21 Romantic Dinner Ideas for Two to Make for Valentine's Day

Air Fryer Scallops with Lemon Herb Sauce

Whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in just 20 minutes thanks to your air fryer ($37, Target). Finish the cooked scallops with a zesty sauce that's filled with fresh flavors like lemon, garlic, capers, and parsley.

Test Kitchen Tip: Be sure to check the scallop's internal temperature when they are done cooking. They may not brown in the air fryer.

Stout-Soaked Porterhouse with Beer Butter

Calling all ale aficionados! Treat your sweetheart to an elegant Valentine's Day dinner recipe with this stout-soaked porterhouse and rich homemade beer butter. The juicy, tender porterhouse is the perfect size to share with your loved one.

Easy Boiled Lobster

This recipe for classic boiled lobster proves it only looks intimidating. Master this easy seafood recipe in just 30 minutes—just enough time to make clarified butter for serving. Serve the finished lobster on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped chives and fresh lemon wedges.

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo

Now here's a beautifully balanced pair. Decadent cheese sauce meets protein-rich, lean scallops in this showy, restaurant-style entree. The saucy and sophisticated easy dinner recipe for two is ready in just 30 minutes.

Avocado Egg Bake

This avocado recipe is a showstopper and that uses only four ingredients! A slice of ham and an egg nestle inside a creamy avocado half for upscale presentation. If your significant other is a fan of breakfast for dinner, this is the perfect dinner for two for you.

Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi

Skip a heavy carb-filled meal in favor of this lighter take on shrimp scampi using spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Seafood is a natural for a romantic meal. Bonus: This healthy dinner idea for two—seasoned perfectly with lemon, white wine, and parsley—will leave room for a festive dessert.

Pasta with Swiss Chard

Give steak and seafood a break. Nowhere does it say those are mandatory ingredients of a Valentine's Day dinner recipe. This colorful vegetarian pasta recipe is a perfect dinner for two. Swiss chard offers that little something extra, while ricotta and Parmesan provide indulgent flavors your sweetheart won't be able to resist.

Marinated Shrimp Scampi

Our simple recipe for shrimp scampi uses a flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon peel, crushed red pepper, and dry white wine. Prepare a vegetable side dish while the shrimp marinates for a complete romantic dinner for two.

Chimichurri Steak

Introducing: A complete flavor fiesta! Switch up your Valentine's Day recipes for two with a steak dish that showcases bold international cuisine. Chimichurri—a tart, bright green sauce from Argentina—is poured liberally over the charbroiled steak.

Citrus Salmon Fillets with Raspberry Salsa

When you're searching for a Valentine's Day dinner idea, high-protein salmon is a delicious and healthy choice to put on the table. Pair with our homemade fruit salsa made from raspberries, jalapeño peppers, and oranges.

Chia-Crusted Oven-Roasted Tuna with Mango Fruit Salsa

Talk about a heart-healthy dinner for two! Both tuna and chia seeds are loaded with healthy omega-3 fats. Plus all the beautiful fresh fruit on top fills your plate with vitamins and minerals. We can think of no better meal to show your love.

Ham and Spinach Two-Cheese Pasta

Cheese? Yes, please! Make a warm and hearty pasta casserole for your Valentine's Day dinner. The mix of Parmesan, ham, and spinach is sure to wow. Serve the easy Valentine's Day recipes for two in individual-size ramekins to dress it up for the occasion.

Pressure Cooker Lemon and Dill Fish Packets

This fish recipe is one of our favorite dinner ideas for two because it practically cooks itself in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. That means the healthy dinner for two requires just five minutes of cooking time! To make this seafood dinner look elegant, remove the ingredients from the parchment paper and top the perfectly flaky fish with dill and lemon.

Risotto with Chicken and Spring Peas

If you haven't already, cancel that reservation. Instead of dining out, make your loved one our version of classic Italian risotto for a super-memorable Valentine's Day dinner recipe. Peas, carrots, chicken, and spinach transform the rice dish into a satisfying main course.

Grilled Flank Steak Salad

Spice up an everyday salad with marinated grilled steak. Sear sweet peppers, corn, and green onions on the grill to add bright color and flavor to a bed of romaine lettuce. Top it all with a tasty cilantro dressing.

Test Kitchen Tip: Sear the meat indoors on a grill pan ($25, Williams Sonoma) if the weather isn't cooperating to grill outdoors.

Air-Fried Salmon with Horseradish Rub

Planning to celebrate Valentine's Day on a weeknight? This easy dinner idea requires just 10 minutes of hands-on time. Mix up a spicy topping using fresh horseradish, capers, and parsley. Spread it over salmon fillets and air fry for 20 minutes until crisp.

Meaty Ragu with Pasta

Say "I do!" to ragu. The easy Valentine's Day recipe for two can be on your table in 45 minutes. Pappardelle or tagliatelle (thick, flat noodles) are best for soaking up the tasty sauce.

Beef and Broccoli Noodle Bowl

Beef, egg noodles, and broccoli cooked in a peanut sauce add Asian flair to your romantic evening. Serve this dish with a sprinkling of green onions and a side of sticky rice to round out the meal.

Chicken and Tabbouleh Salad

Go Greek in this do-ahead dinner. (Read: More time to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail!) Greek flavors mingle in the chilled grain recipe that tops slices of grilled chicken breast.

Test Kitchen Tip: Make the salad the night before and grill the chicken breast the day of for a less-stress, easy dinner idea for two.

Mini Crab Cakes with Orange Aïoli

Make dinner at home a special occasion with these mini crab cakes. Orange aïoli—a mix of mayo, sour cream, orange juice, and herbs—pairs nicely with the mild sweetness of crabmeat. Serve the cakes on a bed of spinach for a special presentation.

Greek Feta Burgers

Craving casual fare? Try this your easy Valentine's Day recipe for two that will transport you to the Greek isles and a backyard cookout all at once—and in just about half an hour. Top lean beef burgers with a zesty cucumber-herb yogurt sauce for a pairing (almost) as perfect as you and your plus one.