I’m skipping the packed restaurants and the reservation scramble this year, setting the table right here at home. I get to pick the playlist, pour the wine, and cook exactly what sounds amazing without anyone rushing me through dessert. That kind of slow, cozy evening just feels more romantic to me, and these 9 recipes are a great place to start planning your own stay in dinner for two.
1. Oven Cooked Steak
If you’re craving steak, I’d suggest giving this oven cooked method a try. It’s fast, easy, and turns out looking so good. Plus, it’s a great choice if the two of you love the idea of cooking dinner together and making it a fun team effort.
2. Date Night Rigatoni
I always trust a Pinch of Yum recipe, so her date night rigatoni is absolutely on my list. It looks so creamy and savory, the kind of pasta that just feels right for a cozy Valentine’s night in. If you and your person are craving something loaded with garlic, a splash of wine, and plenty of parmesan, this one’s a must.
3. Creamy Sage Chicken
This looks like a total dream for a date night dinner you can pair with your favorite pasta. It only takes 5 minutes of prep, so you’ll have extra time to fuss over the other little details of your Valentine’s dinner for two.
4. Chicken Marsala
Creamy, savory chicken dishes will always be a great idea for a romantic night in. I’d pair it with a pile of buttery mashed potatoes, but that’s just my personal comfort food compass talking.
5. Marry Me Chicken
This chicken recipe looks incredible. Ridiculously creamy, a little tangy, and totally worth the effort.
I haven’t made this exact version, but I’ve had marry me chicken before and fell hard. Serve it alongside some nice pasta and your evening is basically set.
6. Crockpot Cranberry Pork Tenderloin
If you want something that cooks low and slow all day so there’s less on your mind later, this very tasty looking dinner is the move. With zesty, sweet, and savory flavors all mingling together, it sounds like the kind of thing you’d spoon over rice for your Valentine’s evening at home.
7. One Pot Pasta With Ricotta and Lemon
If a one pot, hassle free dinner that looks straight out of a restaurant is what you’re after, I’d definitely try this recipe. The ingredient list alone sounds so dreamy: ricotta, parmesan, lemon zest, and cream.
And if you really want to take things up a notch, I’d whip up a simple 2 ingredient pasta like strozzapreti to go with it. You don’t need a pasta machine at all and the whole process is so satisfying. There’s something about making anything from scratch that feels like such a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
8. Cheesecake Factory Chicken Piccata
Whether you’re a Cheesecake Factory superfan or not, this chicken piccata recipe looks ridiculously good. It comes together in just 30 minutes, which is awesome if you both love Italian inspired dishes. Pair it with your favorite pasta and you’ve got a romantic, incredibly tasty Valentine’s dinner for two.
9. Cheesy Lasagna Soup
When a cozy soup is what you’re after, this lasagna soup is such a good call. You get all those amazing layered flavors and cheesy goodness in a dish that feels so satisfying. Something about lasagna soup just feels a little more romantic and extra for your Valentine’s dinner.