Scrambling for dinner ideas for Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
It’s one of those holidays where you need to bring your A-game to impress your date and make the night unforgettable. That’s why I’m sharing the best recipes to make your evening nothing short of amazing!
1. Creamy Parmesan Risotto (No Wine)
This is a rich, creamy, and comforting Italian dish that may be intimidating at first, but it’s actually pretty easy to make. Be sure to serve it alongside steak, scallops, or sautéed mushrooms.
Make this for your valentine, and click here.
2. Paella Verdura
Want to make delicious vegetable paella? This classic Spanish dish is packed with vegetables and rice, making it a tasty yet delicious dinner option for you and your date.
Ready to get started? Click here.
3. Indian Butter Chickpeas With Rice
Here’s a 30-minute recipe you can cook up on special occasions. It’s loaded with the rich flavors of butter chicken sauce, uses tender chickpeas as a protein source, and pairs wonderfully with white rice.
You and your partner will love this: click here.
4. Orange Chicken Rice Bowl
Sometimes, you don’t need to go fancy for date night. A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring all the comforting flavors of orange chicken and fried rice is enough to set a cozy, intimate mood.
This is better than takeout, so click here.
5. Coconut Curry Salmon Over Rice
If you’re looking for an exotic flavor to wow your date, try this recipe! It’s seasoned with a salty-sweet spice rub, slathered in coconut curry sauce, and served over a bed of steamy rice.
For the full recipe breakdown, click here.
6. Shrimp Étouffée Risotto
Étouffée, meaning ‘smothered,’ features shrimp enveloped in a rich, flavorful roux and served over creamy risotto. It’s a dreamy, romantic dish that’s perfect for the night of love.
Get the step-by-step guide, and click here.
7. Mushroom Risotto
If you want to be bougie, make this mushroom risotto recipe. It’s infused with white wine, fresh herbs, and sprinkled with lots of grated parmesan cheese for a rich, satisfying bite.
You’re going to fall in love with this, so click here.
8. Valentine’s Day Risotto
Looking to shake things up this Valentine’s Day? Put a twist on an Italian classic with slow-roasted tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a heart-shaped garnish to finish it off.
So, grab your apron and start cooking: click here.
9. One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Try this incredible green chicken recipe with zesty lemon rice! Both components come together nicely, soaking up all the flavors in a single pan. It’s super fast, convenient, and incredibly tasty.
I can’t rave about this enough: click here.
10. Mexican Beef Stuffed Peppers
Loaded with ground beef, cheese, and Spanish rice, these Mexican stuffed peppers turn your favorite tacos into a wholesome bell pepper dish!
This could be a new holiday favorite, so click here.
11. Creamy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is as heartwarming as it is delicious. Featuring homemade condensed soup, savory rice cooked in chicken broth, and a buttery, crunchy Ritz topping.
Excited to give this a try? Click here.
12. One Pan Chicken Shawarma With Chickpea Rice Pilaf
Imagine tender chicken coated in aromatic shawarma seasoning, seared to perfection, and then nestled on a bed of fragrant rice and chickpeas before baking. That’s what this dish is all about!
It’s got the best Middle Eastern flavors — all in one pan! Click here.
13. Wild Rice Salad
This delightful appetizer brings together a beautiful mix of textures and flavors with chickpeas (or chicken breast), juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, fresh parsley, and mint, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing.
Want to give this a try? Click here.
14. Chicken and Rice Pilaf
Fragrant rice sautéed with mild spices pairs perfectly with seared chicken, creating a light and fluffy dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the ideal one-pot meal for a romantic dinner.
Want to make this at home? Click here.
15. Seafood and Chorizo Paella
Why go out to a fancy Spanish restaurant when you can make this paella at home?
Featuring chorizo, veggies, and crispy rice, then layered with shrimp, clams, and mussels, this dish is sure to impress your partner.
Add this to your dinner menu, and click here.
16. Coconut Rice Pudding
You can’t have a couple’s night without dessert, so give this a try! It’s a simple, creamy, and velvety coconut milk rice pudding with a homemade raspberry and strawberry sauce.
Feel the love with this recipe: click here.
