These Dinner Ideas for Two Are Perfect for a Romantic Date Night (2024)

Leftovers? Not in this house.

By Kara Zauberman
These Dinner Ideas for Two Are Perfect for a Romantic Date Night (1)

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After countless family meals and weeknights filled with big batch cooking, Ree and Ladd Drummond are officially empty nesters. And while it might sound bittersweet, it just means there's plenty more time for the lovebirds to embrace date night at home! So, we're certain that Ree will be reaching for these dinner ideas for two on a regular basis. Bonus: they also just happen to be ideal for a special Valentine's Day dinner!

If you're anything like Ree and Ladd, you'll love their favorite date night dinner menu, which includes none other than a steak dinner with potatoes, of course! Or try the chicken saltimbocca with buttery parsley noodles, homemade crab cakes, or bacon-wrapped filets topped by herby cowboy butter. And even if you don't have a ton of time, there are options like air-fryer salmon that only take ten minutes in total.

All the recipes on this list are either perfectly portioned, easily halved, or make excellent leftovers for the next day, so you won't find yourself with too many helpings for just the two of you. Then of course to make your night complete, we've also made sure to include a few small-batch desserts, like adorable mug cakes, that are perfect for serving with two spoons. The best part of all: you won't have to worry about cleanup.

1

Mini Calzones

These Dinner Ideas for Two Are Perfect for a Romantic Date Night (3)

Start with frozen dinner rolls and transform them into little hot pockets of pure delight! These hand pies are filled with sausage, and cheese, then they're dipped in warm marinara sauce.

Get Ree's Mini Calzones recipe.

SHOP BAKING SHEETS

2

Pasta Puttanesca

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Pasta is always a great idea because it's easy to reduce the amount you cook if you're feeding less people. Try this classic that contains olives, anchovies, and tomatoes and only takes five minutes of prep.

Get Ree's Pasta Puttanesca recipe.

3

Chicken Teriyaki

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Sure, takeout can be satisfying. But you know what's better? Making the same dish from scratch! It's so much more delicious and only takes 30 minutes to make. That's faster than delivery!

Get the Chicken Teriyaki recipe.

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4

Surf and Turf

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Impressive yet surprisingly easy to make, the combination of savory steak and flavorful shrimp can't be beat! Plus, you can basically make any veggie side you want.

Get the Surf and Turf recipe.

5

Mini Bundt Cakes

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One recipe, three flavor options: That's what these little baby Bundts have to offer. It's the ultimate flexibility for you and your fellow dessert lover, so you don't have to commit to one big cake.

Get the Mini Bundt Cakes recipes.

SHOP MINI BUNDT CAKE PANS

6

Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi

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So many hacks, so little time! Not only does this recipe save on dishes by only using one pot, but it also uses pre-packaged gnocchi to save on prep. Bonus: this recipe is easy to halve if you want.

Get the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi recipe.

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7

Air Fryer Salmon

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Got ten minutes? Good, then you can make this delicious and healthy meal. Salmon only needs a few seasonings and a splash of lemon, and it goes well with practically any side dish.

Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.

8

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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Perfect for a chilly night any really any time you two need a bowl full of comfort, this soup comes together in no time thanks to the store-bought chicken broth, rotisserie chicken, and tortellini.

Get the Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.

9

Shrimp Po'Boy

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This isn't just any ol' sandwich! Nope, crusty French bread is piled high with crispy fried shrimp and then slathered with a zesty, spicy mayo. Layer lettuce, tomato, and pickles for added texture for a super special sammie.

Get the Shrimp Po'Boy recipe.

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10

Cast-Iron Pizza

These Dinner Ideas for Two Are Perfect for a Romantic Date Night (12)

We found another delivery idea to skip! You can make a personal pan pizza for two and customize with any type of cheese or topping you want. It gets super crispy edges thanks to the searing hot pan.

Get the Cast-Iron Pizza recipe.

