31 Cozy Valentine's Day Dinner Recipes For Two

If you're planning to celebrate Valentine's Day at home this year, you might already be thinking about what to cook up for a cozy evening in. Preparing a romantic dinner for two is the perfect way to show your love, and what better occasion to go the extra mile with indulgent flavors or take the presentation up a notch. A thoughtfully prepared, home-cooked meal can be just as special as a visit to a fancy restaurant, and there are plenty of delicious options to consider.

A romantic meal doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen, either. We've put together a collection of our favorite Valentine's-approved recipes that strike the perfect balance between impressive and approachable. There are meals here to suit an array of dietary requirements and taste preferences, with each feeling a little more elevated than your typical weeknight dinner. Whether comfort food or understated elegance is your vibe, you can't go wrong with one of these tempting picks. So choose your favorite, set the mood, and get ready to make your Valentine's Day celebrations all the more memorable.

Steak is a fantastic option when you want something that feels sophisticated enough for a special occasion, while still being super quick to prepare. This recipe sees the meat grilled to juicy perfection, then marinated post-cooking in an aromatic medley of garlic, capers, and lemon. More of this flavor-packed mixture is spooned over the sliced steaks before serving, this time with peppery parsley thrown into the mix, creating a dish that's bold, vibrant, and bursting with fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Recipe: Herby Grilled Flat Iron Steak

Ready in under 30 minutes, this beloved Italian classic is guaranteed to impress your Valentine's date. You'll toss al dente bucatini pasta with a simple yet decadent combination of butter and black pepper, plus nutty Pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano. Adding a splash of the starchy pasta water helps transform everything into a silky, cheesy sauce, and a scattering of extra grated cheese and pepper before serving turns the pasta into a restaurant-worthy bowlful.

Recipe: Classic Cacio E Pepe

To really pull out all the stops, consider whipping up this delightfully elegant duck recipe. It combines crispy-skinned seared duck breasts with hearty wheat berries, a fresh, orange-infused endive salad, and a herby white wine sauce. There's ample opportunity to show off when it comes to presentation here, with the contrast of colors and texture making this dish a real standout. And, a pinch of fiery shichimi tōgarashi makes for the ultimate garnish.

Recipe: Seared Duck Breast With Wheat Berries And Endive

The honey and mustard flavor combo offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, and it works exceptionally well with succulent, charred grilled chicken breasts. This is another fuss-free recipe that amps up the indulgence without overcomplicating things. The rich honey butter sauce benefits from a hint of heat thanks to smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, and basting the meat throughout cooking keeps things ultra-juicy. Just halve the recipe if you're cooking for two, or keep the leftovers for lunch the next day.

Recipe: Hot Honey Butter And Dijon Grilled Chicken

Delivering the vibrant, savory flavors of paella in a compact, two-person serving, this veggie-packed seafood skillet is a cozier twist on the classic. It serves as a shareable centerpiece that can be served up right from the skillet, pairing beautifully with a glass of white wine and a hunk of crusty bread. Arranging the shrimp and mussels atop the saffron-infused rice base adds heaps of visual appeal, though you could absolutely customize the recipe with alternative proteins like chicken, chorizo, white fish, or squid.

Recipe: The Best Seafood Rice Skillet

It doesn't get much more comforting than this gloriously saucy, pancetta-topped gnocchi. The creamy sauce includes herby red pesto, Parmesan cheese, and heavy whipping cream, which come together to envelop the pillowy gnocchi and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a layer of silky richness. Everything is made in one pan, too, keeping clean up to a minimum. Try serving it up with a refreshing side salad and a glass of fizz.

Recipe: Marry Me Gnocchi With Pancetta

Making ravioli from scratch might seem daunting, but it's actually far easier than you'd think. While the initial prep will require a little patience, the cooking step takes mere minutes, and you could easily make the dough in advance. We use convenient canned crab meat here, stuffing it inside a thinly-rolled dough of egg and Italian pasta flour, along with creamy ricotta, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon juice. Once assembled, a quick boil is all that's needed to transform them into tender, delicate parcels, ready to be dressed with a sauce of your choice.

