Okay, so how many "date nights" of yesteryear have you spent ordering takeout, sitting on the couch, Netflixing, chilling, etc., etc.?! Yeah, it's time to switch it up a bit. Hear me out: What if the date was the dinner-making process, and you used it as an opportunity for things to get a little, IDK, ~spicy~ in the kitchen? Or just role-play as Carmy and Syd from The Bear. Hey, no judgment here.
No one's saying you have to attempt a beef bourguignon and chocolate soufflé situation together—I don't know anyone who has the attention span for that. But hey, what about a truffle mac & cheese dish or even some classic breakfast for dinner? That way, you won't even need to do that thing where you pass off your secret Seamless order as a homemade Michelin-starred meal (though we've all been there). Nor does it mean you have to cancel the evening and reschedule after you’ve taken a full-blown cooking course.
Doable, fancy-looking, delicious romantic dinners DO exist. We know because we scoured the World Wide Web to find allll the right recipes to make your date night amazing. It doesn't even matter if you both are lacking in Ina Garten-level kitchen skills. This can be a fun, experimental project you can create together, and it doesn't even matter if it doesn't come out perfectly.
Just take a breath, throw on an apron, and scroll through this list of romantic dinner ideas. Our menu of date night recipes that you both can totally cook includes vegan options, lots of Italian things (in case you're feeling ambitious and wanna whip up a pasta dish *and* a truffle oil pizza), a fancy grilled cheese, some Korean BBQ, and so much more. You've got this!
1. Marry Me Chicken
I meann, the name says it all. Sun-dried tomatoes, chicken thighs, and a creamy sauce—that's pretty much all ya need to make date night perfect.
Get the recipe at Delish.
2. Pasta with Savory Jack Sausage and Parmesan
If you've never had orecchiette, tonight's the night. And in a sage butter sauce? OMG, swoon. Plus, you'd never know it's actually plant-based jackfruit instead of sausage (yay, vegan swaps!).
Get the recipe at Jack & Annie's.
3. Seared Scallops and Mushroom Risotto
You two are about to be eating good tonight. This fancy scallop risotto recipe is a meal you'd probably get out at a restaurant for an anniversary, but now you can also recreate that right at home.
Get the recipe at Blue Apron.
4. Linguine with Clams
Make this together and you will be automatically transported to the Italian Riviera. It looks intimidating to make, but it's so not.
Get the recipe at Delish.
5. Butter-Basted Sirloin Steak
Steak is the go-to dish for a romantic dinner—don't fight that. This oh-so-slightly elevated take is a great way to level up your night. Plus, instead of fries, you can get real fancy with ~parsnip wedges~.
Get the recipe at HelloFresh.
6. Truffle Pizza
Making pizza from scratch looks super impressive, and it’s actually easier than you may think. Try this recipe for straightforward ingredients and instructions, and because, let’s face it, truffle oil makes everything better.
Get the recipe at A Couple Cooks.
7. Refried Butternut Tacos
Okay, tacos may not be the neatest to eat, so maybe save them for date two (or don't, we won't judge). These butternut tacos not only look cute, but they are an awesome plant-based option for anyone who doesn’t eat meat. The recipe is 100 percent vegan and 100 percent delicious.
Get the recipe at Purple Carrot.
8. Sirloin Tip Roast
Few things will impress your dinner guest more than a perfectly cooked roast, because it takes a little confidence to cook something that needs a thermometer to tell you it's done. And nothing's sexier than confidence.
Get the recipe at Weekend at the Cottage.
9. Lemon Rosemary Chicken
This isn't your weeknight chicken recipe. Every bite has legit flavor, between notes of zesty citrus and fresh herbs.
Get the recipe at Nourish and Fete.
10. Honey Glazed Salmon
Salmon can often feel like an intimidating fish to make, but in reality, it’s so easy to master. And this honey glaze has just a few ingredients, so it’s near impossible to screw up, trust us.
Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.
11. Korean BBQ Beef Bowls
There's So. Much. Flavor. packed into these Korean BBQ bowls. And you can garnish it with a fried egg and some sesame seeds so your romantic dinner is truly Instagrammable.
Get the recipe at Simply Scratch.
12. 4-Cheese Roasted Garlic Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash has been a thing for years now, but this Alfredo-inspired take on the gourd brings some excitement to dinner. It's also perf if you have vegetarian guests.
Get the recipe at Half-Baked Harvest.
13. Classic Lasagna
While trying something new can always be fun, sometimes, it’s best to stick to the classics. Lasagna is also literally impossible to not get right—just keep layering the noodles and cheese, friends.
Get the recipe at Delish.
14. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This plant-based dish only requires 15 minutes of prep, and the roasted red peppers add a delicious kick. Swap in gluten-free spaghetti if you or your bae can't handle the wheat.
Get the recipe at Minimalist Baker.
15. Coconut Milk Braised Chicken
This Thai-Indian fusion dish is sure to impress, plus it's perfect over rice and with sweet potatoes on the side. The best part: It all only takes 30 minutes to prep and cook.
Get the recipe at Half Baked Harvest.
16. Mushroom Stroganoff
If you're lucky enough to have an Instant Pot at home, this pasta dinner is your new best friend. And you didn't hear it from us, but the secret ingredient is vodka. Prego (that's Italian for you're welcome).
Get the recipe at 101 Cookbooks.
17. Turkey Piccata
Delicious turkey dishes don't have to be limited to the holiday season. Try this recipe out for a creamy, lean protein option.
Get the recipe from Andie Mitchell.
18. Cauliflower Gnocchi
All you Trader Joe's fans out there, we see you. This take on spaghetti bolognese is another tasty meatless option that comes together in just a half hour.
Get the recipe at A Cozy Kitchen.
19. 20-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara
Impress your S.O. with these masterful noods. Cheese, bacon, carbs, and 20 quick minutes make this dish the easiest, tastiest trick up your sleeve.
Get the recipe at Delish.
20. Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken for Two
Sure, this meal might be what we like to call "project cooking"—aka, it takes more effort than throwing together your fave frozen one—but if you can wrap a present, this will be a piece of cake. Especially when you've got a PIC (partner in cooking, that is) by your side.
Get the recipe at HelloFresh.
21. Eggplant Florentine with Fire-Roasted Tomato Sauce and Toasted Ciabatta
This bad boy is ideal when one of you is a vegan and the other one wants to be supportive, but really just wants a whole bunch of cheese. Luckily, this dish can trick even the most die-hard dairy lover.
Get the recipe at Purple Carrot.
22. Japanese Bento Box with Teriyaki Pineapple and Speckled Rice
For when you both want a little taste of everything, and a restaurant-worthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to make. This will leave plenty of time for...everything else ;).
Get the recipe at Purple Carrot.
23. Breakfast for Dinner
Become bae's favorite short-order cook with this sweet (and cheap) twist on a toad-in-a-hole. Serve with bacon, sausage, or home fries for extra lovin'.
Get the recipe at HelloFresh.
24. Lemon Garlic Pasta
It's hard to mess up pasta, and this one has the advantage of being delicious without calling for a sauce that'll ruin the tablecloth you've never used before.
Get the recipe at Wonky Wonderful.
25. Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic
You know what's the last thing you want to do after a romantic dinner? Wash dishes. This baked chicken is delightful and keeps the washing to a minimum.
Get the recipe at Brooklyn Supper.
26. French Bread Pizza
Everyone loves pizza, but your S.O. will love it even more when you add your own touch.
Get the recipe at Delish.
27. Lobster Risotto
Not everyone has chef-level knife skills, but even amateurs will appreciate this lobster risotto that's fancy, yet so easy to execute.
Get the recipe at Delish.
28. Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme
Pasta may be the way to their heart, but *heart-shaped* pasta? That's the sort of cooking flex that's going to win you some extra kitchen cred.
Get the recipe at Pina Bresciani.
29. Soup Dumplings
You know when it gets really cold and all you wanna do is curl up with your S.O. on the couch and binge White Lotus? This is the sort of meal to eat while watching Tanya spend her inheritance.
Get the recipe at Delish.
30. Pineapple Chicken
This pineapple chicken truly tastes as good as it looks. It's quite literally the perfect combo of sweet and savory, so make a big batch (if only for the leftovers).
Get the recipe at Delish.
31. Pasta E Fagioli
It takes a special kind of person to request a soup for dinner. This cozy recipe will be sure to woo your boo ;).
Get the recipe at The Food Network.
32. Shrimp Scampi
This dish is perfect if bae is a seafood lover. Get your chef’s hat ready and make room for seconds.
Get the recipe at The Food Network.
33. Mushroom-Spinach Stuffed Shells
Any kind of pasta stuffed recipe will give you an A for effort. Look at you go in the kitchen, bb!
