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Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a romantic homecooked dinner? Skip the crowded restaurants and prix fixe menus and create a memorable meal for your loved one right in the comfort of your own home. We've gathered 43 unique and delicious Valentine's Day dinner ideas that will make your evening extra special. From elegant dishes to comforting favorites, there's something here for every taste and preference.
1. Balsamic Mushroom and Sausage Pasta
Start your Valentine's Day dinner with a flavorful and satisfying dish like Balsamic Mushroom and Sausage Pasta. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the richness of sausage, all brought together with a drizzle of tangy balsamic vinegar. The result is a pasta dish that is both dark and moody in appearance, but surprisingly bright and light on the palate. It's the perfect balance of flavors for a romantic evening.
To make this dish, start by sautéing your favorite mushrooms and Italian sausage in a pan until they are browned and cooked through. Then, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar to create a flavorful sauce. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is sure to impress your loved one with its complex flavors and beautiful presentation.
2. Tomato-Roasted Onions With So Much Paprika
If you're looking for a unique and unexpected dish to wow your partner, try Tomato-Roasted Onions With So Much Paprika. This recipe takes humble onions and transforms them into the main event with the help of searing and gentle roasting. The result is tender, spoonably tender onions with a deep, rich flavor.
To make this dish, start by searing the onions in a hot pan to caramelize them and bring out their natural sweetness. Then, transfer them to a baking dish and roast them with a mixture of paprika and tomato paste until they are soft and tender. The combination of flavors in this dish is truly remarkable and will make for a memorable Valentine's Day dinner.
3. One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Olive Gremolata
For a cozy and comforting Valentine's Day dinner, try One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Olive Gremolata. This recipe is perfect for a group gathering or a romantic dinner for two. It features tender chicken simmered with aromatic spices and served over fluffy rice, all topped with a zesty olive gremolata.
To make this dish, start by browning chicken pieces in a pot to develop a rich flavor. Then, add in aromatic spices like cumin and paprika, along with chicken broth and rice. Let everything simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Serve it with a vibrant olive gremolata made with chopped olives, lemon zest, and parsley. This dish is a complete meal that is both delicious and satisfying.
4. Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly
Indulge in a sweet and savory combination with Sake-and-Soy-Braised Pork Belly. This slow-cooked dish is a true showstopper, with tender and caramel-glazed pork that will melt in your mouth. The combination of sake, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients creates a rich and complex sauce that infuses every bite with irresistible flavor.
To make this dish, start by searing the pork belly to render the fat and develop a crispy exterior. Then, braise it in a mixture of sake, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other aromatics until it becomes tender and glazed. The result is a dish that is both impressive and incredibly delicious. Serve it with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Gnocchi-Leek Soup With Greens
For a cozy and comforting Valentine's Day dinner, try Gnocchi-Leek Soup With Greens. This recipe is perfect for couples who enjoy a warm and hearty meal. The store-bought gnocchi makes this soup a breeze to prepare, while the addition of leeks and greens adds a touch of freshness and flavor.
To make this soup, start by sautéing leeks and garlic in a pot until they are soft and fragrant. Add in vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer before adding in the gnocchi and greens. Let everything cook until the gnocchi is tender and the greens are wilted. Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying Valentine's Day dinner.
6. Coffee-and-Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs
For a luxurious and indulgent Valentine's Day dinner, Coffee-and-Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs are the perfect choice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of coffee and bourbon with tender short ribs, resulting in a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet.
To make this dish, start by searing the short ribs to develop a caramelized crust. Then, simmer them in a mixture of coffee, bourbon, beef broth, and aromatic spices until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. The result is a dish that is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion. Serve the short ribs with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce.
7. Double Pepper Diavolo With Shrimp
For lovers of spicy food, Double Pepper Diavolo With Shrimp is a fiery and flavorful Valentine's Day dinner option. This dish is a twist on the classic Italian American pasta dish, Fra Diavolo. Instead of traditional canned tomatoes, it uses jarred roasted red peppers to add a touch of sweetness that complements the heat of the shrimp.
To make this dish, start by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil to infuse the oil with flavor. Add in the shrimp and cook until they are pink and cooked through. Then, toss the cooked pasta with a sauce made from roasted red peppers, chicken broth, and other spices. Serve this spicy and satisfying dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
8. French Onion Tart
If you're looking for an elegant and sophisticated Valentine's Day appetizer or main course, French Onion Tart is a perfect choice. This tart features a flaky pastry crust filled with caramelized onions and topped with melted Gruyere cheese. The combination of savory onions and rich cheese creates a delightful flavor experience.
