14 Romantic Dinner Recipes for Valentine's Day

January 21, 2016
Hector Sanchez
Who needs reservations? Instead of going out and bearing long lines, crowded venues, and cold food with the masses on Valentine’s Day, enjoy a restaurant-quality, romantic dinner for two in the comfort of your own home. You will not be missing out on anything with these romantic dinner ideas, straight from the loving arms of our Test Kitchen. These Valentine’s Day dinner recipes for two are worthy of the romantic occasion. Whip up a prime cut of flank steak that’s even juicer than its steakhouse counterpart, or try your hand at a tender stuffed chicken recipe that’s pretty as a picture. Celebrate the romantic dinner with a creamy and decadent chicken risotto, or indulge in rich fettuccine covered in buttery al burro sauce. So go ahead, splurge on that bottle of Barolo that would cost triple its price at a restaurant. Enjoy these romantic dinner for two from the cozy comfort of your own dining room. Save room for dessert! 
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Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

This is the best way to cook a thick, juicy bone-in steak restaurant-style without smoking up the house. Use your grill to heat the cast-iron skillet; the skillet surface area promotes a more assertive flavor and better sear than grill grates, yielding a steak with the proper steak house crust.

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Flank Steak and Cucumber Salad

Credit: Photo: Jacob Snavely

Recipe: Flank Steak and Cucumber Salad

This steak recipe shows off Asian flavors with chili paste, lime, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

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Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa

Sweet and spicy Pan-Grilled Chicken with Fresh Plum Salsa starts with fast-cooking chicken cutlets, giving you a leg up on dinner—it's ready in 26 minutes. The best part? It's pretty enough to serve at any occasion.

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Baked Chicken Roulade

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Baked Chicken Roulade

Baked Chicken Roulade is fancy enough for a special occasion.

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Chicken Risotto with Spring Vegetables

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Chicken Risotto with Spring Vegetables

Make a main dish meal of rice by adding chicken, asparagus, zucchini, herbs and cheese to a a creamy risotto.

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Shrimp Destin Linguine

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Shrimp Destin Linguine

For a little kick, add a pinch of dried crushed red pepper just before serving.

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Fettuccine-and-Asparagus al Burro

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Fettuccine-and-Asparagus al Burro

Al burro means "buttered." This simple sauce is a more authentic version of today's popular Alfredo, which calls for whipping cream. Buy a high-quality cheese—it makes a difference.

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Grilled Chicken and New Potatoes

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Grilled Chicken and New Potatoes

Use a foil packet as a fuss-free cooking vessel for the leeks and potatoes (or any vegetable).

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Pork Tenderloins with Balsamic Strawberries

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Pork Tenderloins with Balsamic Strawberries

Wrap the pork tightly with bacon to give it smoky flavor and a crispy crust.

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Grilled Steak Salad with Walnut Dressing

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Grilled Steak Salad with Walnut Dressing

Add a side of fresh blueberries, strawberries, or mango for a fruity twist.

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Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs

Credit: Photo: Jim Franco

Recipe: Buttermilk-and-Honey Chicken Kabobs

A buttermilk marinade ensures tender meat and juicy flavor.

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Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone

Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone

Blister and burst tomatoes under the broiler to hide imperfections and concentrate flavor.

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Rack of Lamb with Carrot Salad

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Rack of Lamb with Carrot Salad

You can trim the thick layer of fat on the outside of the rack to 1/4 inch for quicker cooking.

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Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

This winner of a chicken dinner is our new favorite roasting-pan supper.

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