Make Date Night Extra Special with an Easy Dinner for Two

a table with plates of food and glasses of wine
50 Romantic + Easy Dinner Ideas for TwoBrian Woodcock


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Whether we're celebrating Valentine's Day, or a weekly date night, we love to do it with one of these homemade romantic dinners for two.

Making a meal from scratch is an easy and sweet way to let your special someone know just how special they are. And the truth is, it doesn't need to be that much work! Some of these recipes will burble happily on the stove while you decorate the table, light some candles, and put on a little mood music. Others can be tossed together in as little as ten minutes — but all of them are tasty enough that you'd easily find them at a white-linen tablecloth restaurant.

Pair the meal with one of our romantic desserts to make it extra special!

Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons

When a light dinner is just what you're looking for, this flavorful shrimp salad is just the thing. Serve it with a glass of white wine and biscuits for an elegant dinner for two.

Get the recipe for Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons.

creole shrimp caesar salad with cheesy croutons
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Apple Cider Fondue

There's something wonderfully fun and intimate about fondue for two. Break out your vintage fondue set and enjoy a snacky array of fruit and bread dipped in a tasty cider cheese sauce! We do recommend cutting the recipe back at least by half, if you're just serving two!

Get the recipe for Apple Cider Fondue.

apple cider fondue
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Beef Stroganoff

This comfort-food stew is rich and tasty — but also surprisingly easy to make. If you want to make a romantic dinner that's also hearty, give it a whirl.

Get the recipe for Beef Stroganoff.

dinner ideas beef stroganoff
Ian Palmer

Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta

If you're looking for a fast, veggie-forward pasta dish that doesn't involve red sauce, then look no further.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Snap Pea Pasta.

chicken and snap pea pasta with creamy garlicbasil sauce
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Baked Halibut with Gremolata

If you're looking to eat a fancy seafood dinner, halibut is a first-rate choice. Like other quality ingredients—steak, or lobster—it doesn't need a whole lot to make it taste great.

Get the recipe for Baked Halibut with Gremolata.

baked halibut with snap pea and toasted sesame gremolata
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey-Mustard Sauce

This upgrade on basic baked chicken is an absolute must-try. Finely chopped pecans add rich, nutty flavor that will surprise and delight.

Get the recipe for Pecan-Crusted Chicken.

pecan crusted chicken with honey mustard sauce
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chicken Parmesan

Crispy, cheesy, and comforting, chicken Parmesan is a classic restaurant dish. But it's sneakily easy to make at home.

Get the recipe for Chicken Parmesan.

crispy, delicious chicken parmesan
Ian Palmer

Zucchini Galette

This rustic savory pie has a light, flaky crust filled with sweet summer squash and a rich melange of olives, cheese, and sautéed onions. It's ideal with a glass of wine and a side salad.

Get the recipe for Zucchini Galette.

zucchini gruyere galette
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cajun Coq au Vin

Got a partner who really loves French cooking, and Cajun cuisine? Give them a taste of this rich, delicious stew!

Get the recipe for Cajun Coq au Vin.

cajun coq au vin
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach

Served with a glass of wine and this 10-minute meal is a fancy dinner for two that tastes like it took a lot more work than it actually did.

Get the recipe for Gnocchi with Creamed Spinach.

gnocchi with creamed spinach
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes

Pan seared chops, crispy and tender, are especially delicious with tender roasted radishes and a quick, delicious pan sauce.

Get the recipe for Pork Chops with Roasted Maple-Bacon Radishes.

pork chops with roasted maplebacon radishes
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette

This savory, country-style pie is just the thing to share with a special someone, while splitting a bottle of wine.

Get the recipe for Buttered Leek and Gruyère Galette.

buttered leek and gruyère galette
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Baked Deviled Crab

What could be more intimate than delicately baked crab in its own shell? These pretty bites make a fine appetizer, or serve a couple of them alongside a salad for a light, sweet, dinner treat.

Get the recipe for Baked Deviled Crab.

baked deviled crab
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Asparagus Frittata with Burrata and Herb Pesto

What is it about breakfast for dinner that we find so romantic? It's simple, but sweet. This flavorful eggy dish is sure to leave a smile on their face.

Get the recipe for Asparagus Frittata with Burrata and Herb Pesto.

asparagus frittata with burrata and herb pesto
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel

Romantic doesn't need to me complicated. This warming chicken dish is best served with crusty bread for sopping up all the pan juices.

