27 Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas

This Valentine's Day, you may face one of the following situations: You’re not into fancy restaurants and paying a lot of money for only small amounts of food, or every place you can think of to take your significant other is completely booked for that night. Whatever your situation may be, though, fret not: there’s always another alternative, which is cooking at home. But what if you aren’t the best cook? What are some easy Valentine’s Day dinner ideas for you to make?

Basically, this list is here to save your Valentine’s Day. Even if you feel like cooking isn’t your specialty, these recipes are simple enough for you to pull off, while also wow-ing your partner with some delicious grub. Plus, what’s more romantic then a candlelight dinner, and a few cuddles on the couch during a movie afterwards? No reason to go out into the cold and make a fuss about the day if the two of you would rather have a cozy, romantic night in.

I’m kind of partial to the idea of cooking at home on Valentine’s Day because my husband has been cooking for me on Valentine’s Day every year since we started dating. We make it a special occasion — we both dress up (even if it was just to hang in his apartment), he places a delicious meal on the table, and we spend the evening sharing gifts and watching a movie. It’s one of my favorite little traditions that requires absolutely zero pressure for our day, and we plan on doing the same thing again this year.

Even though I’m not the one that cooks on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t help but dig for all these mouth-watering recipes for you to try. So even if you aren’t much of a cook, these recipes will certainly make you look like one.

1. Lemon Butter Scallops

I’m not sure what it is, but there’s always something romantic about seafood. If you’re feeling like splurging a bit — these scallops by Damn Delicious will probably be a wonderful appetizer to share before your meal.

2. Creamy Cherry Tomato And Summer Squash Pasta

I’m not usually the biggest fan of pasta sauce, which is why this recipe by Cookie & Kate is one of my favorites. It still gives you that tomato flavor, while also having a creamier-buttery sauce to finish. So delicious.

3. Honey Glazed Salmon With Fresh Mango Salsa

If your sweetheart sits on the healthier side of the menu, salmon is always a great option. Plus, it’s kind of expensive to get, so buying some salmon and topping with some fresh mango salsa by Simply Scratch will seriously feel like a treat.

4. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

If the two of you are mac & cheese fanatics, then give your dish an upgrade with this butternut squash recipe by Oh She Glows!

5. Balsamic Gnocchi

This is certainly a different spin on Gnocchi by How Sweet Eats, but it's delicious all the same.

6. Tobasco Braised Chicken With Chickpeas & Kale

It's something a little bit different, but very easy to make! This recipe by Foodie Crush has you quickly cook the chicken, then setting your ingredients in a pot on simmer for a little less than a half hour. Voilá, you are done!

7. One Skillet Balsamic Chicken & Vegetables

I’m partial to any of these “one skillet” meals, because they are just so darn easy. This one by Averie Cooks will be perfect for Valentine’s Day.

8. Inside Out Turkey Cheeseburgers

These burgers by Mom on Timeout actually have the cheese already inside the bun — yeah, not kidding! Very different yet super easy to put together.

9. Rainbow Raw Pad Thai

Is your person a huge pad thai fan? This colorful pad thai by Oh She Glows is the perfect way to start off a meal.

10. Pink Pepper Goat Cheese Spread

This goat cheese spread by The Kitchn is the perfect little snack for the two of you to nibble on while you are cooking.

11. Heart Shaped Breadsticks

Or, these breadsticks by Dessert Now, Dinner Later are also perfect to nibble on.

12. Salmon & Potato Foil Packets

All you have to do is wrap these foils up by Averie Cooks and throw them in the oven — super easy!

13. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Skip your usual can of marinara and up your cooking game with this homemade spaghetti sauce by Mom on Timeout!

14. Chicken Marsala

Such a typical Italian dish you would find a restaurant, but now with this recipe by Savory Sweet Life, it’s super easy to make at home!

15. Vegetable Stir Fry

Need a good dinner side? This vegetable stir fry by Averie Cooks is perfect! Make it an entree by throwing in some chicken, or for vegetarians, some tofu!

16. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches

This recipe by Mom on Timeout is so easy: all you do is throw in root beer, pork, and barbecue sauce into a slow-cooker. And it tastes so good you would never be able to tell how simple it really is.

17. Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup

Another great appetizer to enjoy while you are working on dinner! This soup by Making Thyme for Health is flawless.

18. Shrimp Tacos

I feel like you just really can’t ever go wrong with tacos — especially if it’s a shrimp taco by Natasha’s Kitchen.

19. Lime Cilantro Chicken With Mixed Rice & Black Beans

A great burrito-bowl type dish by Averie Cooks, perfect for your Chipotle loving significant other.

20. Cheesy Kielbasa Rice Broccoli Skillet

This is certainly a different type of dish you may not see at a restaurant — but it's also rich with flavor and so easy to make! Recipe by Mom on Timeout.

21. Vegan Mushroom Bourguignon

If your partner is vegan, this recipe by Making Thyme for Health will be easy enough to make and it's still delicious AF.

22. Eggplant Parmesan

Such a classic and delicious meal choice, this Eggplant Parmesan by Oh She Glows is super simple and delicious!

23. Chicken Lettuce Wraps­

For the partner that is gluten-free, these chicken lettuce wraps by Natasha’s Kitchen are a perfect alternative to tacos.

24. Cheesy Black Bean Corn Stuffed Sweet Potato

Looking for something to really wow your partner with? Sweet potatoes are in season, and these stuffed potatoes by Averie Cooks are so impressive looking.

25. Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas

Add a side of rice and salsa with this black bean enchiladas by Cookie & Kate, and it's the perfect spicy meal for a spicy night!

26. Roasted Squash Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Another great salad started by Cookie & Kate that will start your romantic meal off right!

27. Jumbo Stuffed Shells

Last, but certainly not least, these shells by Oh She Glows are super simple to make, and will make your partner fall in love with you all over again.