Mike Tuin
Are you thinking of dinner reservations versus dinner for Valentine’s Day? Let us make that decision easy for you – with these delicious Valentine’s Day dinner ideas, you’ll be able to create an easy and romantic meal at home. And hey, food is the fastest way to the heart, right? You will truly enchant your sweetheart by taking the homemade route with one of these Valentine’s Day recipes, from simple dinners for two to impressive feasts that make delicious leftovers. On top of that, cooking with your Valentine’s dinner makes a fun and romantic activity that will soon become a cherished tradition. Learn how to make pasta together or toast a whole chicken or turkey breast. Create classical music like spaghetti and meatballs and meatloaf, or try something you’ve never cooked before (slow roasted salmon, anyone?)
All of these Valentine’s Day meals are easy enough for any home chef, regardless of skill level. Some are heavy on convenience (creamy, cheesy pasta baked), others are hearty enough for the carnivore in your life (we’ve included all of our favorite steak recipes), and some will bring your creative side to the fore through inspiration from international flavors and cuisine. Whatever dish you choose to prepare, you’ll make sure your dinner date is dizzying – and ask for seconds. But if you really want to mimic a restaurant experience at home, make it a three-course dinner by pairing it with an easy appetizer and a Valentine’s Day dessert that is as sweet as your partner.
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Bees Wellington
Soft, juicy beef wrapped in puff pastry is so good, it’s the perfect start to a romantic evening.
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Beet Fettuccine with hazelnuts and goat cheese
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Chicken with Salted Apples and Mushrooms
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Tomato Tagliatelle with Chorizo and Olives
Does your Valentine like a little spice? Present this super fragrant number.
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Alles Bagel Salmon
A homemade blend of poppy seeds, roasted sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and salt adds a strong flavor to an otherwise classic appetizer.
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Vegan Lasagne
Do you have a vegan Valentine? Serve a comforting meal that you can both enjoy.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken
Cheese and herb stuffed chicken wrapped with prosciutto looks like a fancy dinner, but it’s actually easy to make in the air fryer.
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Gluten Free Spaghetti With Mussels and Bacon Crumbs
Enjoy it on Valentine’s Day to make gluten-free spaghetti that tastes like the real thing!
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Shrimp Curry and Rice
For a dish that is just as colorful and complex as your love story, go for this one-pot dinner flavored with ginger, garlic and curry powder.
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Pasta with Vodka Sauce
You can not go wrong with a classic, especially if it requires heavy cream, grated Parmesan and a dash of vodka.
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Roasted Pendant Steak with Charred Broccolini
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Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Garlic and Walnuts
Take the extra time to make gnocchi from scratch to really steal your valentine’s heart. Do not worry, it only takes an hour from start to finish!
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Skillet Roasted Chicken
There is nothing more romantic than a whole fried chicken for Valentine’s Day dinner.
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Leaf Pan Fish and Vegetables
This one proves that you can have a delicious, elegant dinner in less than 30 minutes.
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Roasted Pork Chops and Pears
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Spaghetti and Air Fryer Meatballs
You and your Valentine will love this classic (even made easier in the air fryer!)
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Roasted Feta Shrimp and Polenta
Creamy polenta, feta and juicy shrimp create a dynamite combination that will make anyone fall in love.
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Bros Pork Noodles
Add flavor to Valentine’s Day dinner with tongue-tingling Szechuan peppercorns.
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Soy-glazed meatloaf
Decorate this classic comfort head with a homemade glaze, made with an umami-rich soy sauce.
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Instant Pot Pork Ragu
You do not have to roast a pork shoulder in the oven all day to make this crowdpleaser – just toss it in your multicooker for 35 minutes!
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Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew
Serve a cozy one-pot dinner (within 30 minutes!) For Valentine’s Day.
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Anchovies Brown Butter Linguine with Parmesan Breadcrumbs
Stack lemon breadcrumbs high on flavor-laden pasta for extra crunchiness.
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Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemony Roasted Broccoli
This pan-fried chicken dish is delicious, healthy, and easy to make – what more could you ask for?
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Vinkel Pasta Tomato
Fennel seeds add a little extra flavor to this classic tomato sauce.
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Hasselback Potatoes and Garlicky Spinach
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Stores Vark Meatballs
Divide tongs, divide spices: Pack the flavor by adding lime peel, jalapeño and garlic to the meatball mixture.
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Mini Meatballs with Garlicky Tomatoes
Because meatballs are definitely the path to anyone’s heart. On top of that, you can use a baguette to give them a sweet extra crunch.
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Steak with roasted green beans, fennel and farro
Eat a fancy steak dinner right at home. Dress, dress – that’s your calling.
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Sweet risotto
Sweets for your Valentine! This risotto recipe is 100% creamy goodness.
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Roasted Shrimp with Charred Peppers and Queso Blanco
If there’s anything you love more than your beauty, it’s probably queso. Shh, we will not tell.
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Editorial Fellow
Hannah is an editorial partner at Good Housekeeping, where she enjoys covering home, health, entertainment and other lifestyle content.
Samantha MacAvoy is the editorial assistant on the Good Housekeeping food team, where she writes about tasty recipes from the Test Kitchen, must-try food products and tools, and top-tested secrets for home cooking success.
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