14 Romantic Dinner Recipes for Two

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Whether you're planning a Valentine's Day dinner, celebrating an anniversary, or simply craving a special night at home, these romantic dinner ideas for two make it easy to create something memorable without the stress.

From elegant steak dinners to cozy pasta and lighter seafood dishes, these recipes are designed to feel restaurant-worthy - yet completely doable in a home kitchen.

Three gourmet dishes perfect for romantic dinner recipes: a salmon bowl with carrots and Brussels sprouts on rice; a steak topped with mushrooms and herbs; and a pasta dish with small shells, bacon, and greens. Each is elegantly presented on distinct plates with cutlery nearby.
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14 Romantic Dinners for Two

1
A bowl of creamy pasta with spinach, shredded chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes sits on a gray platter, reminiscent of a cozy "marry me" chicken soup. A grater with cheese is nearby. White flowers and a folded napkin embellish the setting, crafting an inviting dining atmosphere.
Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
Try this heavenly Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe. It's a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused dish that will have you falling in love with every spoonful.
Marry Me Chicken Soup
2
Close-up of a juicy steak topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, garnished with fresh herbs-the perfect centerpiece for romantic dinner recipes. Cooked to perfection and served on a white plate, it highlights the rich colors and textures of this intimate dining experience.
www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com
Steaks with Tarragon Mushrooms
"Sauteed mushrooms and a savory, lightly sweet sauce make this seared crust of filet mignon really plump, tender, and juicy. They are so delicious, you'll wonder why you ever went out to dinner on Valentine's day."
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3
Oval white dish filled with spaghetti, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley on a white wooden table, with a floral napkin, plate, and parsley garnish nearby.
Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach
This shrimp pasta dish is ready in 20 minutes or less. Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and olive oil, then tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and pasta. It's Mediterranean-inspired comfort food-light, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Shrimp Pasta
4
www.feastingathome.com
Simple Moroccan Salmon
"A simple healthy salmon recipe with Moroccan spices. Serve this with Moroccan Quinoa with oranges, almonds olives and mint, or Moroccan Couscous. Fast and easy!"
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5
A cooked steak, perfect for grilling steaks lovers, is topped with sautéed mushrooms and fresh parsley on a white plate garnished with rosemary. The plate rests on a wooden tray, with tomatoes and a potted plant in the background.
Grilling Steaks with Garlic Butter Mushroom Sauce
Grilling Steaks with Garlic Butter Mushroom Sauce is one of the easiest meals you can make. And for steak lovers, it is the ultimate BBQ. Easy? Absolutely! Just follow these simple steps with a handful of ingredients, and you're on your way to the tender, juicy, perfectly grilled steaks smothered in a delicious 3 ingredient mushroom sauce!
Grilled Steak Recipe
6
Top view of One Pot Asparagus Pasta on a white plate with lemon slices and parsley.
Easy One Pot Lemon Artichoke and Asparagus Pasta with Ground Turkey
A simple, delicious 30-minute spring pasta dish with artichokes, asparagus, and ground turkey in creamy lemon sauce. It's an easy dish you'll love all season!
One Pot Pasta with Asparagus
7
Top view of baked chicken breast with steamed green beans on a white plate.
Baked Chicken Breast
Baked chicken breast (or split chicken breast) is a simple and elegant dish you'll love serving for dinner or when entertaining friends. It's utterly juicy and tender! This bone-in chicken breast with herbed goat cheese is fragrant with fresh basil and baked with an easy lemon sauce.
Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
8
Top view of steamed fish on a white scalloped platter.
Easy Steamed Fish en Papillote Recipe
This is an easy and delicious way to cook fish perfectly. It's a twist on classic steamed fish en papillote, ready in minutes!
Steamed Fish
9
Masala Chicken for 14 Romantic Dinners for 2
www.eatingwell.com
Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Mushroom Marsala Sauce for Two