Get the recipe for Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel.

roast chicken with tarragonbraised fennel
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Butter Baked Salmon with Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes

Nothing says love like oodles of butter.

Get the recipe for Butter Baked Salmon with Cast-Iron Hasselback Potatoes.

butter baked salmon with castiron hasselback potatoes
Ian Palmer

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

This spicy, buttery, citrusy dish is an old-school classic. It's great for a fancy dinner, but equally good when you're pressed for time.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta.

shrimp scampi pasta
Ian Palmer

Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes

Whip up this dinner using premium ingredients, and it'll feel like you went out to the fanciest steakhouse.

Get the recipe for Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes.

strip steak with lemon mashed potatoes
Brian Woodcock

Classic French Onion Soup

One whiff of this rich soup, and you'll feel like you're ducking into a little bistro right off the river Seine.

Get the recipe for French Onion Soup.

classic french onion soup
Becky Luigart-Stayner

French Onion Flatbread

Evoke a romantic picnic for two with this riff on the classic soup, made into a savory flatbread!

Get the recipe for French Onion Flatbread.

french onion flatbread
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Easy Chicken Marsala

The classic creamy, savory sauce is easy to make and so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything.

Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.

easy chicken marsala
Ian Palmer

Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms

This version of the classic dish, made with white wine, crème fraîche, and a bit of Dijon, is not too heavy, so you can enjoy the meal and still have room for dessert.

Get the recipe for Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms.

smothered pork chops with broccoli and mushrooms
Brian Woodcock

Herbes de Provence Shrimp with Couscous

Shrimp are an ideal romantic dinner main dish: They're fast and easy to cook, but look (and taste) oh-so elegant.

Get the recipe for Herbes de Provence Shrimp with Couscous.

herbes de provence shrimp with couscous
Brian Woodcock

White Wine Coq Au Vin

This French country recipe has it all: bright flavors, a to-die-for sauce, and the ease of being able to make it all in one pot. Halve the recipe for two hearty portions—or make the whole thing and have lunch for the next couple days.

Get the recipe for White Wine Coq Au Vin.

white wine coq au vin
Brian Woodcock

Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby

A Dutch baby—essentially a giant savory pancake—makes for an elegant and impressive dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a nice bottle of wine.

Get the recipe for Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby.

roasted mushroom and bacon dutch baby
Brian Woodcock

Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes

There's just something about roast chicken on a bed of vegetables, isn't there? This recipe yields juicy, flavorful meat and surprisingly delicious veggies.

Get the recipe for Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes.

roasted chicken with fennel and tomatoes
Brian Woodcock

Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie

Prepare dinner for two in a flash with this easy, homemade chicken pot pie dish, which can be served in individual ramekins.

Get the recipe for Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie.

stovetop chicken pot pie
Brian Woodcock

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken

This sweet and savory pasta dish get be made in a jiffy (and they'll never know you used store-bought ravioli).

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken.

butternut squash ravioli with seared chicken
Brian Woodcock

Salt-and-Pepper Chicken with Spring Quinoa Pilaf

Date night can be both healthy and tasty with this home-cooked meal.

Get the recipe for Salt-and-Pepper Chicken with Spring Quinoa Pilaf.

salt and pepper chicken with spring quinoa pilaf
Brian Woodcock

Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak

A simple steak meal is elevated with smashed minty peas and grilled bread.

Get the recipe for Grilled Hanger Steak.

grilled cumin rubbed hanger steak
Brian Woodcock

Seared Salmon with Gingery Snap Pea Slaw

Thanks to fresh jalapeño, cilantro, and ginger, this zesty slaw will wake up your senses and tastebuds.

Get the recipe for Seared Salmon with Gingery Snap Pea Slaw.

gingery snap pea slaw with seared salmon
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Easy, Peasy Fettuccini Alfredo

This elegant-enough-for-a-date dinner only has four main ingredients: pasta, butter, cream, and Parm!

Get the recipe for Easy, Peasy Fettuccini Alfredo.

easy, peasy fettuccini alfredo
Ian Palmer

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata

This creamy pasta is elegant and easy to make, and the sweet, nutty flavor is everything you want.

Get the recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata.

creamy pumpkin pasta with pine nut gremolata
Ren Fuller

California Roasted Broccolini and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza

Fresh veggies, sliced prosciutto, and a to-die-for dough make this far from your ordinary pizza night fare.

