Home Recipes Meal Types Dinner
Alyssa AsaroUpdated: Mar. 15, 2024
Staying in is the new going out! Open up a bottle of wine, put on some tunes and whip up one of these refined but easy dinners. You may just find yourself making date night a weekly ritual.
It’s fun to go out for a date—but there’s a certain charm about a home-cooked meal. Maybe it’s because you’re in the comfort of your own home, but we like to think it’s all in the meal. These easy romantic dinner recipes prove how easy it is to bring date night right to your table.
Is it a special occasion? Don’t skip a romantic dessert! Nothing closes out a date right more than a lovely dessert for two.
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Chicken Potpie Galette with Cheddar-Thyme Crust
This gorgeous galette takes traditional chicken potpie and gives it a fun open-faced spin. The rich filling and flaky cheddar-flecked crust make it taste so homey. It’s lovely for date night, but you can enjoy it anytime. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups
Spaghetti cupcakes with a chicken carbonara twist make for a tasty, fun family dinner. Whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat ingredients make these quick and easy little pasta cakes nutritional winners, too. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
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Flank Steak Pinwheels
The secret to these pretty flank steak pinwheels lies in their butterfly treatment. Because the steaks are flattened, marinade isn’t needed. Instead, they’re filled with a colorful stuffing of red pepper and spinach and draped with a flavorful, homemade blue cheese sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Sour Cream Swiss Steak
I spent a year searching for new and different beef recipes. This is the dish my family raves about, and they agree that it's a nice change from regular Swiss steak. —Barb Benting, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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If you’re new to cooking fish (or even if you’re a pro), this no-fail salmon recipe is one you have to try. It’s easy enough for everyday, but also wows on date night. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
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When I have a little extra time to play with, I caramelize the onion in this recipe to add a different flavor. —Kadija Bridgewater, Deerfield Beach, Florida
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Homemade Manicotti
These tender manicotti are much easier to stuff than the purchased variety. People are always amazed when I say I make my own noodles. My son fixed this recipe for several of his friends, and they were extremely impressed with his cooking skills. —Sue Ann Bunt, Painted Post, New York
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Stuffed Salmon
You could get stuffed salmon from a big-box store, but my fillets are loaded with flavor from crab, cream cheese and savory herbs. We love them. —Mary co*kenour, Monticello, Utah
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Horseradish-Crusted Turkey Tenderloins
Looking for a low-carb entree ideal for a date night recipe? Consider this specialty. It won a local recipe contest and was featured on a restaurant’s menu. The creamy sauce adds a flavor punch. —Ellen Cross, Hubbardsville, New York
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Chicken Curry for Two
I love to try new recipes for my husband and me, and I actually have cookbooks and recipes from all over the world. When I find a recipe that's well-received, I make a copy and put it in a protective sleeve in a loose-leaf binder. I now have quite a few huge binders!
