Get ready to wow your sweetheart with a delicious and intimate dinner for two! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouthwatering cozy dinner recipes that are sure to impress. From succulent steaks to flavorful pasta dishes, and from seafood delicacies to comforting casseroles, our collection of romantic dinner ideas has something for every taste and preference.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a more elaborate celebration, these recipes are perfect for a quiet night in with your loved one. And the best part? Each dish is designed to serve two, so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor together. So go ahead, get cooking, and make this Valentine’s Day (or any special occasion) one to remember!
Garlic Butter Steak with Roasted Asparagus
Elevate your steak game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines tender garlic butter-coated steak with perfectly roasted asparagus. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds ribeye or strip steak
– 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear steak in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to oven and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until desired level of doneness.
4. Toss asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
5. Serve steak with roasted asparagus and a squeeze of lemon juice (if using).
Cooking Time: approximately 20-25 minutes.
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, and a creamy Tuscany-inspired sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp. dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Combine cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, and creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Lemon Butter Salmon with Green Beans
This recipe combines the richness of salmon with the brightness of lemon butter and the crunch of green beans, all in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb green beans, trimmed
– 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
5. Spread one-quarter of the lemon butter mixture on each salmon fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
8. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and green beans are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
This classic recipe combines tender beef strips with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a rich sour cream sauce, served over egg noodles. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 1 cup sour cream
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in paprika. Add cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Serve beef and mushroom mixture over cooked egg noodles. Top with sour cream and garnish with parsley.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
This recipe combines the classic flavors of Italy with the richness of chicken breast, creating a dish that’s both simple and impressive. By stuffing chicken breast with a mixture of creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil, you’ll create a show-stopping main course perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 large heirloom tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped basil.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the Caprese mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through, then let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
This recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and chicken with the comforting simplicity of roasted potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the potatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Shrimp Stir-Fry
This sweet and spicy stir-fry is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy succulent shrimp with a sticky honey glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, and garlic.
4. Pour the glaze over the shrimp and stir-fry for an additional minute.
5. Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this sweet and tangy combination of tender pork chops and creamy mashed sweet potatoes. A drizzle of rich balsamic glaze brings the dish together.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 lbs)
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Place pork chops in a shallow dish and brush the glaze evenly over both sides.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
5. Bake pork chops for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter and salt to taste.
7. Serve pork chops with mashed sweet potatoes.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
This classic Italian-American dish is a crowd-pleaser, with tender shells filled to the brim with creamy spinach and ricotta goodness. A perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken with Coconut Rice
This Asian-inspired dish combines the flavors of sweet teriyaki sauce, juicy chicken, and creamy coconut rice for a delicious meal that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the coconut rice according to package instructions using 1 cup of water.
2. In a separate pan, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir to coat the chicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Serve the chicken over the coconut rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops with Zucchini Noodles
Elevate your dinner game with this refreshing and flavorful dish, featuring succulent scallops smothered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served atop a bed of lightly sautéed zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 medium zucchini
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse scallops and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook zucchini noodles according to package instructions or by spiralizing fresh zucchini.
6. Place scallops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with lemon butter sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until scallops are cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This classic casserole recipe is a staple of comfort food, combining tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken and broccoli in butter until chicken is cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add cooked chicken and broccoli mixture.
5. Top with cheese mixture and paprika. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Salmon with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe combines the richness of pesto-crusted salmon with the natural sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread 1-2 tsp of pesto on each fillet, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the pesto and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
8. Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
9. Serve salmon with roasted cherry tomatoes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef Tenderloin with Red Wine Reduction
A classic French-inspired dish that elevates the simplicity of beef tenderloin to new heights, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion or romantic dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) beef tenderloin
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/4 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef tenderloin with salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
3. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
5. While the beef is cooking, reduce the red wine in a saucepan over medium heat until almost syrupy, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Add beef broth to the reduced wine and stir to combine.
7. Remove the beef from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with the red wine reduction spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with Asparagus
Elevate your seafood game with this indulgent recipe that combines succulent lobster tails with the simplicity of asparagus and a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster tails, thawed
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and minced garlic.
3. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until lobster is opaque and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast alongside lobster for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve lobster tails with roasted asparagus and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 22-27 minutes
Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a zesty lemon caper sauce. This recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Remove chicken; set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add lemon juice, white wine (if using), and capers. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve chicken breasts with lemon caper sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with garlic butter and angel hair pasta, creating a light and flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces angel hair pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. If using white wine, add to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. Stir in lemon juice and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and shrimp mixture. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Sauce
This show-stopping rack of lamb recipe is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. A flavorful herb crust and tangy mint sauce elevate this dish to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1.5-2 pound) rack of lamb
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup mint sauce (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the lamb, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the lamb on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with mint sauce.
Mint Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious meal with this easy-to-make vegetable stir-fry, elevated by a rich and creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped peanuts or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; cook until tender-crisp, 5-6 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Pour the peanut sauce over the vegetables; stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped peanuts or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Port Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this succulent pan-seared duck breast served with a rich and fruity cherry port sauce. This impressive yet easy-to-make dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 duck breasts, skin removed
– 1 cup cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup port wine
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season duck breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear duck breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to the oven and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, port wine, garlic, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until reduced by half.
5. Serve duck breasts with cherry port sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get cozy this Valentine’s Day with these 20 romantic dinner recipes for two! From succulent steaks and seafood dishes to hearty pasta bakes, there’s something for every taste. Indulge in garlic butter steak with roasted asparagus, creamy Tuscan garlic shrimp pasta, or baked lemon butter salmon with green beans. Try beef and mushroom stroganoff, caprese-stuffed chicken breast, or one-pan garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes. Plus, discover more mouthwatering options like spicy honey glazed shrimp stir-fry, balsamic glazed pork chops with mashed sweet potatoes, and cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole. Treat your taste buds to a romantic dinner at home!