17. Rice Krispie Cupcakes
Here’s a cute sweet treat you can make and share with your special someone. And while the cupcakes get their pretty pink hue from the strawberry cake mix, you can get creative with the flavor.
This is a evening activity for two: click here.
18. Wild Rice Soup
Planning a cozy night in with a loved one? Make this wild rice soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
It’s a hearty nourishing meal for the holiday, so click here.
19. Shrimp Rice Casserole
Preparing a special dinner doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. With this shrimp and rice casserole, you only need 30 minutes of cooking time to grace the table with an effortlessly good dish.
Pair it with a glass of wine, and you’re done: click here.
20. Cranberry Chicken and Wild Rice
Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with tender chicken baked in a luscious cranberry sauce. This elegant entrée is irresistibly sweet-tart, impressively delicious, and incredibly easy to make.
The best part? You can let it bake while you focus on creating the dreamiest setting imaginable!
So, what are you waiting for? Click here.
21. Lobster Risotto
With tender, buttery lobster and creamy, cheesy risotto infused with rich flavors and finished with a drizzle of brown butter, this sophisticated dish is fantastic for an intimate dinner for two!
Want to give this a try? Click here.
22. Freekeh Risotto With Butternut Squash, Sage and Ricotta
This recipe is a cozy, nutrient-packed dish for a chilly Valentine’s night. This hearty vegetarian meal combines the nutty flavor of freekeh with ricotta and parmesan for a touch of indulgence.
What a delicious way to warm your hearts and bellies: click here.
23. Black Risotto With Prawns
Make a bold statement this season of love with this striking squid ink risotto. Its rich, oceanic flavors pairs beautifully with vibrant carabinero prawns for an unforgettable dish.
To finish it off, add a sprinkle of parsley and grated lemon zest for a fresh, romantic touch.
This is great for seafood aficionados and adventurous couples: click here.
24. Roasted Beets and Sweets Quinoa Salad
Kick off your Valentine’s Day dinner with a vibrant, showstopping appetizer, featuring roasted ruby red beets and sweet potatoes, paired with fresh herbs and drizzled with a zesty orange-mustard dressing.
It’s got the perfect blend of sweetness and earthiness: click here.
25. Sushi Bowl
California sushi bowls are a great way to enjoy the flavors of the classic roll without the hassle.
Your seasoned rice serves as the base, then you top it with layers of fresh ingredients, like avocados, cucumbers, crab meat, carrots, nori, sesame seeds, and sriracha mayo.
Overall, this is a fun and effortless way to bring sushi vibes at home — no rolling skill needed!
Ready to get started? Click here.
26. Quinoa + Lentil Bolognese With Spaghetti Squash
Loaded with hearty quinoa, whole peeled tomatoes, and lentils, this dinner dish is a flavorful, plant-based take on an Italian classic.
It’s an amazingly cozy and wholesome meal: click here.
27. Asparagus Lemon Whole Grain Bowl
This salad celebrates the best flavors of lemon and fresh asparagus: the sweet citrus complements the hearty mix of farro, pearl couscous, crisp veggies, almonds, and crumbly goat cheese.
Check out this bright and tasty recipe: click here.
28. Ratatouille Rice
Love is definitely in the air with this light and fluffy white vegan rice dish with fresh eggplant, juicy tomatoes, crunchy red peppers, and rich summer squash.
Make your dinner feel extra special, and click here.
29. Jerk Shrimp & Pineapple Bowl
The sweetness of pineapple and red bell pepper balances the spicy “jerk shrimp,” creating an irresistible combination. Not only does this look amazing, it tastes great, too!
Super yummy and ready in less than 20 minutes — what’s not to love? Click here.
30. Layered Chocolate Caramel Rice Pudding Mug Cakes
This indulgent Valentine’s Day dessert combines creamy dulce de leche rice pudding and decadent chocolate mug cake, layered with a rich peanut butter filling and topped with crunchy cookies!
What a way to cap off the night with a sweet treat: click here.
You’re Gonna Love These Recipes!
Ready to create a night to remember for you and your special someone? Try out one (or more) of these recipes and transform a homemade dinner into a full-on romantic experience!
Featured image credit to @fullglassdani.
