Here are 25 Romantic Dinner Ideas (plus Desserts!) to tuck into with your special someone! Bring date night home to you with delicious, effortless meals that set the stage for a cozy night in.
Whether you’re preparing for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or if food is your love language — date night doesn’t have to mean going out!
What Makes These Recipes Romantic?
A little romance goes a long way in showing you care! These date night recipes will have you feeling like you’re dining in the best restaurant in town, without leaving the house. You and your date will love these romantic recipes, because they’re:
- Cozy and comforting. Nothing says “romance” like a candlelit dinner and a warm, homemade meal.
- Easy to make. While still looking as though they pulled out all the stops. So you can focus on what (and who!) really matters.
- Perfect for special occasions. These recipes are all the inspo you need for elegant Valentine’s Day dinners, anniversary dinners, date nights in, or just because!
Setting the Scene
Luckily, this collection of easy romantic dinner ideas is here to save on cooking time, so that you can put a little extra effort into the ambiance! Turn your cozy dinner into something really special by setting the scene:
- Flowers on the table are a simple yet winning gesture. It doesn’t have to be roses!
- Get creative with candles and use different heights and styles.
- Go the extra mile with a proper table setting, with cutlery and dinnerware in all the right places.
- Leave a love note. Because who wouldn’t love to sit down to a thoughtful little message.
- Dim the lights and put on your favorite romantic playlist.
- If you’re really going all out, sprinkle the table with flower petals.
Making a Game Plan
You don’t want to be fussing with last minute prep and kitchen duties come date night, so plan ahead where you can!
- Make the meal, or components of the meal ahead where possible.
- Prep all the ingredients you can in advance and store them until you need them.
- Budget extra time, ahead of time, to banish Murphy’s Law from your kitchen.
- Read through recipes and check your shopping lists to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything. (Nothing offsets the mood like a last minute rush to the store!)
- Enjoy yourself! Food cooked with love and attention is the best kind of food.
Romantic Recipes for Dinner
From decadent risottos and creamy pastas, to effortless and tender meats, these recipes spell out romance!
Cozy Main Dishes
Start your evening off with these comforting mains that are as easy to make as they are impressive!
Nothing beats a one-pot pasta that’s delicious and light at the same time. Plus, this garlic parmesan orzo only takes 20 minutes to make, leaving plenty of time to plan the rest of your romantic evening!
Ten minutes of prep and a stint in the oven means you can focus on other things while this saucy, cheesy ravioli casserole bakes to golden perfection!
Chicken pesto pasta is another one of those dishes that’s just perfect for easy, pleasing dinners! Ready in 30 minutes and full of flavor.
Relive the iconic spaghetti dinner scene from Lady and the Tramp, and meet in the middle with this saucy spaghetti with juicy and tender homemade meatballs!
Light and simple, this baked chicken caprese still looks as though it stepped off the menu of a five star bistro! Made with roasted cherry tomatoes, chicken breasts, and mozzarella cheese drizzled in a sweet balsamic sauce.
The perfect chicken breast recipe prepared with sun dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce. Simply cook up some pasta and serve this beautiful 30-minute Tuscan chicken as a meal that looks as great as it tastes.
Don’t be fooled by the classics, there’s a reason chicken parm has stood the test of time! A delicious and crispy chicken breast recipe with sweet marinara sauce that never fails to impress.
Flavorful homemade meatballs that can be baked in the oven or simmered right in a creamy beef sauce! Serve these juicy Swedish meatballs over pasta or potatoes for a comforting, easy meal.
Six ingredients, one pot, and 30 minutes is all you need to make this creamy, cheesy gnocchi with Italian sausage, cooked in a skillet.
A romantic risotto does all the work itself thanks to the Instant Pot! Creamy, perfectly al dente and full of lush flavor, this risotto recipe saves time while still delivering the ultimate cozy dish.
Keep the romance alive and the meal light and healthy with this easy crispy chicken in a creamy basil sauce, without the actual cream!
