These Valentine’s Day dinner ideas include a list of 15 dishes that will make a great romantic dinner for two! Whether you’re searching for something light or something savory, you’ll find a few options that are sure to impress. After all, nothing says 'I love you' like a flavorful home-cooked meal!
Dinner Recipes For Valentine's Day
A nice dinner out for Valentine’s day is great, but there’s something special about a heartfelt meal cooked at home for the one you love. Regardless of your skills in the kitchen (or lack thereof), you can still impress with just a little guidance!
A few things to consider when choosing the perfect dish for Valentine’s Day are how long you can spend in the kitchen (especially if you have other plans), what cuts of meat or types of seafood you have available at your grocery store, and how many courses you want to serve.
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- Dinner Recipes For Valentine's Day
- 1. Salmon in White Wine Sauce
- 2. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sage Gravy
- 3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- 4. Crab Stuffed Salmon
- 5. Hasselback Chicken
- 6. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
- 7. Chicken Parmesan
- 8. Lobster Risotto
- 9. Grilled Lamb Chops
- 10. Filet Mignon
- 11. Broiled Lobster Tail
- 12. Pan-Seared Scallops
- 13. Air Fryer Cornish Hen
- 14. Pan-Seared Sword Fish
- 15. Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak
- ? Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas
- ? Recipe
If you are unsure if you can find certain ingredients at the grocery store, just give them a call and they will let you know. Always go in with a list and a plan!
Whatever your taste or skill set, I’ve compiled a list of great Valentine’s dinner ideas that includes something for everyone!
1. Salmon in White Wine Sauce
Tender, flaky salmon in a light and citrusy white wine sauce is perfect for Valentine’s day. Light enough that you won’t feel uncomfortably full, but still plenty to satisfy you.
Also, it cooks up quickly so you can focus your attention on each other instead of spending the night in the kitchen.
2. Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Sage Gravy
Thick-cut pork tenderloin with a golden-brown sear and a creamy mushroom gravy makes for an impressive valentine’s day dinner. Cheaper than some of the gourmet cuts of steak or fancy seafood, it looks just as beautiful when plated properly.
Pair it with some light sides like roasted green beans or sauteed zucchini and squash so you can save room for dessert!
3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Italian food has always been romantic, so this list will contain a few different Italian options. This lemon garlic shrimp pasta is easy to make but looks and tastes like it took plenty of effort.
The bright flavor of lemon and robust garlic flavor work to even each other out. Plus, it pairs well with a glass of just about any white wine.
4. Crab Stuffed Salmon
Show off your culinary prowess by not just serving up some salmon, but salmon stuffed with crab! The creamy crab stuffing really elevates this beyond a simple salmon dish and will make your Valentine's day dinner feel truly special.
Crab stuffed salmon pairs well with most veggies- particularly asparagus with cherry tomatoes because the bright tang from the tomatoes contrasts the savory crab stuffing.
5. Hasselback Chicken
If seafood is not your thing, but you still want a visually appealing dish, try this Hasselback chicken. Stuffed with mozzarella, spinach, and bacon it is as delicious as it is nice to look at.
Plus, obtaining the unique Hasselback appearance is easier than it looks. Pair it with a nice Sauvignon Blanc and a couple of veggies and you have a romantic chicken dinner for two.
6. Smoked Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo
Another easy, yet impressive, pasta dish that would make a good contender is this smoked salmon fettuccine alfredo. The smoked salmon really brings the expected fettuccine alfredo flavors to a new depth.
It’s high-class comfort food, which is great because you don’t have to worry about serving sides.
7. Chicken Parmesan
A less “fancy” option, chicken Parmesan is still a great date-night dish. When cooked properly, the crispy breaded chicken tastes rich and comforting when slathered in marinara sauce.
If you’re not a frequent cook, this recipe is hard to mess up. Plus, red or white wine would pair just fine. Throw a little garlic bread on the table, and you have a complete meal for your Valentine's night!
8. Lobster Risotto
Rich, creamy risotto made even better with delicious chunks of lobster! It’s comfort food, it’s gourmet, and though it is time-consuming, it really isn’t hard to make. If your date is a seafood lover, this is a great option.
Plus, risotto can be another all-inclusive dish, so no worrying about sides!
9. Grilled Lamb Chops
Elegant and full of flavor, grilled lamb chops are the perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day dinner. An aromatic herb rub will fill the air with delicious smells as they cook.
Lamb itself is usually a special treat, and you can have a couple of perfectly grilled lamb chops on the table in just 20 minutes. Serve it up with a starchy side, like a baked sweet potato, and a glass of Cabernet.