SHOP CAST-IRON SKILLETS

11

Mini Apple Pies

These Dinner Ideas for Two Are Perfect for a Romantic Date Night (13)

Bite-sized desserts with big flavor, these mini pies are the perfect ending for a meal when you want just a little something sweet. The leftovers will last a few days in the fridge, so you can enjoy the rest during the week.

Get Ree's Mini Apple Pies recipe.

12

Chicken Alfredo Soup

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Cozy up with your partner over a bowl of soup! This one is a twist on creamy chicken alfredo and it even includes the classic fettuccine.

Get Ree's Chicken Alfredo Soup recipe.

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13

Braised Short Ribs

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Ree says that "beef short ribs are one of life's great pleasures" and we couldn't agree more! If this doesn't say romance, we don't know what will.

Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.

14

Brownie in a Mug

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You can make two of these decadent, warm brownies in a matter of minutes. But if you really want to impress your sweetie, top it off with a scoop of their favorite ice cream!

Get the Brownie in a Mug recipe.

15

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

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Making dinner for two doesn't need to be complicated. Try this simple chicken dish with your favorite side—whether it's a salad, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe.

SHOP INSTANT POTS

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16

Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale

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First, the shrimp are marinated in coconut milk, honey and lime juice, then they're coated in breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, and curry, so you know they're loaded with flavor. Oh, and they get extra-crispy in the oven, too!

Get Ree's Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale recipe.

17

Olive Tapenade

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If you're celebrating an anniversary, Valentine's Day, or special occasion, it's nice to include a starter before your dinner for two. This olive spread is great for serving with goat cheese (and extras can be saved for sandwiches the next day!).

Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.

18

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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Alex and Mauricio love to make sweet potato fries for burger night at home. But they're also delicious alongside chicken, fish, or steak.

Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.

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19

Cajun T-Bone Steak

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You might only need 1 or 2 of these t-bone steaks for your date night, depending on the size of the steak. The average steak per person is around 8 ounces or half a pound.

Get Ree's Cajun T-Bone Steak recipe.

20

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

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Chicken parmesan is the kind of dish that looks impressive, but it's surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the air fryer. Of course, your loved one doesn't need to know that!

Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.

SHOP AIR FRYERS

These Dinner Ideas for Two Are Perfect for a Romantic Date Night (2024)

FAQs

How do you plan a romantic dinner for two? ›

Create an Ambient Experience. Before your dinner, create a playlist together of gentle, romantic music you both love. Then, the evening of your big date, dress to the nines. Dim the lights in the dining room and light a few candles on the table, or hang twinkly string lights if open flame isn't your thing.

What makes a romantic dinner? ›

A romantic dinner is a special, intimate meal for two. It involves thoughtful planning, a cozy setting, favorite dishes, dim lighting (often with candles), soft music, and engaging conversation.

How do you make a romantic dinner special? ›

Whether you're serving a roasted rack of lamb or silky, rich pasta, a romantic dinner for two can make an ordinary evening a little more special. Go big with pan-roasted lobster or steak frites, or try your hand at homemade pizza.

What should I have for dinner on a date night? ›

Date night recipes
  • Vanilla panna cotta. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  • Next level spaghetti carbonara. ...
  • Steak Diane. ...
  • Quick honey & garlic pork chops. ...
  • One-pan sirloin steak & creamy mushroom sauce. ...
  • White chocolate & cardamom tart with raspberry dust. ...
  • Baked sea bass with lemon caper dressing. ...
  • Chicken & mushroom wellington.

