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A romantic dinner for two can be an elegant gourmet meal or a simple and delicious recipe, as long as it comes from the heart! With your loved one and one of these romantic dinner ideas, your next date night will be the most magical! There are dishes for every taste and skill set!
For date night, serve with fruity red wine sangria or a colorful mocktail, followed by an adorable heart-shaped Valentine's dessert.
Jump to:
- 1. Pan Seared Scallops
- 2. Filet Mignon on Asparagus Spears And Portobello Mushrooms
- 3. Spaghetti Bolognese
- 4.Grilled Lamb Chops
- 5. Broiled Ribeye Steak
- 6. Blackened Cod
- 7. Baked Flounder
- 8. Shrimp Scampi
- 9. Broiled lobster tail
- 10. Crab Risotto
- 11. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
- 12. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- 13. Salmon With Dill Sauce
- 14. Grilled Chicken Fettuccine
- 15. Pan Seared Duck Breast
- 16. Sirloin Steak Tips
- 17. Marry Me Chicken
- 18. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
- 19. Pan Seared Salmon with Crispy Skin
- 20. Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
- 21. Easy Beef Stroganoff
- 22. Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
- 23. Duck with Orange Sauce
- 24. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- 25. Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
- 26. Italian Sausage Bake
- 27. Quiche Florentine
- 28. Caprese Flatbread
- 29. Tofu Stir-Fry
- 30. Chicken Sausage with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes
- 31. Cast Iron Pork Chops
- 💠Tips For Preparing Dinner For Two
- What Are Some Dessert Ideas For A Romantic Dinner For Two?
- How Can I Make A Special Three-Course Dinner For My Partner?
- Any Tips For Planning A Successful Dinner Date At Home?
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Dinner For Two: 31+ Amazing Recipes To Make A Special Occasion Memorable!
- IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
- Instructions
- Notes
- 💬 Reviews
A collection of tasty & impressive dinners that are perfect to share with the one you love on special occasions and date nights!
A nice restaurant is not always necessary when you want an intimate date night. In fact, spending time and effort preparing a dish is arguably more romantic because it comes from the heart!
Whether you are a rockstar in the kitchen or still finding your footing, I have plenty of impressive and romantic recipes for cooks of any skill set! Your job is to choose the one your date will enjoy most!
1. Pan Seared Scallops
Perfectly pan-seared scallops are delicious, plus extremely quick and easy to make. If you can get that perfect golden-brown sear on the outside, the hardest part is done!
Scallops are light enough to serve them with carb-heavy sides like fondant potatoes or parmesan risotto, and they go with pretty much everything!
Pan Seared Scallops
These pan-seared scallops are easy to make at home, with a delightfully golden crust on tasty restaurant-quality scallops. Cooking your sea scallops to perfection is much easier than you think. They are a real treat to enjoy on special occasions, date nights, or when entertaining guests.
Check out this recipe
2. Filet Mignon on Asparagus Spears And Portobello Mushrooms
A filet mignon is a gourmet cut of steak, so cook it perfectly, and you’ll knock this out of the park! Pair it with a dry red wine like Malbec and a few candles, and you’ll have a picture-perfect romantic dinner for two.
Pan Seared Filet Mignon
Perfectly cooked filet mignon is the best main for date nights, Sunday dinner, or any time you want an incredibly juicy, tender steak! This classic filet mignon is seared in a cast iron skillet and basted with butter until it’s golden-brown and incredibly delicious!
Check out this recipe
3. Spaghetti Bolognese
Italian food is generally romantic (think the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene), and a nice spaghetti Bolognese is easy and satisfying.
If you are a novice chef, this is a great opportunity to surprise your date with a homemade meal while taking minimal risk.
There's no need to worry about sides, but a little garlic bread never hurts. Follow my guide to cooking spaghetti for perfect al dente noodles!
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a true Italian classic full of al dente spaghetti, meaty red sauce, fresh veggies, and a blend of Italian herbs! Throw in a little wine for flavor, and you have an easy weeknight dinner you'll want to make again and again!
