25 Romantic Dinner Ideas for Two to Make for Valentine’s Day (2024)

Air Fryer Scallops with Lemon Herb Sauce

Whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in just 20 minutes thanks to your air fryer. Finish the cooked scallops with a zesty sauce that’s filled with fresh flavors like lemon, garlic, capers, and parsley.

Test Kitchen Tip: Be sure to check the scallop’s internal temperature when they are done cooking. They may not brown in the air fryer.

Stout-Soaked Porterhouse with Beer Butter

Calling all ale aficionados! Treat your sweetheart to an elegant Valentine’s Day dinner recipe with this stout-soaked porterhouse and rich homemade beer butter. The juicy, tender porterhouse is the perfect size to share with your loved one.

Easy Boiled Lobster

This recipe for classic boiled lobster proves it only looks intimidating. Master this easy seafood recipe in just 30 minutes—just enough time to make clarified butter for serving. Serve the finished lobster on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped chives and fresh lemon wedges.

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo

Now here’s a beautifully balanced pair. Decadent cheese sauce meets protein-rich, lean scallops in this showy, restaurant-style entree. The saucy and sophisticated easy dinner recipe for two is ready in just 30 minutes.

Avocado Egg Bake

This avocado recipe is a showstopper and that uses only four ingredients! A slice of ham and an egg nestle inside a creamy avocado half for upscale presentation. If your significant other is a fan of breakfast for dinner, this is the perfect dinner for two for you.

Marinated Shrimp Scampi

Our simple recipe for shrimp scampi uses a flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon peel, crushed red pepper, and dry white wine. Prepare a vegetable side dish while the shrimp marinates for a complete romantic dinner for two.

Chimichurri Steak

Introducing: A complete flavor fiesta! Switch up your Valentine’s Day recipes for two with a steak dish that showcases bold international cuisine. Chimichurri—a tart, bright green sauce from Argentina—is poured liberally over the charbroiled steak.

Seared Salmon with Pistachio Gremolata

When you’re searching for a Valentine’s Day dinner idea, high-protein salmon is a delicious and healthy choice to put on the table. Pair with a zesty gremolata made with fresh parsley, garlic, orange, lemon, and pistachios.

Chia-Crusted Oven-Roasted Tuna with Mango Fruit Salsa

Talk about a heart-healthy dinner for two! Both tuna and chia seeds are loaded with healthy omega-3 fats. Plus all the beautiful fresh fruit on top fills your plate with vitamins and minerals. We can think of no better meal to show your love.

Ham and Spinach Two-Cheese Pasta

Cheese? Yes, please! Make a warm and hearty pasta casserole for your Valentine’s Day dinner. The mix of Parmesan, ham, and spinach is sure to wow. Serve the easy Valentine’s Day recipes for two in individual-size ramekins to dress it up for the occasion.

Risotto with Chicken and Spring Peas

If you haven’t already, cancel that reservation. Instead of dining out, make your loved one our version of classic Italian risotto for a super-memorable Valentine’s Day dinner recipe. Peas, carrots, chicken, and spinach transform the rice dish into a satisfying main course.

Grilled Flank Steak Salad

Spice up an everyday salad with marinated grilled steak. Sear sweet peppers, corn, and green onions on the grill to add bright color and flavor to a bed of romaine lettuce. Top it all with a tasty cilantro dressing.

Test Kitchen Tip: Sear the meat indoors on a grill pan if the weather isn’t cooperating to grill outdoors.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a weeknight? This easy dinner idea will be on the table in just 45 minutes. Twirl up forkfuls of creamy spaghetti noodles that are flavored with garlic, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

Thai-Inspired Beef and Cucumber Salad

Serve a platter of this Thai-inspired salad and let your guest make their perfect plate. To assemble, start with slices of tender grilled flank steak on a plate. Arrange fresh veggies like cucumbers, green beans, and peppers around the meat. Finish with fresh mint and chopped peanuts.

Mini Crab Cakes with Orange Aïoli

Make dinner at home a special occasion with these mini crab cakes. Orange aïoli—a mix of mayo, sour cream, orange juice, and herbs—pairs nicely with the mild sweetness of crabmeat. Serve the cakes on a bed of spinach for a special presentation.

Greek Feta Burgers

Craving casual fare? Try this your easy Valentine’s Day recipe for two that will transport you to the Greek isles and a backyard cookout all at once—and in just about half an hour. Top lean beef burgers with a zesty cucumber-herb yogurt sauce for a pairing (almost) as perfect as you and your plus one.

Scandinavian Steak and Potatoes

Add fresh flavor to classic meat and potatoes with a lemony Scandinavian spice mix. We'll walk you through how to make it to season flat iron steak and tender new potatoes. Seared lemon halves are the perfect finish.

Hearts of Palm Cakes

If you're looking for a vegan recipe to make for Valentine's Day, this is the one for you. Our remake of classic crab cakes is loaded with hearts of palm, garbanzo beans, and breadcrumbs. Pan-fry the cakes and serve them with a vegan remoulade sauce.

Striped Bass in Tomato Broth

If seafood is your go-to Valentine's Day dinner, try this flavorful stew. Tender, flaky fish topped with a shallot and tomato broth. Don't forget plenty of crusty bread for dipping.

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is one of our favorite restaurant dishes. Recreate the flavor at home with this easy Valentine's Day dinner idea. Cooking the shrimp in the air fryer ensures they're light and crispy.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This dish is often referred to as "marry me chicken." It stars tender chicken breasts drenched in a creamy sauce made with spinach, tomatoes, and garlic. Serve the chicken over gnocchi, mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner idea.

Japanese Roast Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken doesn't take much effort but the results are truly impressive. Season your chicken with a homemade seven spice mix and serve it with seared bok choy, carrots, and orange wedges.

Spicy Scallop-Pineapple Stir-Fry

Skip the takeout and whip up this scallop and pineapple stir-fry. The spicy sauce is the perfect pairing for sweet, juicy pineapple and tender scallops. You can have the Valentine's Day dish ready in just 20 minutes.

Steamed Crab Legs

This Valentine's Day dinner idea for two stars perfectly steamed crab legs. Serve them family-style with fresh lemon and bowls of melted butter. A glass of champagne or sparkling juice alongside doesn't hurt!

Carbonara-Style Pasta with Peas and Shiitake "Bacon"

This vegetarian Valentine's Day dinner idea is perfect for sharing. It's loaded with fresh, crunchy veggies, shiitake "bacon", and cheese. Serve it immediately after making.