Recipe: Crab Ravioli

Pizza-making turns dinner into a hands-on experience where you can both get involved in crafting a tasty topping selection, and barbecue chicken is a winning approach. Atop the handy prepared pizza dough, you'll add plenty of the delicious tangy-sweet sauce, plus garlic- and herb-roasted chicken breast, onion, and peppers. There's lashings of cheese too, in the form of sliced mozzarella and shredded cheddar, plus the sunny sweetness of corn. Baked until crisp and melty, the slices will taste incredible dunked in a creamy garlic sauce.

Recipe: Fully Loaded Barbecue Chicken Pizza

If you prefer a lighter approach to a steak dinner, this bright and tangy tomato-loaded flank steak is a must-try. Rubbed with fragrant spices and baked in the oven, the meat comes out impressively juicy, and the garlicky, herb-infused tomato vinaigrette takes everything to the next level of deliciousness. While this recipe serves four, you can easily adapt it for a smaller cut of meat, or toss the leftovers into tacos, sandwiches, or pasta.

Recipe: Smoky Oven-Baked Flank Steak With Tomato Vinaigrette

Can't decide between pasta and risotto? Try cooking up a comforting risottata. This dish brings the best of both worlds, being quick and simple to prepare, but providing that moreish, starchy, creamy texture that risotto is so famous for. To achieve this, the penne pasta is cooked directly in the brothy sauce, alongside tender zucchini, carrot, and onion. The result is a one-pan, cozy meal that's vegetarian-friendly and oozing with elegance.

Recipe: One-Pan Pasta Risottata With Zucchini

It mightn't rank as highly on visual appeal as other dishes in this lineup, but this homemade beef stroganoff will absolutely win hearts with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chunks of meat. Searing the steak locks in juiciness before it gets simmered with the mushrooms, onions, and brothy, mustard-spiked sauce. We add a generous pouring of cognac for a touch of boozy sophistication, and a good dollop of sour cream for a velvety finish. Serve everything over tender egg noodles for the ultimate hearty dinner.

Recipe: Meaty, Creamy, Almost Fancy Beef Stroganoff

Tender, flaky haddock is the perfect candidate for stuffing with flavor-boosting extras, and here we continue the seafood theme with a zesty crab meat-breadcrumb filling. It's the perfect way to elevate a simple fillet of fish into a dish that's fit for celebrating, and oven-baking makes for a conveniently hands-off approach. To really make the fish shine, consider drizzling a creamy lemon butter sauce on top and serving it alongside some crispy roasted potatoes and steamed greens.

Recipe: Baked Stuffed Haddock

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so easy to make, this 20-minute spaghetti carbonara brings all of the comforting Italian-inspired flavor you could ask for. And yes, we're keeping things traditional here, with no cream added to the recipe. The al dente spaghetti is first tossed with garlicky pan-fried pancetta, before the three-ingredient sauce joins the party. Made with grated Parmesan, egg, and a splash of the pasta cooking water, this rich mixture clings to the tender pasta strands, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.

Recipe: Simple Spaghetti Carbonara

If you've got a little extra time on your hands this Valentine's Day, these red wine-braised beef short ribs are absolutely worth the effort. The meat is first seasoned and seared all over, then slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with sauteed onions, garlic, red wine, and a medley of tangy, herby, and spicy ingredients. It should come out melt-in-the-mouth tender, ready for serving with fluffy mashed potatoes and plenty of the deeply savory sauce.

Recipe: Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs

Who remembers this viral TikTok wonder? There's so much to love about baked feta pasta, and if you're after a Valentine's Day recipe that blends simplicity and indulgence, this dish might just be the answer. It's a simple case of baking cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and a whole block of feta cheese until everything is wonderfully melty and tender, then tossing this mouth-watering mixture with freshly boiled cavatappi pasta and a splash of the cooking liquid. The final dish is rich, saucy, and satisfying (and you'll have leftovers, too).

Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Five ingredients and just ten minutes of your time are all you'll need to craft a batch of this juicy grilled shrimp. Chili garlic sauce packs in the spicy, aromatic flavor, and honey brings a balancing sweetness that leaves the shrimp gorgeously sticky. Serve the charred shrimp with more of the flavorful marinade over rice, noodles, or pasta, with a scattering of fresh, chopped cilantro, for a deceptively fancy-looking Valentine's feast.

Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Grilled Shrimp

Continuing the sweet and spicy approach, we have these delightfully fruity pork chops. The glaze makes use of tangy apricot preserves, which get a savory boost from fresh minced garlic, and a welcome dose of warmth from paprika and crushed red chiles. Spooned generously over the pan-seared chops, this helps the meat to caramelize beautifully, yielding an irresistibly sticky, golden finish. You can half this recipe to serve two, and pair the pork with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, and steamed greens.

Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops

Pan-seared duck breast brings the gourmet vibes without the hassle, and you'll be amazed at how quickly this honey-lacquered version comes together, leaving you all the more time for your Valentine's Day celebrations. Choosing skin-on duck breasts helps you achieve a gorgeous, crispy outer layer, while the meat remains perfectly pink and succulent in the middle. And, the sweet and tangy honey-orange sauce contrasts beautifully with the subtly gamey flavor of the meat.

Recipe: Honey-Lacquered Duck Breast

Double up this zesty, Asian-inspired tuna recipe, and you'll have a light and elegant meal for two. Despite looking like it's come straight from a restaurant kitchen, this dish is remarkably uncomplicated. To form the crispy crust, you'll mix ground-up peppercorns with sesame seeds and a pinch of salt, using this bold, savory mixture to coat the tuna steaks all over before they're pan-seared. To further enhance the meaty richness of the fish, we serve the tender slices with a refreshing ginger-ponzu dipping sauce and some fresh leafy greens.

Recipe: Peppercorn-Crusted Tuna Steak

One of the tastiest ways to use a hearty, perfectly roasted tri-tip is in a batch of vibrant tacos. Here, the thinly sliced meat is piled into soft corn tortillas with a creamy pineapple-spiked guacamole, crunchy red onion, and zesty cilantro, creating a protein-rich, well-rounded bite. These are a fantastic option for Valentine's Day feasting, allowing you to get hands-on and build the tacos together, throwing on any extra toppings of your choice.

Recipe: Tri-Tip Steak Tacos

Creamy, zesty, and wonderfully approachable, this creamy lemon pasta is an ideal pick if you need to whip up something meat-free this Valentine's. Despite its vegetarian-friendly nature, the silky spaghetti certainly isn't short on flavor, packing the nutty depth of Parmesan, brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, and richness of heavy cream, all transformed into a luxurious sauce with the help of a splash of pasta water. We love adding a final pop of freshness with basil and cracked black pepper.

Recipe: Zesty Pasta Al Limone

Enjoy the buttery, garlicky flavors of Olive Garden's famous shrimp scampi from the comfort of your own home this Valentine's Day. It's another surprisingly simple recipe that really hits the spot when it comes to that all-important light-yet-indulgent balance. There are wholesome veggies, sweet, succulent sauteed shrimp, and a zesty white wine sauce, all tossed together with delicate angel hair pasta to create a dish that tastes just like the original version.

Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Scampi

The pressure of achieving the perfect level of doneness can make cooking steak daunting, but ditching the usual pan-searing method is a brilliant way to guarantee a tender, juicy finish. Broiling steak is a totally underrated technique that helps you create a golden brown exterior while keeping the middle pink. And, to transform the steaks into a complete meal for two, we cook a trio of tasty veggies on the same sheet pan, coating everything generously in a flavor-packed lemon, garlic, and herb butter.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Dinner

Filled with sweet, earthy butternut squash and tossed in a fragrant sage, garlic, and walnut butter, this homemade ravioli requires a little love to prepare, but the results are undeniably restaurant-worthy. The filling is enhanced with the salty depth of Parmesan cheese and some warming spices, and the from-scratch dough comes out perfectly tender every time. Once you've carefully crafted the saucer-shaped bites, just boil them for a couple of minutes, and they're ready to enjoy with the sauce and any extra toppings that take your fancy.

Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Another top pick for anyone keeping things meat-free this Valentine's Day, this garlicky mushroom risotto is loaded with umami richness and fresh, herby flavor. Roasting the garlic gives it an irresistibly sweet, mellow taste that complements the earthy mushrooms, salty Parmesan, and aromatic herbs fantastically. And, enhancing the broth with white wine gives the creamy rice a more grown-up feel. This recipe yields a large batch, but feel free to adjust the serving size to suit you, or just make extra!

Recipe: Mushroom And Roasted Garlic Risotto

Salmon fillets serve as a versatile canvas for enhancing with your favorite sauces and seasonings, and this Asian-inspired combo of soy, ginger, honey, and garlic is a real winner. To pack the salmon with as much flavor as possible, you'll marinate it in the punchy sauce for up to six hours before baking, so this one's great for prepping in advance and keeping cooking time to a minimum once the evening comes. It'll pair brilliantly with rice or creamy scalloped potatoes and roasted veggies.

Recipe: Soy Ginger Baked Salmon

Eggplant Parmesan is the more wholesome, nutrient-packed cousin of the chicken-based classic, and it absolutely deserves a spot on your Valentine's Day table. The eggplant slices are coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, fried until golden, then layered up with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of cheese, yielding an exceptionally comforting dish that'll go down a treat with a glass of red wine. Pairing-wise, you could go with a side of crusty garlic bread and a peppery arugula salad, or serve the gooey, cheesy slices over pasta or gnocchi.

Recipe: Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Fajitas are well-known for bringing bold flavors without the fuss, and this spicy recipe offers plenty of room for customization, so each of you can build a plate tailored to your tastes. Just stir-fry the steak strips, onion, and peppers with the fiery spice blend, and the mixture is ready for wrapping up in large tortillas with an array of fresh toppings. You could go for cooling sour cream or avocado, turn up the heat with sliced jalapeños, or pile on the shredded cheese for a satisfying, melty contrast.

Recipe: Sizzling Steak Fajitas

Stuffed shells are a comfort-food classic, and if creamy, cheesy indulgence is your goal, you simply have to try loading the tender pasta with this totally moreish sausage and spinach mixture. Spicy Italian sausage is the go-to here, and once browned, it's combined with no less than three types of cheese, plus the spinach, herbs, and aromatics. And, just when you thought it couldn't possibly get any tastier, the stuffed shells are also slathered in a luscious garlic-cream sauce before baking. Yum!

Recipe: Sausage And Spinach Stuffed Shells

Salmon makes a fitting accompaniment to fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, and here we take inspiration from the beloved Italian bruschetta. The honey-garlic marinated fillets are oven-baked until tender and flaky, then adorned with the bruschetta-style topping. This features cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic, for a well-rounded hit of tangy, herby flavor. Serving everything on a bed of arugula creates a gorgeous color contrast and keeps things fresh, and a side of crusty sliced bread is always a good idea.

Recipe: Bruschetta-Style Baked Salmon

Nothing screams gourmet quite like lobster, and you don't need to be a pro chef to enjoy the sweet, briny taste of this seafood favorite at home. You can crack open the lobster tail shells with a trusty pair of kitchen scissors, and prep a flavorful lemon-garlic butter topping in mere minutes. Broiling makes for a convenient approach here, and reaching for a meat thermometer will remove any guesswork over doneness. Before you know it, you'll have yourself a show-stopping Valentine's treat, ready to serve up with crispy fries and salad.

Recipe: Broiled Buttery Lobster Tails