Make date night noteworthy by cooking up one of these romantic meals with your special someone. We've rounded up our most impressive recipes that feel fancy but aren't difficult to make. From treasured French and Italian classics to simple-yet-elegant seafood meals, you'll find deliciously romantic inspiration in this date night recipe collection.
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Chicken Parmigiana
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This chicken Parm feels fancy, but it's actually super easy (and fun!) to make with just six ingredients: an egg, dry breadcrumbs, chicken cutlets, a jar of spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
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Marry-Me Chicken
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If subtlety isn't your specialty, try making this cheesy chicken breast meal with your significant other. "This chicken dinner is worthy of a marriage proposal," according to recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar thedailygourmet.
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Creamy Shrimp Scampi with Half-and-Half
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This impressive shrimp dish comes together in just 20 minutes, so you won't have to spend all night in the kitchen. "My entire family of 6 loves this, including my step-daughter who eats about a total of 3 different things," shares home cook Karen. "Easy, quick, and a nice addition to our meal rotation."
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Chicken Marsala
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How do we know this top-rated chicken marsala is good enough for your date night? It has earned more than 4,000 rave reviews from the Allrecipes community. "The flour gives the chicken a silky coating and thickens the sauce nicely," according to reviewer Elizabeth Lombard.
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Beef Bourguignon I
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Even Julia Child would approve of this elegant beef bourguignon that starts with beef chuck marinated in a flavorful Burgundy sauce. It's kind of a labor of love (pun intended), but you and your partner will be proud when you take a bite of this classic French dinner.
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Tuscan Flank Steak
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Skip the steakhouse and make this impressive steak in the comfort of your own home. "I followed this recipe exactly," says reviewer Poppy. "The steak was flavorful and tender. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed it!"
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Chef John's Coq au Vin
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xx take on the classic French dinner in under an hour (with the help of your sous chef, of course). "Chicken parts are lightly seasoned and browned, then braised in a red wine sauce," according to recipe creator Marlise.
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Date Night Blackened Salmon Pasta
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This aptly named romantic dinner recipe, featuring spiced salmon served over a bed of pasta with spinach, is way easier to make than it looks.
- 20 Fancy Pasta Recipes That Are Actually Super Easy to Make
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Sea Bass a la Michele
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Chilean sea bass is tossed in a spicy vinaigrette, then cooked to tender, flaky perfection alongside potatoes and jalapeño peppers. If you'd like an extra pop of color, reviewer renstue suggests adding fresh green beans to the mix.
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Coquilles Saint-Jacques
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"For something fancy, this is pretty easy to make," according to Chef John. "It's one of the world's most delicious dishes. It's rich and decadent, and yet still light."
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Succulent Roast Chicken
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There are few things more impressive than a juicy roasted chicken. You and your partner will feel accomplished when you sit down to this stunning entree.
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Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
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Looking for an easy-yet-romantic recipe to prepare quickly with your date? Your search ends here! "It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with crispy-skinned, juicy chicken thighs, crisp-tender veggies, and a tangy sauce," says culinary producer NicoleMcmom.
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Tuscan Pork Tenderloin
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Pork tenderloin is rubbed in a savory spice mixture of garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper. The spiced pork is baked in the oven until juicy and flavorful.
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Lobster and Chive Bisque
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This velvety smooth bisque is as easy to eat as it is to make. "My husband and I enjoyed this one cold New England evening with a nice loaf of warm bread," says reviewer chefbaba.
- 10 Fancy Soups to Make at Home
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Chef John's Lobster Thermidor
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"Lobster is sweet and rich tasting on its own, so the lighter sauce makes so much sense," Chef John says of this perfect-for-date-night dinner recipe.
- 11 Best Lobster Recipes for Romantic Dinners
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Beef Medallions with Caramelized Pan Sauce
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"This is probably the closest I have come to making steak as good as a steakhouse," raves reviewer Lynne Poupart-Rivard, who suggests serving with Chef John's Classic Rice Pilaf.
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Cornish Game Hen With Garlic and Rosemary
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Cornish game hens are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, stuffed with rosemary and lemon, and roasted in a white wine sauce. Recipe creator MOONANDBACK suggests serving with crusty garlic bread and Chianti.
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Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze
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"This is an elegant and quick romantic dinner for two," according to recipe creator LINDA W., who suggests serving with steamed asparagus and roasted red potatoes.
- 19 Dinner Ideas for Two
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Romantic Chicken with Artichokes and Mushrooms
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Chicken breasts are cooked in a skillet with sauteed artichokes and mushrooms in white wine, topped with capers, and served over buttered noodles and fresh greens.
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Smoked Cheese Ravioli
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You and your date will love making this vegetarian dinner together with just five ingredients: cheese ravioli, half-and-half, smoked Gouda cheese, chopped parsley, and white pepper.
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Roasted Chicken with Risotto and Caramelized Onions
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"This recipe features moist roasted meat, caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, and creamy risotto," says recipe creator Michele. "You can roast a chicken at home or purchase a cooked one from the grocery store. A garnish of grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, is a nice touch."
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Baked Halibut with Crispy Panko
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Take date night to the next level with a crisp, buttery piece of fish made with the simplest of ingredients. Lemon juice and Dijon mustard add uniquely unforgettable flavor to every bite.
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Drunken Mussels
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The bright, savory flavor of this shellfish dish are sure to please. Dig into this romantic classic made with white wine, red pepper flakes, garlic, and fresh mussels.
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Simple Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
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After you're finished with dinner, satisfy your sweet tooth with these 3-ingredient chocolate-covered strawberries. For added detail, recipe creator hschwarz recommends drizzling in white chocolate.
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Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Brownies
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Chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, and fresh fruit make the perfect trio in this decadent brownie recipe. Whip up a silky, sweet, and undeniably sensual dessert that will drive the crowd wild.
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Healthy Peanut Butter Mousse
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Enjoy an easy but sumptuous treat that comes equipped with unbeatable peanut butter taste. Add dark chocolate chips for an especially decadent bite.
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More Inspiration
Try one of Our Most Romantic Valentine's Day Dinners. Plus, explore our entire collection of Valentine's Day Recipes.
- Chicken Little (Semi-Boneless Roast Game Hen)
- Seared Scallops with Jalapeno Vinaigrette
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Cherry-Stuffed Chicken Breasts