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Homemade Pizza
This recipe is a hearty, zesty main dish with a crisp, golden crust. Feel free to add your favorite toppings. —Marianne Edwards, Lake Stevens, Washington
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Orange Pomegranate Salmon
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your date night menu—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas fa*glon, Somerset, New Jersey
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Basil Pork Chops
These tender, glazed chops get a kick from basil, chili powder and a little brown sugar. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you've got a super comforting meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Grilled Halibut with Blueberry Salsa
Give halibut a new summery spin. The salsa may seem sophisticated, but it’s really a cinch to prepare. —Donna Goutermont, Juneau, Alaska
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Sheet-Pan Chicken Parmesan
Saucy chicken, melty mozzarella and crisp-tender broccoli—all in one pan. What could be better? —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
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The sweet pear, salty sausage and creamy blue cheese are a wonderful combination in this dish. It tastes just like something you'd get at a great restaurant. —Debby Harden, Williamston, Michigan
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Contest-Winning Eggplant Parmesan
Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it’s much healthier than other parmesans! The prep time is a little longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas
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Lasagna Rolls
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
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Blushing Penne Pasta
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
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Cheese-Stuffed Shells
When I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I'm happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
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Lemon Shrimp with Parmesan Rice
I grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, where rice, garlic and seafood are staples of Gulf Coast cuisine. This easy shrimp and rice dish is a longtime date night favorite that’s ready in minutes. —Amie Overby, Reno, Nevada
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Pork Scallopini with Mushrooms
This is a great at-home date night recipe. I use reduced-sodium chicken broth because I add salt to season the meat and mushrooms. —Lana Dramstad, Havre, Montana
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Stuffed Chicken Rolls
Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
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Tenderloin with Herb Sauce
Tender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight red pepper kick. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and is always a dinnertime winner at my home. —Monica Shipley, Tulare, California
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Pesto Halibut
The mildness of halibut contrasts perfectly with the robust flavor of pesto in this recipe. It takes only minutes to get the fish ready for the oven, leaving you plenty of time to get started on your side dishes. Nearly anything goes well with this entree. —April Showalter, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This is a super easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. Add it to your list of date night recipes. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
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Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops
I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa
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Mimosa Roasted Chicken
This aromatic seasoned chicken with a rich and buttery champagne gravy will delight all who taste it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Chicken Mole
If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana
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Pork Chile Verde
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
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Mushroom Pepper Steak
Bell peppers, mushrooms and ginger provide the bulk of the flavor in this stir-fry that’s not too saucy. Hot rice makes it even better. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California
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Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
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Seared Scallops with Citrus Herb Sauce
Be sure to pat the scallops with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps create that perfectly browned and flavorful scallop your better half will love. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
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Broccoli rabe is one of my favorite veggies. Since it cooks right with the pasta, you can multitask. Before you know it, dinner is served. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware
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Penne alla Vodka
This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I invite first-time guests over for dinner. Many friends have asked me to make the recipe again years after they first tried it. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas
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Baked Chicken and Mushrooms
I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana
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Mediterranean Turkey Potpies
Your clan will love these wonderful stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
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Asparagus ‘n’ Shrimp with Angel Hair
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
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Cornmeal Catfish with Avocado Sauce
When I was growing up in California, my mother made catfish quite often, and it was always a hit. Now I cook it with my own twist. When only frozen catfish fillets are available, I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and they work just as well. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
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Tortellini Carbonara
Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. It’s a delightful option for a date night dinner recipe! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
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Mushroom Steak Salad with Walnut Vinaigrette
When I want to serve a romantic dinner for my husband and me, I fix this elegant yet easy salad. I just add crusty French bread and a glass of wine. —Candace McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
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Chicken Fajitas for Two
This is the best fajita recipe I've ever tried. It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. The servings are hearty, but this dish is so good that my husband and I never have a problem finishing it! —Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Garden Chickpea Salad
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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If you want to make this dish vegetarian, use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire. I like this skillet meal served warm or cold. —Becky Cuba, Spotsylvania, Virginia
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Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
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If you have a tiny apartment, zero counter space and only two people to feed, hefty meals are out. This acorn squash with couscous is just the right size. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
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My husband made a version of this casserole for me on our first date. Over the 11 years we’ve been married, we’ve made several changes to the ingredients and now it’s even better than the original. —Lisa DeMarsh, Mount Solon, Virginia
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Salmon Steaks
After our children were married and gone, I prepared salmon steaks often for my husband and myself, especially on our anniversary. It was one of our favorites. We found that one of the nicest ways to enjoy each other’s company was to have a lovely meal together. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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Originally Published: April 22, 2019
Alyssa Asaro
Alyssa has been with Taste of Home for just over a year, but has been in food and lifestyle publishing since 2018. As an associate editor, she writes and edits recipe collections and runs several newsletters, including Top 10, Slow Cooker & Casseroles, Quick Dinners and Balanced Plate.When she's not planning her next trip overseas, you can find Alyssa trying out new Chicago restaurants or watching a movie.
