your favorite chicken noodle soup—but better! This yummy one-pot recipe is perfect for some easy prep and big comfort.
7. Greek Turkey Burgers
With these festive and flavorful Greek turkey burgers, you’ll be able to imagine you’re on a romantic Mediterranean seaside Valentine’s Day dinner date for the night. Layered with interesting spices, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta, they’re sure to make for a memorable meal.
8. White Lasagna Soup
Why prepare and wait for an entire lasagna to bake when you can create a refreshing twist on this beloved pasta dish by turning it into a soup? With tender chicken, fresh veggies, melted cheese, and a seasoned broth, it will definitely hit the spot.
9. Fire-Grilled Sheet Pan Fajitas
Try out this super tasty one pan meal for a zero-hassle dinner packed with tons of spices that’ll add that flavor kick to your Valentine’s meal.
Beef Recipes
10. Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak
This is a delicious and impressive meal that’s actually way easier to make than it may seem. With its crispy exterior and juicy flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit with steak lovers, and will give a restaurant taste to your at-home date night.
11. Steak and Blue Cheese Pasta with Roasted Broccoli
Pasta is a go-to dinner for many (especially for V-Day), so put a special twist on it with this recipe that you definitely don’t see everyday, but is incredibly delicious nonetheless.
12. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Ease the stress of prep time and spend the day with the people you love while your pressure cooker cooks up a delicious dinner for you! Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is an easy and yummy meal that’s a classic option for V-Day (a Lady in the Tramp moment, if you will!).
13. Garlic Rosemary Beef Tenderloin
You really cannot go wrong with meat and potatoes, and flavors of rosemary and garlic will elevate this classic dinner choice.
14. Red Wine-Braised Short Rib
This fall-off-the-bone braised short rib makes for a hearty and obviously delicious dish that’ll be the star of your date night.
15. Garlic Ginger Steak Stir Fry
Excite your tastebuds with this fragrant stir fry recipe, filled with juicy steak, fresh green vegetables, and Asian-inspired spices. Not only does it pack a heartwarming sizzle, but it’s easy to throw together and make.
Seafood Recipes
16. Five-Ingredient Honey Mustard Salmon
This honey mustard salmon is a delicious and healthy meal that requires only a few simple ingredients, and the combo of sweet honey and tangy mustard has a kick of flavor that brings the dish to life.
17. Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto
If you’re feeling fancy and want to really step it up a notch for the special day, go for this to-die-for scallop and risotto dish that’s ideal for a dinner for two.
18. Shrimp Penne Pasta
Clean and simple, this shrimp penne pasta definitely gives off romantic Italian restaurant vibes. What could be better than enjoying it by candlelight from the comfort of your home instead?
19. Creamy Salmon Pasta
Like we said earlier, pasta is a go to choice for a reason—it’s easy to make and consistently tasty! So try out this creamy salmon recipe for a new and delicious take.
20. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits
Opt for this rich and comforting shrimp and grits that’s ideal if you’re spending the night in, curled up watching your favorite V-Day movies with the people you love.
21. Mini Crab Cakes
For all of the seafood lovers, these mini crab cakes are great to serve with a couple of other yummy side dishes.
22. Paella
As a beloved Spanish dish famous for its rich flavors with loads of seafood, you definitely need to give this dinner a try if you’re on the hunt for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Vegetarian Recipes
23. Mushroom Pasta with Goat Cheese
This delicious dish is super simple to prepare, and can be a great option for a quick and satisfying meal or a romantic dinner for two, of course.
24. Mini Heart Shaped Pizzas
Not only are these little heart shaped pizzas adorable and tasty, but they’re super fun to make for a date night (or Galentine’s dinner!) activity, too.
25. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Elevate the satisfying cheesy goodness of mac and cheese by adding this recipe’s secret weapon: butternut squash. Not only does this winter squash provide added nutrients, but it adds a slightly sweet and nourishing complement to the cheese.
26. Three Cheese Pesto Spinach Flatbread Pizza
Get your greens while still enjoying the gooey cheesy deliciousness of this easy flatbread pizza you can make entirely from scratch.
27. 20-Minute Tortellini Alfredo
Trying to keep your Valentine’s Day dinner homemade and romantic, but created in the blink of an eye? This melt-in-your-mouth Alfredo sauce recipe paired with your favorite cheese tortellini has come to your rescue!
28. Vegan Creamy Mushroom Soup
This plant-based option is yet another stress-free dinner packed full of flavor, plus it works perfectly as a side dish or starter!
29. Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
For a bright and fulfilling vegetable-focused Valentine’s Day dinner, this unique pasta recipe nails it by adding avocado to the homemade pesto sauce to make it richer and creamier.
Dessert Recipes
30. Chocolate Mousse Cake
Rich and creamy chocolate mousse is a dessert favorite for Valentine’s Day, and with this recipe you can make it even more dreamy—not only is it a cake, but it’s a cake with a crushed Oreo crust!
31. DIY Ferrero Rocher Chocolates
Rather than gift a box of store bought Ferrero Rocher chocolates, surprise your honey with truffles you’ve made yourself. Besides the surprise of being homemade, you’d never guess that they’re vegan and gluten-free, too!
32. Red Velvet Cupcakes
You can never go wrong with the decadence and romantic red of moist red velvet cake to finish your Valentine’s Day dinner with a sweet touch.
33. Rosewater Pavlova with Strawberries and Pistachio
Roses, strawberries, and fresh whipped cream folded into a dessert certainly capture the essence of Valentine’s Day goodies. If you’ve never tried pavlova before, it’s a light and elegant baked meringue recipe named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.