They say three is a crowd, but not when it comes to 3-cheeses! Invite ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan to date night with this perfectly seasoned manicotti recipe. Also a great make ahead meal!
Tender fettuccine tossed with juicy chicken in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce is an easy and flavorful way to share the love.
This impressive mushroom risotto will give you all the fancy restaurant vibes, right at your own table. Served with braised short ribs, cooked tender in the slow cooker, this recipe is pure fireworks!
A gorgeous recipe for Tuscan chicken and veggies, cooked with tender potatoes and cream sauce in a single pan. Easy, delicious comfort food, just as the love doctor ordered!
Really take the romance up a notch with this easy bourguignon recipe that can be baked the day before. A saucy and tasty beef bourguignon is the perfect meal to cozy up with!
Pop the Pinot Grigio and have your tiramisu waiting, because this spaghetti carbonara is channeling all the Italian romance for your stay-at-home date night!
Easy yet elegant is the name of the game with this chicken masala recipe dressed up in a creamy mushroom sauce. A low carb and keto meal that still packs in all the cozy flavor!
Take your date night to the Far East, without leaving your home! A Chinese chicken stir fry that’s rich in sweet and sticky flavor, Shanghai chicken is ready to serve in only 15 minutes.
This stylish shrimp pasta made with garlic butter is sure to leave a lasting impression, despite requiring only 15 minutes to make. Big on flavor when you’re short on time!
Rumour has it that when this chicken finds its way to your table, a marriage proposal is on the way! Maybe it’s because this creamy, juicy chicken is one dish no one wants to live without.
Embrace your inner gourmet with this classic beef wellington that can easily be made for two. Tender filet mignon steaks layered in pastry, mushroom duxelles, and pate is undeniably a winner for a special night in.
A delicious and easy crab dish, but make it fancy! It's mission accomplished with this elegant and wonderfully savory salmon stuffed with tender crab meat. Ready in under 40 minutes!
These baked oysters are perfect for sharing! Made with minimal ingredients and effort, so you can focus that energy where it belongs: across the table!
The easiest risotto recipe that takes the pressure off, while turning the romance way up! Sensational flavors of browned butter, garlic, and juicy prawns mingle in a luxurious - yet crazy simple - date night meal.
Decadent Desserts
Place the cherry on top (literally) of your perfect date night with these romantic desserts that are the ultimate show stoppers.
The French know a thing or two about romance! See the passion manifest in this recipe for classic crème brûlée. A decadent dessert made with silky custard beneath a delicate layer of broiled caramelized sugar.
This layered fudgy brownie recipe will have you both swooning. A chocolate brownie layer, plus cheesecake, plus cherry pie filling = a dessert combination impossible to resist!
This gigantic chocolate chip cookie was made for two spoons! Top this skillet cookie with ice cream and dig into the ultimate shareable dessert.
Chocolate covered strawberries and romance are the perfect pair! An easy dessert that’s a tried and true classic.
Dessert doesn’t get easier than this easy mug cake recipe that’s both decadent and ready in under 10 minutes. A molten chocolate center and hint of coffee makes this the perfect after dinner treat to wind down the evening.
Stephanie A Williams says
Creamy cheese tortellini is the main course tonight! Followed by your skillet
cookie!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hope you enjoy it!
Shelly B says
The cheeseacake brownies look sooo good! I will try those for sure. My husband doesn’t like chocolate or brownies, so I may try to modify that recipe with graham cracker crust or similar.
Laura Vanier says
I absolutely LOVE your recipes. They are easy, well explained and delicious. I always look forward to your posts. I have tried quite a few of your recipes and have never been disappointed. They are down to earth every day recipes that even someone who hates cooking will enjoy them! Thank you.
The Recipe Rebel says
Thank you Laura!
Karen Anderson says
Definitely going to try these meals and desserts 💕
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Karen! Hope you enjoy them!