Check out this recipe
4.Grilled Lamb Chops
Lamb is usually a special treat, so an elegant grilled lamb chop is sure to impress. These grill up in about 20 minutes, and my aromatic lamb dry rub gives the chops the most amazing flavor!
For what to serve with lamb chops, you can choose steakhouse sides or keep it light and serve it with a Caesar salad and homemade dressing.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Perfectly grilled lamb chops are elegant, full of flavor, and best of all, they only take about 20 minutes to make! An aromatic herb rub and a little olive oil are all you need to make this easy gourmet meal! It's a simple yet delicious way to mix up your weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe
5. Broiled Ribeye Steak
This list had to have a couple of steak options, and a perfectly cooked ribeye is always a great choice. By broiling this ribeye, you can have a restaurant-quality steak in minutes.
Pick a thick-cut steak and serve it with some asparagus, roasted potatoes, or any of my popular ribeye steak side dishes!
Broiled Ribeye Steak
You'll be amazed how easy it is to achieve steakhouse-worthy flavor in a matter of minutes with this super simple broiled ribeye steak recipe! This method guarantees a tender, juicy ribeye that is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Check out this recipe
6. Blackened Cod
If seafood is more your thing, blackened cod is an easy choice. Cod is a mild-tasting fish, so the seasoning really has room to shine. Use a good Cajun seasoning, and pair it with a few light sides to save room for dessert!
It only takes 13 minutes from start to finish, so you don’t have to spend all evening in the kitchen. Check out my favorite side dishes for cod here!
Blackened Cod
This easy blackened cod is a flavorful seafood dinner that combines tender cod fillets with blackened seasoning for a true Southern delight! It uniquely appeals to everyone, from seafood lovers to picky eaters who may not be enthused about eating fish!
Check out this recipe
7. Baked Flounder
Baked flounder is another fish recipe that doesn't taste 'fishy.' The crispy Parmesan and Panko crust gives it a great crunch that will go well with any sauces you want.
This recipe can be made in roughly 20 minutes and will go with any savory or light side dishes. A nice white wine will complete the meal perfectly!
Panko Crusted Baked Flounder
My baked flounder is a fantastic combination of tender flounder fillets and a crispy Panko and Parmesan breadcrumb topping! It's an easy-to-make dinner that you can have in the oven, baked to perfection, and served in 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
8. Shrimp Scampi
Butter, lemon, and white wine make up the delicious scampi sauce and give the pasta a bright, citrus flavor. It’s a quick and easy shrimp recipe, but with some parsley as a garnish and nice dinnerware, it will look like it took a lot of effort.
Peel and de-vein your shrimp beforehand, and this recipe only takes 15 minutes. Set some candles and enjoy your romantic scampi dinner!
Shrimp Scampi
A fantastic classic dish with tender shrimp in a lemony garlic sauce!
Check out this recipe
>>>See All OfMy RecipesHere!<<<
9. Broiled lobster tail
A lobster tail is the universal sign of a 'fancy' dinner. Surprisingly enough, they cook quickly and taste great with minimal effort.
Serve it with some fondant potatoes and a vegetable side dish of your choice, and you have a beautiful spread that only takes minutes. Don't forget the drawn butter!
Broiled Lobster Tail
This broiled lobster tail recipe makes a rich and delicious seafood main dish. They cook super quick in the oven and only take about 15 minutes from start to finish! Follow along to make these fabulous lobster tails that turn out tender, juicy, and perfectly flavored every time!
Check out this recipe
10. Crab Risotto
Creamy, indulgent crab risotto is a great all-inclusive dish. You don’t necessarily need sides. I would focus more on dessert, as the risotto is heavy.
You will use a bit of wine to make the risotto, so you might as well share the rest of the bottle! If your date loves crab, this option will be a home run.
Crab Risotto
This decadent Crab Risotto is a delicious way to serve a hearty and amazingly flavorful crab dinner! The creamy texture of the risotto is studded with tender chunks of crab meat for an absolutely rich and tasty appetizer, side, or main dish!
Check out this recipe
11. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
Hear me out. Pizza may not seem romantic, but it definitely can be! For a lovely date night idea, drink wine while making a pizza together!
This recipe is fairly simple, and you can spend quality time talking and enjoying each other’s company! Sip your wine while it bakes, then share the fruits of your labor!
Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
I love the simplicity of this Margherita sheet pan pizza for being an all-around crowd-pleaser that can also feed the whole family! Tangy sauce, crusty dough, and fresh ingredients all combine to make a winning family dinner!
Check out this recipe
12. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Not only is this creamy Parmesan garlic mushroom chicken easy to make, but it is also delicious! Serve it over pasta, potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
This warm dish is perfect for chilly evenings. The sauce is rich and comforting, so you and your date will savor every bite!
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
My easy to make creamy Parmesan garlic mushroom chicken is so delicious, it’s sure to be an instant family favorite! The cream sauce is incredibly rich and packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor that coats every bit of the chicken, mushrooms, and spinach to make an unforgettable dinner!
Check out this recipe
13. Salmon With Dill Sauce
Dill has such an amazing, unique flavor, and it’s known for pairing perfectly with salmon. While salmon may be delicious, the creamy dill sauce takes it to the next level.
It's an elegant salmon recipe that's perfect for two!
Salmon with Dill Sauce
This salmon with dill sauce recipe is so incredibly flavorful and easy to make, that it’s a dinner worth sharing with your family tonight! The salmon is pan-seared until the skin is amazingly crispy and beautifully golden brown. Then it's topped with a creamy, fresh dill and lemon sauce that makes it over-the-top delicious!
Check out this recipe
14. Grilled Chicken Fettuccine
If your date is not a seafood fan, a nice grilled chicken fettuccine alfredo is a wonderful option. It’s a safe bet as long as your date eats chicken breast.
Creamy alfredo sauce on fettuccine with perfectly grilled sliced chicken breast is savory and comforting. It doesn’t have to be expensive meat to make it date night-worthy.
Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
An amazingly rich, creamy Grilled Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo dinner combines fettuccine pasta, ridiculously delicious alfredo sauce, and just-grilled chicken breast! This homemade alfredo sauce takes your dinner to a better-than-restaurant quality meal for all of your pasta lovers in the family!
Check out this recipe
15. Pan Seared Duck Breast
Last but certainly not least, pan-seared duck breast is an elegant and easy dish for a special date. Because duck is so fatty and flavorful, this recipe only requires the duck breasts and salt & pepper.
If your date has never tried duck, they are in for a treat! Duck and Pinot Noir are classically paired and will create a date night to remember.
Pan Seared Duck Breast
Pan-seared duck breast is such an easy dinner to make, and it’s perfect for date night or any night when you want to elevate dinner. I sear the duck breasts until they are golden brown, crispy, and tender.
Check out this recipe
16. Sirloin Steak Tips
These tender bites of sirloin steak are buttery and pan-seared to perfection! Serve them over long-grain white rice or garlic mashed potatoes for an easy steak dinner!
Pan Seared Sirloin Steak Tips (Steak Bites)
Sirloin steak tips, akasteak bites, can serve as an appetizer or main dish!
Check out this recipe
17. Marry Me Chicken
The name says it all: this saucy sundried tomato chicken breast is so delicious it will make your date want to get down on one knee!
Marry Me Chicken
Marry Mechicken is an incredibly easy one-skillet meal that's quick enough to make for dinner any day of the week!
Check out this recipe
18. Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
One bite of these pan-seared ahi tuna steaks will impress any seafood lover. They have a crispy sesame seed crust and are only cooked enough to sear the outside, so you get all of the fresh tuna flavor!
Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks
Makingperfectly seared ahi tunais easier than you may think, and adding a golden sesame seed crust takes it over the top!
Check out this recipe
19. Pan Seared Salmon with Crispy Skin
The skin of this pan-seared salmon is the best part because it cooks up crispy, golden, and delicious! For side dishes, check out what to serve with salmon.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Crispy Skin
Pan seared salmon with crispy skinis delicious and easy to make. It turns out perfectly every time in just minutes!
Check out this recipe
20. Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
A tender and juicy filet mignon steak is a splurge in and of itself, but wrap it in bacon, and you have a Michelin-star-worthy meal!
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
Abacon-wrapped filet mignonis elegant enough for special occasions and easy for busy weeknight dinners!