Get the recipe at The Food Network.
34. White Cheddar and Truffle Grilled Cheese with Mushrooms
If your S.O. is THE pickiest eater on the planet, you might just have to whip them up this grilled cheese, which is probably what heaven tastes like. Bonus points if you conjure up a side of creamy tomato soup while you're at it.
Get the recipe at HelloFresh.
35. Mac and Cheese with Greens
A hearty, tasty meal if I ever did see one. This pasta classic calls for all the cheese, so you better get to grating...
Get the recipe at Brooklyn Supper.
36. Greek Chicken
Take date night to the next level by cooking up this delish chicken dish. You probably already have all of the ingredients on hand, so no need to put on real pants and hit up the grocery store for some last-minute ingredients. See? We gotchu.
Get the recipe at Delish.
37. Baked Pineapple Salmon
This salmon recipe will simply melt in your mouth, causing your significant other to fall in love with you even more after this meal. Don't say we didn't warn ya.
Get the recipe at Delish.
38. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Okay, we have nothing but pure, loud love for this chicken pot pie remix. It's gluten- and dairy-free (for all the duos with dietary restrictions out there), and the savory soup format is a delish spin.
Get the recipe at Minimalist Baker.
39. Lobster Ravioli
Is one of you craving Italian, and the other in the mood for some seafood? We have a strong shrimp Alfredo option for when you're faced with this timeless dilemma. Making homemade pasta is the cutest bonding experience, so this lobster ravioli will be fun and yummy.
Get the recipe at Chisel and Fork.
40. Creamy Salmon Pasta
Now for something when you guys are low on time and *starving*. This indulgent creamy salmon dish can come together in under half an hour. Yup, make it while you play an episode of The Office in the background, and it'll be ready by the end.
Get the recipe at Midwest Foodie Blog
41. Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
On one hand, the name of this dish is forever so fun to say, (unless you're Kris Jenner ofc), on the other hand, it only calls for five ingredients. So... I guess that's a win in both hands? Major.
Get the recipe at Chisel and Fork.
42. Butternut Squash Risotto
Hello, rich, autumnal vibes. We meet again. This entrée is perfect for when the weather outside is frightful, and the two of you just want a cozy night in the heated indoors.
Get the recipe at Preppy Kitchen.
43. Creamy Crab Soup
A flavorful soup packs so much power. Especially if it's simple to make. Prepping this creamy crab one will have your mouth watering as soon as you start sautéing the onions. Trust.
Get the recipe at Midwest Foodie Blog.
44. Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes
Sometimes, the prospect of creating the perfect curry can be a bit daunting, but this easy-to-follow recipe will leave you with a restaurant-level dish in no time.
Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
45. Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Gotta get your greens in? This one is the (actually really effin good) way to do it. It utilizes every green ingredient you could think of. Broccoli! Pesto! Olives! AKA the green food group's biggest hits.
Get the recipe at Cookie and Kate.
46. Spicy Vodka Pasta
Whether you refer to it by its original name, or prefer it's alternate calling that is the "Gigi Hadid Pasta," it's safe to say that this peppery meal is a certified classic. Pair it with some vino, and you've secured a delicious evening in.
Get the recipe at Jawn Is Cooked.
47. Ratatouille Sheet Pan Dinner With Sausage
This recipe basically just goes: Chop, season, bake. That's how easy it is. It's so effortless, in fact, that you could probably pull it off without assistance from a rodent in your chef's hat. No shade to Remy, but that was a horrifically unsanitary concept, and I'm still not over it.
Get the recipe at The Modern Proper.
48. 10-Shallot Braised Chicken Thighs
We all overuse shallots in the kitchen anyhow, so why not do it in a by-the-book sort of way? The major kicker in this flavorful chicken dish is the bacon, which is an added flourish that's *always* welcome.
Get the recipe from The Kitchn.
49. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Why, yes, ribs can indeed be a romantic date night meal. At least, if they're the kinda ribs that've been caramelized to peak perfection, and that you eat with a fork and knife for, you know, table etiquette reasons.
Get the recipe from Damn Delicious.
50. Garlic Butter Clams with White Cream Sauce
Are you salivating over this yet? Because I for sure am. Clams are CLASS. Plus the sauce this recipe makes is absolutely bowl-lickin' level good.
Get the recipe from Damn Delicious.
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan where she primarily covers lifestyle and fashion. Before joining Cosmo, she covered entertainment at Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
