Having the right date night recipes is always a good idea. Because while it can be romantic to go on dates, sometimes you both just don’t feel like leaving the house.
And it’s understandable. Here’s what you’re up against when you eat out:
- You have to take time to get ready.
- Drive to your destination (and hope there’s no traffic).
- Wait to get seated.
- Wait to place your order.
- Wait for your food to arrive.
- Hope the food is good
- Wait to get the check and pay.
- Drive home exhausted.
The stakes are much too high which means having some great date night dinner recipes on hand is a must. So pick one of these dinner ideas for your date night, stay home, relax, have some great conversations, and enjoy a romantic night in.
1. Creamy Pesto Chicken With Roasted Tomatoes
What You Need to Know About This Recipe:
The photo above is mine.
It’s not my recipe, but I made it and it really was worth the time.
The taste was restaurant quality and ridiculously satisfying, and the difficulty level was pretty low for such a delicious date night dinner
And lastly, the flavor combination of the creamy pesto and the tangy oven-roasted tomatoes was perfect. Definitely try this for when you want a romantic dinner at home.
GET THE RECIPE2. One Pot French Onion Pasta
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You’re combining two amazing things: Pasta and French onion soup.
It’s the perfect match.
Also, you’re getting tasty caramelized onions, creamy cheesy goodness, and a home cooked meal that looks like it’s perfect for a special date night.
Pair it with some toasted French bread and you’re all set for this restaurant-worthy dinner.
GET THE RECIPE3. Pan Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce
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Not only is duck so tasty and perfect for a romantic evening, but you get a beautiful dinner in just 25 minutes.
That’s right, no waiting an hour or more for this recipe, it’s yours in under half an hour. Now you can spend more time with your significant other and less time in the kitchen.
GET THE RECIPE4. Quick & Easy Marry Me Chicken
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With just 5 minutes of prep time, I’d say this date night recipe idea is well worth your time.
I looked through the ingredients list and I think this is probably a pretty good dish to try if you want a special date night together. You’re getting things like Parmesan, garlic, cream, and so many tasty spices and herbs.
Also, this would probably go great with some bucatini pasta, but that’s just me.
GET THE RECIPE5. The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)
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Ok I know I just shared the marry me chicken recipe above, but I thought I’d at least give you the option to have it in pasta form.
It’s ready in 30 minutes, filled with plenty of tasty ingredients, it’s not very healthy, and it’s probably well worth the effort if you want an unforgettable evening.
GET THE RECIPE6. Quick-Marinated Picanha Steak
What You Need to Know About This Recipe:
Steak is always going to be a great idea for a date night, and this one looks amazing for a special occasion.
And with just 5 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes of marinating, and a 10-minute cook time, this is perfect if you’ve had a busy day!
GET THE RECIPE7. Scallop Shrimp Pasta
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Something about shrimp and scallops and pasta just sounds date-tastic.
It’s like they combined three ingredients you see so often in movie date scenes and made it into a recipe.
And with just 5 minutes of prep and ingredients like white wine, butter, and garlic, this might be your new go-to. I would definitely add this to your roster of easy date night recipes to try (and maybe repeat).
GET THE RECIPE8. Easy Butter Poached Lobster Tail
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How does lobster swimming in butter not scream a romantic night in?
Also, with some freshly baked bread from a good bakery and buttery, garlicky roasted potatoes, I’d say this would make a fantastic date night dinner.
And lastly, it’s just 10 minutes of prep, so you’re not standing on your feet forever.
GET THE RECIPE9. Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast
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I don’t know about you, but this chicken recipe looks ridiculously flavorful and tasty. Maybe pair it with wild rice?
Also, you’re getting ingredients like brie, maple syrup, and thyme so I’d say this is gonna be a winner. It feels casually elevated for one of those candle lit dinners at home.
GET THE RECIPE10. Easy Blackened Sea Trout
What You Need to Know About This Recipe:
I love seafood and especially when it’s blackened and cooked in ample amounts of butter and spices.
Also, the prep time is 5 minutes, and takes just 10 minutes to cook. So if you have a side already made, then you guys are gonna be eating in no time.
GET THE RECIPE11. Polenta Pizza Italian Style
What You Need to Know About This Recipe:
Something about a polenta pizza sounds both equally delicious and fancy.
Also, polenta is just so tasty and would probably soak up the flavors of the toppings in a wonderful way.
The prep time is 20 minutes, but I’d say try it. The ingredients sound great and it looks like something you’d get from a pretty food magazine.
GET THE RECIPE12. Pan Seared Lamb Chops
What You Need to Know About This Recipe:
Lamb makes for such an amazing dinner.
It’s that meat you only have a handful of times in a year (if that), and it kind of feels like a special occasion each time.
Also, the ingredients sound very good, and it’s just 15 minutes of prep. So if you both like lamb, then I think you should try it for one of your date nights.
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.