Check out this recipe
21. Easy Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food recipe that is always a treat to indulge in. This easy version is suitable for anyone, regardless of your skill set in the kitchen!
Easy Beef Stroganoff
Thisbeef stroganoffis a classic, comforting dish that's perfect for aquick and easy family dinner.
22. Hibachi Steak and Shrimp
Impress your date with your hibachi skills! Steak and shrimp is a premium hibachi recipe at the restaurants, and you should save the best for date night!
Hibachi Steak and Shrimp (Benihana Copycat)
Enjoy the delectable taste of hibachi cooking right in your kitchen with thisBenihana copycat hibachi steak and shrimp recipe!
Check out this recipe
23. Duck with Orange Sauce
Most of us don't enjoy duck regularly, so a well-executed duck dinner is a treat! This tender and flavorful duck breast is covered in a delectable orange sauce that adds elegance and makes the meal feel truly special!
Duck with Orange Sauce (Duck a L'Orange)
Thisduck with orange sauce(duck a l'orange)is a classic French recipe of pan-seared duck breasts and orange sauce!
Check out this recipe
24. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Rich and creamy cheese sauce like your favorite mac and cheese recipe, but over tender, perfectly cooked cauliflower! It's light yet indulgent, and of course, there's bacon!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Cauliflower mac and cheesecan give any macaroni and cheese recipe a run for its money because it's delightfully rich and creamy!
Check out this recipe
25. Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
These zucchini boats are filled with seasoned ground beef, veggies, marinara sauce, and cheese, then baked until tender. It's low-carb, so you can add side dishes or save that extra room for dessert!
Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef
Zucchini boats with ground beefare a delicious and hearty vegetable dish that can be served as a main course or a tasty side to any dinner!
Check out this recipe
>>>See All OfMy RecipesHere!<<<
26. Italian Sausage Bake
Pasta, meatballs, veggies, and marinara sauce in one easy and delicious casserole! It's a one-pan Italian dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Italian Sausage Bake
ThisItalian sausage bakeis an easy family casserole dinner made with pasta, spaghetti sauce, Italian sausage links, cheese, and basil!
Check out this recipe
27. Quiche Florentine
A spinach Florentine quiche is a great way to show off your baking skills, and the leftovers can go in the fridge or freezer for easy breakfasts and lunches!
Quiche Florentine
Quiche Florentineis a breakfast or brunch dish from France featuring creamy egg filling, melted cheese, and spinach in a buttery pie crust!
Check out this recipe
28. Caprese Flatbread
A caprese flatbread with fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella is light and refreshing but won't leave you hungry, especially if you plan on dessert! Plus, it's an easy enough recipe you can make it together.
Caprese Flatbread
ThisCaprese flatbreadis incredibly tasty and only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a fantastic appetizer or lunch option!
Check out this recipe
29. Tofu Stir-Fry
A quick tofu stir fry is a flavor-packed vegetarian entree anyone can make! It's completely customizable veggie-wise and is best served over rice or noodles.
My homemade stir-fry sauce is simple and tastes way better than anything from a jar or bottle!
Tofu Stir-Fry
Thistofu stir-fryis a delicious 20 minute vegetarian recipe that tastes fabulous on top of rice or noodles!
Check out this recipe
30. Chicken Sausage with Apples, Onions, and Potatoes
Sheet pan dinners are perfect for beginners because the sides and main dish are cooked together. My chicken sausage sheet pan with apples, onions, and potatoes is perfect for fall date nights!
Chicken Sausage with Apples
Thischicken sausage with apples, onions, and potatoes sheet pan dinner is easy to make and bursting with sweet and savory flavors!
Check out this recipe
31. Cast Iron Pork Chops
Typically, pork chop recipes are easy and delicious without being overly filling. Bust out your cast-iron skillet to get a gorgeous crispy brown sear!
A light salad or a side of baked cinnamon apples is all you need. For more side dish suggestions, see what to serve with pork chops!
Cast Iron Pork Chops
Thesecast iron pork chopsare a staple in my home for delivering perfectly caramelized pork chops that are intensely flavorful and juicy!
