Why Go Out? Have a More Intimate Valentine's Day Dinner at Home (2024)

Will it cause your partner to declare their undying love and/or immediately drop to one knee and propose? Who can say? But one thing is for sure: if you make this dish, they'll definitely feel well-cared for.

Get the recipe for Marry Me Chicken.

If seafood is your love language, these pan-seared scallops will turn your eyes into big red hearts.

Get the recipe for Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Scallops.

This dish is incredibly rich and filling. We love it as a simple but romantic dinner-for-two with a glass of red wine.

Get the recipe for Pasta Carbonara.

Looking for an elegant, easy, and delicious dinner to treat someone special? This rich homemade curry is about as delicious as it gets.

Get the recipe for Coconut Curry Chicken.

Though it has a reputation for being fussy, risotto is actually pretty easy to make. It just takes a little bit of stirring. (We like to do it with a glass of wine in one hand, and some good music on.)

Get the recipe for Truffled Risotto with Mushrooms and Parmesan.

Steak and potatoes gets some very serious, very delicious upgrades in this dinner fit for royalty.

Get the recipe for Filet Mignon with Duck Fat Potatoes.

Though they're often served as an appetizer or even h'ors d'oeuvre, we think they make an absolutely decadent romantic dinner for two, as well as a lighter main dish for four (served with a side salad, for instance).

Serve them with a glass of Champagne, and you have a meal that's sure to impress!

Get the recipe for Oysters Rockefeller.

A couple glasses of a good red wine, and a bubbling dish of this coming out of the oven? You've just made someone special very happy.

Get the recipe for Chicken Parmesan.

If you love seafood but have been reluctant to cook it at home, this is a great starter dish. It makes an excellent date-night meal, and the cooking will infuse your kitchen with an alluring ocean-like scent!

Get the recipe for Linguine with Clam Sauce.

This French bistro dish is as tasty as it is simple: a very good cut of steak, crusted in cracked peppercorns and cooked perfectly, then doused in a rich pan sauce made from brandy and heavy cream.

Get the recipe for Steak au Poivre.

If you're looking to eat a fancy seafood dinner, halibut is a first-rate choice. Like other quality ingredients—steak, or lobster—you get what you pay for. And when you get the good stuff, it doesn't need a whole lot to make it taste great.

Get the recipe for Baked Halibut.

Break out your vintage fondue set! This elegant, flavorful cheese dip is perfect for an intimate shared dinner with bread and fruit.

Get the recipe for Apple Cider Fondue.

The French know two things very well: Love and food. So you can be sure that this spicy saucy dish will be incredibly romantic. Serve it with easy-to-make cheese puffs for added effect.

Get the recipe for Cajun Coq au Vin.

You'll need to plan in advance for this cheesy deliciousness, but it's well worth the effort. The bolognese sauce needs a day to cook, but never fear! It's a mostly hands-off process. The final lasagna makes for an absolutely unforgettable Valentine's Day dinner.

Get the recipe for Lasagna Bolognese.

After some time in the oven and in the slow cooker, these short ribs are so tender, delicious, and worth the wait. They're a perfectly indulgent option for Valentine's Day!

Get the recipe for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs.

There's a reason steak is a classic love food: It's rich, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe makes the most of a good cut, and lets you cook a classic steakhouse side dish in the same pan.

Get the recipe for Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach.

Make a big pot of this rich, delicious soup and serve it with your fanciest bottle of red wine. Get extra fancy and make your own beef stock first!

Get the recipe for Classic French Onion Soup.

Feeling fancy? This Coq Au Vin will make Valentine's Day special. As this rich stew simmers, it will make the whole house smell amazing. Serve it with a good crusty baguette.

Get the recipe for White Wine Coq Au Vin.

Pair this classic and fancy Spanish paella with a flinty wine like Sauvignon blanc, or a dry rosé.

Get the recipe for Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Bell Peppers.

This sweet, simple sauce makes salmon plate-licking delicious, but the best part is that it cooks up in just 15 minutes (not including the taters). So you've got less time at the stove, and more time with your Valentine.

Get the recipe for Honey Garlic Salmon with Horseradish-Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes.