"With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to get your plans in order. From how you’re handling gifts to how you want to spend the day of, there’s a lot to consider. And on a day that is intended to be full of romance, stress shouldn’t be part of the equation. So instead of scrambling for a dinner reservation at that high-dollar restaurant, why not try cooking your very own Valentine’s Day dinner? Not only will you save money, but the effort and love put into cooking a homemade dish for your loved one is so much more meaningful (plus, food that you made yourself always tastes better anyway). You can even light some candles, dim the lights, and set out your nicest tableware to make the dinner feel extra special and romantic.
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Since Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of winter, the best dinner recipes for this time of year are usually warm, comforting foods. My mind goes to savory, hearty dishes that will make you want to curl up on the couch next to your significant other afterward.
So, if you’re ready to chef it up in the kitchen this February 14, grab your grocery list and try out one of these Valentine’s Day dinner recipes for the perfect night in.
1. Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo
A true date night classic. If you or your loved one is a die-hard pasta lover, you can’t go wrong with this chicken fettuccine alfredo recipe. Just the thought of the creamy garlic sauce has my mouth watering. Although this one calls for chicken, you can easily leave it out for a vegetarian version or add shrimp if seafood is more your vibe.
2. Pan-Fried Garlic Butter Steak with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus
If your idea of the perfect date night includes a fancy steak dinner, why not try making your own version at home? This recipe walks you through how to pan-fry steak to juicy perfection. Basted with garlic-herb butter and served alongside crispy potatoes and asparagus, this steak dinner is sure to impress.
3. Stuffed Butternut Squash
If you’re looking for a vegan dish that gives full entrée energy, then look no further. This stuffed butternut squash recipe is not only impressive-looking but absolutely delicious as well. The squash is roasted and filled with a savory mushroom and chickpea stuffing, then topped with crunchy walnuts for a satisfying contrast in texture.
4. Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is a dish that’s made with love (ahem, it requires a lot of stirring), so it’s one of the best dinner recipes to try this Valentine’s Day. This mushroom risotto is made with white wine, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a beautifully rich flavor. The extra effort it takes to make won’t go unnoticed!
5. Red Wine Braised Pot Roast
This comforting cold-weather meal is sure to keep you toasty and warm this Valentine’s Day. The meat is slow-cooked and braised in red wine alongside onions, carrots, and fresh thyme, creating a savory and mouth-watering meal. Did I mention that it’s all made in one pot? Easy, yet delicious. Sign me up!
6. Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
If you and your partner love to go out for Mexican food (who doesn’t), try out these salsa verde chicken enchiladas for an at-home meal that’s just as delicious. This traditional Mexican dish has everything you could ever want: lots of melty cheese, a zesty salsa verde, and juicy chicken. You can also prep most of this dish ahead of time, so you won’t have to spend your whole Valentine’s Day in the kitchen.
7. Marry Me Chicken
This Valentine’s Day dinner idea might be a little on the nose, but it’s worth a shot! This “marry me” chicken is pan-seared and topped with a creamy sundried tomato and garlic sauce. Serve it on top of pasta or rice or alongside roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
8. Air Fryer Sweet Soy Glazed Salmon
This recipe is the easy, tastes-fancy-but-only-takes-15-minutes dish you need in your life. If you haven’t tried to cook salmon in the air fryer before, let me introduce you. It’s the easiest way to achieve a moist, perfectly crisp salmon filet every time. This recipe has you coat the top in Dijon mustard and spices before popping it in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Talk about quick and easy! Pair with your partner’s favorite side dish, whether it be rice, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
9. Baked Chicken Caprese
This is one of those Valentine’s Day dinner recipes that looks fancy but is deceptively easy to make. All it takes is tossing the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish with olive oil and seasonings, adding the chicken, and baking everything in the oven. After about 20 minutes, place the mozzarella on top of the chicken and bake again to finish cooking. Top the chicken with balsamic glaze and fresh basil, and you’ve got a dish that is filling and bursting with flavor.
10. Roasted Cauliflower Winter Kale Salad
This winter-inspired salad recipe is cozy and hearty while still packing in tons of superfoods. If you’re looking for something light and healthy that still feels special enough for Valentine’s Day, this recipe is for you.
11. Sesame Chicken Bowls
If you’ve been craving Chinese food, skip the takeout and try making this dish at home! Sweet and tangy is the name of the game for this sesame chicken recipe. The bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked up crispy and coated in a delicious sauce that’s delicious over rice and broccoli.
12. Hot Honey Pizza
You might be tempted to just pick up the phone and order in pizza this Valentine’s Day, but there is something extra special about making your own from scratch. This hot honey pizza has that delicious mix of sweet and savory and offers an easy way to level up your typical pepperoni pizza. An even better idea? Make a full date out of it and make the pizzas together with your partner.
13. Vegan Baked Ziti
Pasta bake, but make it vegan! This baked ziti recipe is simple yet delicious and will satisfy the craving for a warm and saucy meal in the chilly February temps. Plus, this recipe walks you through how to make your own vegan “cheese” sauce, which is a great reference to add to your recipe book for future dishes.
14. Shrimp Fajita Tacos
This is my personal favorite date night dish because there’s truly nothing like a good shrimp taco. These fajita-style tacos are extra easy to make since everything is cooked on a sheet pan. Once the shrimp and veggies are done, simply build your tacos with whatever toppings you desire!
15. Creamy Tomato Cheese Tortellini Soup
During the chilliest time of the year, sometimes nothing sounds better than a good ole bowl of soup. This creamy tortellini soup is hearty and full of vegetables, so you’ll still get a nutritious and filling meal out of it. Although this recipe calls for sautéed onions, celery, and carrots, you can easily alter this recipe to include your loved ones’ favorites.
16. Sayadieh (Lebanese Fish & Rice)
Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. This traditional Lebanese dish is known as sayadieh and includes seasoned white fish, spiced rice, and caramelized onions. Rich and aromatic, this dish is sure to make your Valentine’s dinner unforgettably delicious.
17. Vegan Thai Quinoa Salad
I am a die-hard quinoa fan and stand by it as a protein-rich staple ingredient whether you’re vegan or not. This Thai-inspired quinoa salad makes a delicious vegan meal, packed full of proteins and colorful veggies and topped with a peanut ginger dressing.
18. Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie
Gluten-free gravy? Count me in. This chicken pot pie recipe is a total classic but may be a delicious surprise for a GF eater. Filled with chicken, vegetables, and creamy gravy, this dish might just become a staple dish you keep in your recipe book.
Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant
Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.