Check out this recipe
💠Tips For Preparing Dinner For Two
Going in with a plan and all the necessary ingredients will help keep your date night dinner stress-free for both of you! Here are more useful tips for cooking a fabulous dinner for two:
- Plan the Menu: Choose a menu you and your partner will enjoy. Consider the time and effort required for each dish. Special occasions like anniversaries and Valentine's Day call for desserts!
- Prep Ahead: Prep ingredients to save time during your date night. You can slice veggies, marinate meats, and measure seasonings the night before.
- Cook Together: Trying out a new recipe or cuisine together can be an exciting experience and a fun and romantic date night activity! Choose a manageable recipe based on your skill set that fits within the time window you will be together.
- Set the Ambiance: Create a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting, candles, or soft music. This is a great time to bring out the good china!
- Keep it Simple: You don't need to create a gourmet meal to impress your date. Simple, well-prepared dishes are just as enjoyable!
What Are Some Dessert Ideas For A Romantic Dinner For Two?
ConteTreat your partner to chocolate-covered strawberries, a slice of red velvet cake, or some easy cherry blossom cookies! If they have a favorite dessert, use the search bar above to see if we have a version on the site!
How Can I Make A Special Three-Course Dinner For My Partner?
Begin with a light garden or Caesar salad, followed by any main course from this list. Finish with a delightful dessert that can be as simple as a mug cake for two or as complex as you feel comfortable with!
Any Tips For Planning A Successful Dinner Date At Home?
Choose recipes you will both enjoy and do your grocery shopping and any necessary prep in advance. Set a cozy ambiance with candles and music. Consider sharing the cooking experience for a memorable and enjoyable dinner date at home!
With so many options, you can make romantic dinners for two a recurring event! Try cooking together and decide what your favorites are, then come back and let me know in the comments below!
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Dinner For Two: 31+ Amazing Recipes To Make A Special Occasion Memorable!
A romantic dinner for two can be an elegant gourmet meal or a simple and delicious recipe, as long as it comes from the heart! With your loved one and one of these romantic dinner ideas, your next date night will be the most magical! There are dishes for every taste and skill set!
Author | Angela
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 319kcal
Prep 5 minutes minutes
Cooking 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 8 oz mushrooms (cleaned and sliced, white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms)
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup butter (½ stick or 4 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream, or milk, or half & half)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach (washed and chopped)
Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela
Instructions
Pat your 1½ lbs chicken breasts dry and trim any excess fat if needed. Season both sides of the chicken with ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper.
Heat a large skillet with the 2 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Pan fry the seasoned chicken breasts to brown both sides until cooked and the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (64°C). Remove the chicken from your skillet when done and transfer to a plate. Set aside.
Add the sliced 8 oz mushrooms and saute until browned and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the ¼ cup butter in your skillet. Add the minced 1 teaspoon garlic and saute until tender and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and mix into the melted butter and garlic, stir frequently and cook the paste for about 2-3 minutes.
Slowly whisk in portions of the ½ cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream until the sauce is smooth, then stir in the ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Add the chopped 1 cup baby spinach and stir into the sauce, then allow the sauce to come to a simmer. Once the sauce thickens and the spinach is wilted, return the chicken breasts and sauteed mushrooms back to your skillet.
Stir to combine and heat to your satisfaction. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Notes
- When cleaning mushrooms, it’s best to wipe them clean with a damp paper towel. Mushrooms are like little sponges, so if you run them under water they’ll absorb the water and be harder to brown!
- After adding the flour to the butter, keep an eye on the roux! You don’t want it or the garlic to burn – you just want to cook for a couple of minutes to get the raw flour taste out.
- If the sauce thickens too much, you can add up to another cup to the sauce!
Nutrition
Calories: 319kcal (16%) | Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) | Protein: 22g (44%) | Fat: 24g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 13g (81%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 115mg (38%) | Sodium: 610mg (27%) | Potassium: 474mg (14%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 1041IU (21%) | Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) | Calcium: 107mg (11%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
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best special occasion dinner ideas, Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken, date night dinners, dinner for two, easy dinners
Course Chicken Dishes, Dinner Recipes, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com
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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