10. Filet Mignon
If you want to pull out all the stops, this is the dish for you. Perfectly seared filet mignon is an upscale dish in itself, but it pairs easily with practically any side you love.
You can keep your sides really simple or as complex as you like - but I prefer to let that amazing cut of beef shine like the star that it is!
11. Broiled Lobster Tail
Believe it or not, a nice lobster tail is easy to make at home! Lobster cooks up super fast and is totally delicious without any additions. If you think of the fanciest gourmet dinner you can imagine, it likely has a lobster tail on the plate.
In just a few minutes you can broil a lobster tail to perfection, then focus on some tasty sides and dessert. Because a lobster tail on its own is so light, serve it with a heavier side like fondant potatoes.
12. Pan-Seared Scallops
Pan-seared scallops are another dish that is easier than expected and still a special treat. The trick is getting the outside perfectly golden brown.
Light and meaty, scallops are great if you want to do a full three-course meal because they aren’t overly filling. Scallops, like most seafood, pair well with white wine.
13. Air Fryer Cornish Hen
Delightfully crisp and easy to make in the air fryer, a couple of Cornish hens are perfect for Valentine’s day! It’s not often you see a Cornish hen on the menu so not only is it unique, but it’s sure to be a surprise!
Serve it up with some brussel sprouts or brown sugar-glazed carrots.
14. Pan-Seared Sword Fish
It’s likely you don’t have swordfish regularly, so make it a special treat on Valentine’s day! Lightly seasoned with a buttery lemon pepper sauce, it’s full of flavor that is both fresh and bright.
Make it a three-course meal by starting with an easy Caesar salad with homemade dressing and finishing with a slice of chocolate cherry cake to share.
15. Pan-Seared Wagyu Ribeye Steak
We’re rounding out the list with a pan-seared Wagyu ribeye. More than your usual steak, Wagyu is a premium beef and takes very little to “dress it up”. This easy cooking method is practically fool-proof and results in a delightfully crispy sear.
If your date is a steak lover, this is the steak for you! Enjoy it with a robust cabernet or malbec.
I hope you and your Valentine are equally impressed with whichever dinner you choose to share! If you tried something you really enjoyed, drop me a comment below!
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? Valentine's Day Dessert Ideas
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Drip Cake - A slice of this indulgent chocolate and peanut butter cake will make your partner fall in love all over again!
- Flourless Chocolate Raspberry Cake - This gluten-free dessert is filled with rich chocolate flavor, you won't even notice it doesn't contain flour!
- Sugar Cookie Cherry Cobbler - An easy cobbler made with just 2 ingredients, but you would never know because it is so tasty!
- Red Velvet Cake - A decadent red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is a perfect Valentine's Day dessert!
- Tres Leches Cake - You'll really impress your loved one with this moist 3-milk cake topped off with fresh fruit!
- No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake - It doesn't get easier than this creamy, no-bake blueberry cheesecake!
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? Recipe
Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas: Frutti di Mare (+More Great Recipes!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine (or favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- ? tablespoon garlic (finely minced or thinly sliced)
- 1 lb mussels (scrubbed, beards removed)
- 1 lb steamer clams (scrubbed)
- ? cup dry white wine (I like Pinot Grigio best, or Pinot Gris)
- ? lb shrimp (large shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined)
- ? lb bay scallops
- ? lb squid (sliced tentacle rings and bodies)
- 32 oz arrabbiata sauce (see recipe or use your favorite brand)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture (firm to the bite). Drain, rinse under cool tap water, and set aside.1 lb fettuccine
- Heat a large, deep skillet with the olive oil over medium heat until the oil just begins to shimmer. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute then stir in the mussels and clams until well coated.2 tablespoon olive oil, ? tablespoon garlic, 1 lb mussels, 1 lb steamer clams
- Increase heat to medium-high then add the dry white wine and cover the pan to steam the mussels and clams. Cook with the lid on for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mussels and clams have opened.? cup dry white wine
- Uncover the skillet, add the shrimp and toss with the seafood. Cover and continue to steam for an additional 2 minutes or until the shrimp begins curling up, turning pink and opaque.? lb shrimp
- Once more remove the lid and add the final portions of seafood (squid and bay scallops). Cover and cook until the squid tentacles curl up and the scallops are no longer transparent, or about 1 minute.? lb bay scallops, ? lb squid
- Pour in the arrabbiata sauce, stir to coat the seafood evenly, then simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes (uncovered). Add the pasta into the seafood sauce and toss until well coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately.32 oz arrabbiata sauce
Equipment You May Need
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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