To make this tart, start by caramelizing onions in butter until they are soft and golden brown. Roll out the pastry dough and transfer it to a tart pan, then spread the caramelized onions over the dough. Top it with grated Gruyere cheese and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve this tart as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a complete meal.
9. Extra-Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
For a casual and finger-licking good Valentine's Day dinner, Extra-Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing choice. These wings are cooked in an air fryer to achieve the perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The best part is, they require minimal oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried wings.
To make these wings, start by seasoning them with your favorite spices and herbs. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at a high temperature until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and a side of crunchy celery sticks for a classic wing night experience.
10. Spinach-Artichoke-Dip Pasta
If you and your partner are fans of creamy and cheesy dishes, Spinach-Artichoke-Dip Pasta is the perfect Valentine's Day dinner choice. This recipe takes all the flavors of a classic spinach and artichoke dip and combines them with pasta for a comforting and indulgent meal.
To make this dish, start by sautéing garlic and onions in butter until they are soft and fragrant. Add in spinach and artichoke hearts and cook until they are wilted and tender. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and will make for a memorable Valentine's Day dinner.
11. Mustardy Cider-Braised Pork Chops
For a flavorful and tender Valentine's Day dinner, Mustardy Cider-Braised Pork Chops are a great option. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of hard apple cider with tangy mustard and fresh herbs to create a delicious and comforting dish.
To make this dish, start by searing the pork chops in a hot pan to develop a crispy crust. Remove them from the pan and deglaze it with hard apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh herbs, then return the pork chops to the pan and let them simmer until they are cooked through and tender. Serve them with the flavorful sauce spooned over the top for a meal that is both elegant and satisfying.
12. Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Triple-Cream Cheese
For a unique and indulgent side dish, try Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Triple-Cream Cheese. This recipe takes sweet potatoes to the next level by roasting them until they are tender and caramelized, then topping them with a luscious triple-cream cheese and a crunchy dukka topping.
To make this dish, start by tossing sweet potato wedges in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting them until they are golden brown and crispy. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the dukka topping by blending toasted coriander, cumin, fennel, and pumpkin seeds with sugar, smoked paprika, chile-lime seasoning, olive oil, and salt. Once the sweet potatoes are done, spread a layer of triple-cream cheese over them and sprinkle the dukka topping on top. This dish is a wonderful combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy flavors that will elevate any Valentine's Day dinner.
13. Creamy Coconut Curry Meatballs
For a taste of exotic flavors, try Creamy Coconut Curry Meatballs for your Valentine's Day dinner. This recipe combines juicy meatballs with a rich and fragrant coconut curry sauce, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and full of complex flavors.
To make this dish, start by mixing ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, and a blend of spices and herbs. Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a skillet until they are cooked through. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until softened, then add in coconut milk, curry powder, and other aromatic spices. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce until they are fully coated and the flavors have melded together. Serve the meatballs with steamed rice and garnish with fresh cilantro for a complete and satisfying meal.
14. Creamy Lemon Pappardelle With Crispy Prosciutto
If you're looking for a light and refreshing Valentine's Day dinner, try Creamy Lemon Pappardelle With Crispy Prosciutto. This pasta dish combines the bright flavors of lemon and Parmesan with the salty crunch of prosciutto for a dish that is both elegant and satisfying.
To make this dish, start by cooking pappardelle pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, cook thinly sliced prosciutto until crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then add in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, then add in cooked pappardelle and toss to coat. Serve the pasta with crispy prosciutto on top and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
15. Dark and Stormy–Braised Pot Roast
For a comforting and hearty Valentine's Day dinner, Dark and Stormy–Braised Pot Roast is a perfect choice. This recipe takes a classic pot roast and infuses it with the flavors of dark rum and other aromatic spices for a dish that is rich and deeply flavorful.
To make this dish, start by searing a beef chuck roast until it is browned on all sides. Remove the roast from the pan and deglaze it with dark rum, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the roast to the pan and add in beef broth, onions, garlic, and other spices. Cover the pan and let the roast simmer until it is tender and falling apart. Serve the pot roast with the flavorful cooking liquid spooned over the top for a meal that is sure to impress.
