14 Romantic Dinner Recipes That’ll Make Valentine’s Day Unforgettable

What’s a Valentine’s Day without a romantic dinner, after all? You’re likely looking for recipes that’ll impress your loved one. With 14 options to choose from, you’ll find dishes like seared scallops and lobster ravioli. But which one will make your evening unforgettable? You’ll have to explore the list to discover the perfect recipe that will leave a lasting impression on your partner.

1. Seared Scallops Recipe

Seared scallops with garlic butter, a perfect romantic dinner dish.

Ingredients

• 12 large scallops
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of white wine
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
6. Add white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the skillet.
7. Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
8. Return the scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

2. Lobster Ravioli Dish

Indulge in a decadent lobster ravioli dish, filled with succulent lobster and creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 package of fresh ravioli
• 1/2 cup of lobster meat
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in the lobster meat and cook until heated through.
7. Drain the cooked ravioli and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat with the lobster sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

3. Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish with thinly sliced chicken.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup capers, rinsed and drained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add 2 chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
6. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet.
7. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Add white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
10. Stir in capers and cook for an additional minute.
11. Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top and garnished with parsley.

4. Pan Seared Salmon

Pan Seared Salmon is a delicious and flavorful dish with a crispy crust.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and lemon zest to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin side up.
5. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove the salmon from the skillet and place on a plate.
7. Serve the salmon with lemon slices and garnish with parsley.

5. Roasted Vegetable Soup

A comforting and flavorful soup made with roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery with olive oil.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
4. Add the mixed vegetables to the baking sheet and continue roasting for 15 minutes.
5. In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

6. Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a show-stopping dish featuring tender beef wrapped in puff pastry.

Ingredients

• 1 (1.5-2 pound) filet of beef
• 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the beef filet with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef filet until browned on all sides.
4. Let the beef cool to room temperature.
5. Spread the mushroom duxelles over the beef filet, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Place the beef filet in the center of the pastry rectangle, brush the edges with the beaten egg.
8. Roll the pastry over the beef filet, starting with one long side, and press the edges to seal.
9. Place the Beef Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.
10. Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
11. Bake the Beef Wellington in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef reaches 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
12. Let the Beef Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

7. Rack Of Lamb

Tender rack of lamb with a rich, flavorful crust.

Ingredients

• 1 rack of lamb
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the lamb with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the lamb until browned.
4. Mix breadcrumbs and cheese, and sprinkle over the lamb.
5. Dot the top with butter and garlic.
6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
7. Let the lamb rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

8. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter, tossed with pasta.

Ingredients

• 12 large shrimp
• 8 oz pasta
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add white wine to the skillet and stir to scrape up any browned bits.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the garlic butter sauce.
7. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine with the shrimp and sauce.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley, and serve hot.

9. Filet Mignon

Tender filet mignon cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 4 filet mignon steaks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season filet mignon with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over high heat.
4. Sear filet mignon for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

10. Creamy Risotto

Rich and creamy Italian rice dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
4. Add white wine and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.
5. Add 1/2 cup of broth to the rice and stir until absorbed, repeat this process until all broth is used.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve immediately.

11. Grilled Steak Frites

Grilled Steak Frites is a classic romantic dinner dish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs steak
• 2 cups potatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the potatoes into thin strips and soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and dry with paper towels.
4. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches desired doneness.
5. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Grill the potatoes for 3-5 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve the steak with grilled potatoes and enjoy.

12. Baked Chicken Parm

Crispy baked chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
5. Place breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts.
7. Bake chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Remove chicken from oven and spoon marinara sauce over each breast.
9. Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Return chicken to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

13. Seafood Paella

Savory Seafood Paella, a classic Spanish dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 pound clams, scrubbed
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add shrimp, mussels, and clams, cooking until the seafood is lightly browned.
5. Add Arborio rice, saffron threads, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
6. Add chicken broth, water, and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

14. Homemade Ravioli

Homemade ravioli is a classic Italian dish made with fresh pasta and fillings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Combine flour, eggs, and salt to make the pasta dough.
2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin sheet.
4. Mix ricotta and Parmesan cheese for the filling.
5. Place small spoonfuls of the filling onto one sheet of pasta.
6. Cover with another sheet of pasta and press edges to seal.
7. Cut into ravioli shapes and cook in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve with chopped parsley and olive oil.

Conclusion

You’ve managed to survive the arduous task of cooking a romantic dinner. Congrats, it’s not like you had to sacrifice your sanity or anything. Now, go ahead and reap the benefits – a night to remember, or at least a night that’ll make your partner forget you can’t cook.