"Paper-thin slices of prosciutto are turned into a salty, crispy "crust" in this quick chicken thigh recipe with mushroom sauce that serves two. Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed greens."
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10
Two bowls filled with brown rice, glazed salmon fillets topped with sesame seeds, shredded carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, and mushrooms-an ideal choice for romantic dinner recipes, served on a striped cloth.
www.southernliving.com
Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
"Cook this salmon in your slow cooker for a fuss-free date night dinner that checks all the food group boxes."
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11
A white bowl and two smaller dishes of orecchiette pasta with roasted eggplant, ricotta, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and chili flakes-a perfect choice if you're searching for romantic dinner recipes. A wooden serving spoon and purple napkin complete the scene.
www.southernliving.com
Pasta with Eggplant, Burrata, and Mint Recipe
"Diced eggplant meets melty, creamy burrata and sharp mint in this unconventional, yet undoubtedly irresistible signature pasta dish."
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12
www.alwaysorderdessert.com
A Date Night Tapas Party
"Dining out for Valentine's Day can definitely be unpredictable. The food is sometimes amazing, but sometimes it's not. It's pretty much always overpriced and the menus are usually whittled down to a few easy-to-prepare dishes. I think a homemade Tapas Party for 2 is an awesome idea for Valentine's Day or any other home celebration. Prepare a variety of small, tasty dishes, and settle in for an amazing night."
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13
Top view of skillet gnocchi with fresh spinach in a tomato cream sauce.
Easy Skillet Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe with Sausage
This Tuscan Gnocchi recipe is an easy one-skillet dish cooked in a creamy tomato sauce, with sausage, spinach, and fresh herbs-- in 30 minutes or less!
Tuscan Gnocchi Recipe
14
Side view of plated Mushroom Risotto on a wood serving board with fresh parsley
Easy Mushroom Risotto in the Instant Pot
An easy version of authentic Mushroom Risotto cooked in a fraction of the time. And with little effort. Yet luxuriously creamy and delicious!
Mushroom Risotto
15
Mushroom Chicken Pasta for 14 Romantic Dinners
www.dessertfortwo.com
Engagement Chicken Pasta
"This pasta is one of those impressive dishes that you should master and keep in your back pocket for a special occasion."
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16
Closeup view of sliced Salmon Wellington
Salmon Wellington
Salmon Wellington is a simple to make salmon fillet topped with a spinach mushroom filling and baked in puff pastry. Utterly delicious!
Salmon Wellington Recipe
17
A white bowl filled with beef stew, featuring chunks of beef, mushrooms, and carrots, is garnished with fresh parsley-perfect for romantic dinner recipes. Another bowl sits in the background. A glass of red wine graces the left while a fork and spoon rest on the right.
www.thekitchn.com
Slow Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon
"We can think of no better way to show your Valentine you care than with this recipe. Using the slow cooker cuts down on the hands-on time, but it's still a lengthy recipe worth the wait. Just be sure you have plenty of red wine to go with it."
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18
Two forks hold bread dipped in creamy fondue in a black pot, with Swiss cheese blocks and glasses in the background.
Cheddar Cheese and Cider Fondue: A Cozy Fireside Treat
Cider and Cheddar Fondue: When snow is piling up or the winter wind is howling, when family and friends gather -- whip up a quick and easy, cozy fireside treat.
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Do You Want Dessert?

A romantic dinner deserves a sweet ending - but it doesn't have to be complicated.

Whether you're sharing something chocolatey, slicing fresh fruit, or pulling a make-ahead dessert from the fridge, these dessert ideas are perfect for two and easy to enjoy without a lot of extra effort.

How to Make a Romantic Dinner Feel Special

A romantic dinner isn't about perfection - it's about intention. A few thoughtful details can make even a simple meal feel special.

  • Set the table with candles or soft lighting
  • Choose music that fits the mood
  • Keep the menu simple so you can enjoy the evening too

Whether you're cooking for Valentine's Day or planning a quiet date night at home, these romantic dinners are meant to be enjoyed slowly - and shared with someone you love. For more special dessert ideas, see Valentine's Day Desserts for delicious treats.


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