16. Baked Mushroom-Rice Porridge
For a cozy and comforting Valentine's Day dinner, try Baked Mushroom-Rice Porridge. This hands-off dish is perfect for a cold winter evening, and it's a great option for couples who enjoy a warm and hearty meal.
To make this porridge, start by sautéing mushrooms in butter until they are golden brown and fragrant. Transfer them to a baking dish and add in rice, chicken broth, and other aromatics. Cover the dish and bake it in the oven until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve this porridge as a main course or as a side dish with your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
17. Butteriest Black Pepper Fish
For a simple yet elegant Valentine's Day dinner, try Butteriest Black Pepper Fish. This recipe takes a delicate white fish and coats it in a rich and buttery black pepper sauce, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
To make this dish, start by seasoning the fish fillets with salt and black pepper. Sear them in a hot pan with butter until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, melt more butter and add in crushed black pepper, garlic, and other spices. Cook the sauce until it becomes fragrant and slightly thickened, then pour it over the fish fillets. Serve the fish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
18. Brown Butter–Basted Steak
For steak lovers, Brown Butter–Basted Steak is the ultimate Valentine's Day dinner. This recipe takes a thick, bone-in ribeye steak and cooks it in brown butter, resulting in a tender and flavorful piece of meat that is perfect for a special occasion.
To make this dish, start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Sear it in a hot pan with butter until it forms a golden brown crust on both sides. Add in garlic and fresh herbs to infuse the butter with additional flavor. Baste the steak with the melted butter as it cooks, flipping it occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing. Serve the steak with the brown butter sauce spooned over the top for a decadent and indulgent meal.
19. Orange-Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs
For a citrusy and flavorful Valentine's Day dinner, Orange-Wine-Braised Chicken Thighs are a great choice. This recipe takes bone-in chicken thighs and braises them in a mixture of white wine and orange juice, resulting in tender and succulent meat with a hint of sweetness.
To make this dish, start by searing the chicken thighs in a hot pan to develop a crispy skin. Remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and orange zest until they are soft and fragrant. Add in white wine, orange juice, and other spices, then return the chicken thighs to the pan and let them simmer until they are cooked through and tender. Serve the chicken thighs with the flavorful sauce spooned over the top and garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
20. Pomegranate-and-Honey-Glazed Duck With Rice
For a luxurious and elegant Valentine's Day dinner, Pomegranate-and-Honey-Glazed Duck With Rice is a perfect choice. This recipe features succulent duck breasts glazed with a tangy and sweet pomegranate and honey sauce, served alongside fluffy rice.
To make this dish, start by scoring the skin of the duck breasts and searing them in a hot pan to render the fat and develop a crispy skin. Remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté shallots and garlic until they are softened, then add in pomegranate juice, honey, and other aromatic spices. Simmer the sauce until it reduces and thickens slightly, then return the duck breasts to the pan and let them cook until they reach your desired level of doneness. Serve the duck breasts with the glaze spooned over the top and a side of fluffy rice for a meal that is both impressive and delicious.
21. Creamy Ricotta Gnocchi
For a homemade and indulgent Valentine's Day dinner, try making Creamy Ricotta Gnocchi from scratch. This recipe takes light and pillowy ricotta gnocchi and coats them in a creamy and flavorful sauce, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
To make this dish, start by mixing ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and flour together to form a soft dough. Shape the dough into small dumplings and cook them in boiling water until they float to the surface. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then add in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce and serve them with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is a labor of love that will impress your loved one and showcase your culinary skills.
22. No-Fail Roast Chicken With Lemon and Garlic
For a classic and foolproof Valentine's Day dinner, No-Fail Roast Chicken With Lemon and Garlic is always a hit. This recipe takes a whole chicken and roasts it to perfection with the flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
To make this dish, start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs, then tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast the chicken in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy. Let the chicken rest before carving and serve it with the pan juices spooned over the top. This dish is a timeless classic that is sure to impress your loved one.
23. Pesto-ish Risotto
For a creamy and flavorful Valentine's Day dinner, try Pesto-ish Risotto. This recipe takes the traditional Italian rice dish and infuses it with the flavors of pesto, resulting in a vibrant and satisfying meal.
To make this risotto, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add in Arborio rice and toast it for a few minutes before gradually adding in chicken broth, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked and creamy. Stir in a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce, along with grated Parmesan cheese and butter, until everything is well combined. Serve the risotto with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.