Get the recipe for California Roasted Broccolini and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza.

california roasted broccolini and fresh mozzarella pizza
Brian Woodcock

Grilled Sea Scallops with Parsley-Shallot-Honey Sauce

This sweet, delicate nibble is perfect for a romantic date.

Get the recipe for Grilled Sea Scallops with Parsley-Shallot-Honey Sauce.

grilled sea scallops with parsleyshallothoney sauce
Brian Woodcock

Pear, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pizza with Arugula

This elegant, easy white pizza is surprisingly scrumptious.

Get the recipe for Pear, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pizza with Arugula.

pear, prosciutto, and goat cheese pizza with arugula
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Tomato Bisque with Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese

Sometimes the most romantic dinners are the simplest. Take a page from Ina Garten (who knows a thing or two about romance) and make your beloved this soup and sandwich combo.

Get the recipe for Tomato Bisque.

Get the recipe for Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

ina garten's creamy tomato bisque with cheddar chutney grilled cheese sandwiches
Quentin Bacon

Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach

The creamed spinach in this dish makes our hearts thump a little faster just thinking about it.

Get the recipe for Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach.

steak with creamy mushrooms and spinach
Hector M. Sanchez

Cowboy Steaks and Potatoes with Broccoli and Cheddar-Scallion Spread

Sear up these big bone-in steaks for the cowboy in your life.

Get the recipe for Cowboy Steaks and Potatoes.

cowboy steaks and potatoes with broccoli and cheddarscallion spread
Brian Woodcock

Three-Cheese Fondue with Cable-Knit Breadsticks

We can almost smell the wood fire in the ski lodge fireplace...

Get the recipe for Three-Cheese Fondue.

Get the recipe for Cable-Knit Breadsticks.

threecheese fondue with cableknit breadsticks
Brian Woodcock

Croque Madames

This knife-and-fork sandwich is a French bistro classic. Pair it with a side of bistro fries, and maybe a viewing of Beauty and the Beast.

Get the recipe for Croque Madames.

croque madames
Brian Woodcock

Southwest Shrimp & Grits

It's sweet Southern fare at its finest!

Get the recipe for Southwest Shrimp & Grits.

southwest shrimp grits
Brian Woodcock

Lamb Chops with Roasted Potatoes and Radishes

Want to do something a little different than steak? This mint and feta dusted lamb chop dish is to die for.

Get the recipe for Lamb Chops with Roasted Potatoes and Radishes.

lamb chops with roasted potatoes and radishes
Brian Woodcock

Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus

Chili-garlic sauce gives this easy chicken dinner a nice kick.

Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus.

sweet and spicy chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and asparagus
Brian Woodcock

Seared Salmon, Watercress, and Potato Salad with Olive Dressing

Some say salmon's an aphrodisiac. Either way this healthy dinner won't slow you down, so you'll have plenty of energy later. 😉

Get the recipe for Seared Salmon, Watercress, and Potato Salad.

seared salmon, watercress, and potato salad with olive dressing
Brian Woodcock

Cider-Braised Chicken-and-Fennel Panzanella

Apple cider and white wine keep this chicken dinner tender and moist.

Get the recipe for Cider-Braised Chicken-and-Fennel Panzanella.

ciderbraised chickenandfennel panzanella
Brian Woodcock

Lamb Chops and Lemony Couscous Salad

Put hearty lamb chops with a citrusy couscous salad on this year's holiday menu.

Get the recipe for Lamb Chops and Lemony Couscous Salad.

lamb chops and lemony couscous salad
Hector M. Sanchez

Chicken and Arugula Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e Pepe—elegantly simple pasta with pepper and cheese—is all the rage. We amp it up a bit with some chicken and spicy arugula.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Arugula Cacio e Pepe.

chicken and arugula cacio e pepe
Brian Woodcock

Lamb Chops with Smashed Peas and Red Onion Vinaigrette

Don't sleep on the vinaigrette, which transforms the flavor of both the chops and the peas.

Get the recipe for Lamb Chops with Smashed Peas and Red Onion Vinaigrette.

lamb chops with smashed peas and red onion vinaigrette
Marcus Nilsson

Cauliflower Bisque with Brown Butter Croutons

This creamy bisque gets pops of flavor from pomegranate seeds.

Get the recipe for Cauliflower Bisque with Brown Butter Croutons.

cauliflower bisque with brown butter croutons
Becky Luigart-Stayner

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