Valentine's Day recipes
Valentine's Day dinner at home can feel just as special as a reservation, without the crowds or the prix fixe bill. This page brings together romantic dinners and desserts for two: seared steak, creamy pasta, shrimp, chocolate, strawberries and other special-but-easy ideas. Each recipe is on the table in 20 minutes or less, so you spend the evening together, not at the stove.
19 recipes, quickest first.
5 minAffogato
5 minMolten chocolate mug cake
10 minQuick chocolate mousse
10 minStrawberry Eton mess
10 minTen-minute tiramisu cups
13 minChocolate fondue with fruit
15 minNo-bake strawberry cheesecake parfaits
15 minSeared scallops with lemon-butter caper sauce
17 minMiso butter salmon
18 minLemon garlic shrimp linguine
18 minLemon herb lamb chops
19 minRed velvet pancakes with cream cheese glaze
19 minSteak au poivre
19 minSteak with chimichurri and charred broccolini
20 minCacio e pepe
20 minChicken piccata
20 minChocolate-covered strawberries
20 minCreamy mushroom orzotto
20 minPenne alla vodka
Pair a main from this page with a simple salad and a dessert, light a candle, and that is a meal. Many recipes can be prepped while you chat, and most are scaled for two, so there is no pile of leftovers. Choose dishes you are comfortable cooking to keep the night relaxed.
Common questions
What is an easy romantic dinner for two?
Pan-seared steak with a quick butter sauce, shrimp scampi with linguine, or creamy lemon chicken all feel restaurant-worthy and cook fast. Add a simple green salad and crusty bread. Choose one dish that needs last-minute attention and keep everything else ready ahead, so you can sit down together without rushing.
How do I cook a steak perfectly for Valentine's Day?
Pat the steak dry, season generously and sear in a very hot cast-iron pan for a deep crust, flipping every minute or so. Use a thermometer: about 130F for medium-rare and 135F to 140F for medium. The USDA recommends 145F for whole cuts, followed by a 3-minute rest, which also helps the juices settle.
What is a quick Valentine's dessert?
Chocolate-dipped strawberries, molten chocolate mug cakes, quick chocolate mousse and berries with whipped cream are all fast and feel indulgent. Store-bought shortbread or brownies make a quick base for layered cups. Keep desserts small and rich; after a good dinner, a few bites of something chocolatey is usually plenty.