How do I plan a romantic date night at home for him? ›

If you need to refresh your romance routine, try one of these ideas to make your time at home feel a little more exciting.
  1. Cook a gourmet meal together. ...
  2. Go on a picnic. ...
  3. Wine taste at home. ...
  4. Challenge each other to a bake off. ...
  5. Have a paint-off. ...
  6. Project a movie in the backyard. ...
  7. Do a fun cardio workout. ...
  8. Take a virtual yoga class.
Jul 13, 2020

How do I make a romantic dinner for my man? ›

59 Romantic + Easy Dinner Ideas for Two
  1. Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Scallops. Becky Luigart-Stayner. ...
  2. Pasta Carbonara. Becky Luigart-Stayner. ...
  3. Coconut Curry Chicken. Becky Luigart-Stayner. ...
  4. Truffled Risotto with Mushrooms and Parmesan. ...
  5. Filet Mignon with Duck Fat Potatoes. ...
  6. Oysters Rockefeller. ...
  7. Linguine with Clam Sauce. ...
  8. Steak au Poivre.
Jan 30, 2024

What is the most romantic dish? ›

50 Romantic Dinners the Two of You Can Cook at Home
  • Pepperoni Pizza Dip. ...
  • Red Citrus Salad with Berries, Pears and Pomegranates. ...
  • Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread. ...
  • Roasted Shrimp and Peppers with Creamy Rice. ...
  • Thai-Style Peanut Chicken Wraps. ...
  • Thai Beef and Vegetable Curry. ...
  • Salmon with Creamy Feta Cucumbers. ...
  • Spring Veggie Pasta.
Dec 21, 2022

What does a romantic date look like to you? ›

Go out to dinner

Starting off simple, going out to dinner is a date night staple for a reason. You can converse over good food, wear your best outfit, and gaze at each other over candlelight. To make things interesting, go to a restaurant you've never been to—or at least try something you've never had.

How do you make a romantic night? ›

Romantic At Home Date Night Ideas
  1. Candlelit Dinner for Two. It's a classic for a reason! ...
  2. Cooking Class at Home. Turn your kitchen into a culinary adventure by taking a cooking class together. ...
  3. Movie Night with a Twist. ...
  4. DIY Wine Tasting. ...
  5. Stargazing in Your Hot Tub. ...
  6. Art Night. ...
  7. Virtual Travel Experience. ...
  8. Hot Tub Night.

How do you make a good dinner date? ›

10 Tips for Pulling Off a Successful First Date Dinner
  1. Choose a relaxing dining venue. ...
  2. Look stylish while staying comfortable. ...
  3. Always be on time. ...
  4. Turn off your phone and keep it out of sight. ...
  5. Start a conversation and make eye contact. ...
  6. Order food that's easy to eat. ...
  7. Mind your manners. ...
  8. Drink slowly and avoid getting drunk.
Jul 20, 2017

What is a good first date dinner to cook? ›

27 Amazing First Date Dinner Recipes & Date Night Dinner Ideas
  • Garlic butter chicken bites with lemon asparagus. ...
  • Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Pesto Pasta. ...
  • Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells. ...
  • Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken | Serve cold in summer or hot in winter! ...
  • Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato, and Basil.
Feb 16, 2018

How do you kiss on a dinner date? ›

Bring your face in closer, but let the other person come part way. Even if they said yes, it's good to let them make part of the move, so you know for sure they want it. You'll both need to tilt a bit so you don't bump noses, then move on with the kissing part. Keep your lips slightly parted and soft.

When a guy wants to cook for you? ›

According to Harrison Forman, host of the live dating show UpDating, cooking dinner for a date is “without a doubt a romantic gesture,” one that signals a relationship is entering “more intimate” territory.

How do you plan a romantic first night? ›

There are a lot of little things that couples can do." Here, some simple ways to make your wedding night memorable.
  1. Related: 11 True Wedding Night Confessions.
  2. 1) Flirt with each other during the wedding. ...
  3. 2) Fill your room with fragrance. ...
  4. 3) Let him carry you across the threshold. ...
  5. 4) Set the night to music.

How do I plan the most romantic night ever? ›

  1. Make Dinner for Two. ...
  2. Host a Charcuterie Competition. ...
  3. Slow Dance to Your Favorite Love Songs. ...
  4. Plan a Romantic Movie Night. ...
  5. Relax by the Fire. ...
  6. Plan a Personalized Wine and Cheese Tasting. ...
  7. Recreate Your Teenage Photos. ...
  8. Create an Intimate Backyard Getaway.

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