Hey there, hopeless romantic. We've got an idea for you: This Valentine's Day, forego the over-priced dinner reservation and cook dinner at home. Here are a bunch of impressive yet simple recipes guaranteed to impress your boo.
1. Steak Au Poivre
A delicious sauce can completely transform a simple meal into something extra special. Take, for example, this French pepper sauce made with cream, Cognac, Dijon, and black pepper.
Recipe: Steak Au Poivre
2. Cast Iron Paella
Arborio rice is cooked with chicken stock, veggies, canned diced tomatoes, chorizo, and seafood (pick anything from shrimp or mussels to scallops and clams). Best of all, the whole thing comes together in a single cast iron skillet.
Recipe: Cast Iron Paella
3. Creamy Chicken Piccata
Turns out this restaurant-quality chicken dish is much easier to make from scratch than you might imagine. It's all about the rich pan sauce made with cream, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and chicken stock.
Recipe: Creamy Chicken Piccata
4. Butternut Squash Risotto
Contrary to public opinion, risotto isn't a dish exclusive to restaurant menus. You can actually make this creamy rice dish right in your own kitchen, and butternut squash gives it a seasonal flare. Get the recipe here.
Even if you're terrified of cooking fish, you'll have a hard time messing up this perfectly tender salmon topped with a creamy, tangy avocado, onion, and bell pepper salsa. Get the recipe here.
6. Seafood Fra Diavolo
Nothing says "I love you" like a big bowl of spaghetti in spicy tomato sauce, loaded with fancy fruits de mer. Get the recipe.
Spaghetti and meatballs? Been there done that. Shake things up next date night by serving homemade meatballs over creamy polenta. Get the recipe.
Pizza can be totally sophisticated, especially when it's topped with golden squash, tangy apple, and creamy-as-heck burrata cheese. Get the recipe here.
9. Grilled Lamb Chops
How to win Valentine's day in one simple step: Put a plate of these juicy lamb chops on the table. Get the recipe here.
10. Sriracha-Glazed Seared Scallops
It doesn't get much better than these simple seared scallops. They're tender and chewy on the inside, but on the outside they're slightly crispy with a spicy Sriracha glaze. Get the recipe here.
As a rule of thumb, from this point forward all chicken breast should be filled with decadent goat cheese. Get the recipe here.
12. Butternut Squash, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Pasta
Nothing wins over the heart like a bowl of delicious pasta. Get the recipe here.
For a meatless meal that still feels totally impressive, try this whole roasted cauliflower. It's coated in a mixture of pistachio crumbs, garlic powder, and lemon, then cooked until super tender and drizzled in creamy sauce. Get the recipe here.
14. Miso Sesame Tuna Rice Bowls
Light and healthyish but full of flavor, these seared ahi tuna bowls are worthy of a special occasion. Get the recipe here.
Looking for an indulgent date night meal? Steak + mushroom sauce = pure bliss. Get the recipe here.
Serve these as an appetizer or a main dish with grilled vegetables, cauliflower rice, or even a simple salad. Get the recipe here.
17. Shrimp Scampi
This garlicy, zesty shrimp scampi only takes about twenty minutes to whip up, but it'll taste as if you were cooking all afternoon. Get the recipe here.
A step above your basic salmon, this fish is pan-seared so it's caramelized on the outside, but on the inside it's loaded with a creamy spinach filling. Get the recipe here.
Just when you thought there was nothing on earth more delicious than gooey, cheesy mac 'n' cheese, lobster steps into the picture. Get the recipe here.
This recipe calls for chicken and tofu but you can get creative and make it with whatever protein and vegetables you like best. Get the recipe here.
21. Baked Eggplant Parmesan
This recipe calls for just 15 minutes of hands-on prep. Then, just pop it in the oven and wait for a delicious dinner to emerge. Get the recipe here.
Find yourself a Valentine who cooks a mean bowl of pasta. Get the recipe here.
23. Veal Milanese
Serve this crispy, thinly pounded veal cutlet with a simple arugula and tomato salad for a restaurant-quality meal. Get the recipe here.
Layers of lasagna noodles are topped with hot Italian sausage, marinara sauce, fluffy ricotta cheese, and a little bit of kale for good measure. Get the recipe here.
For more Valentine's Day inspiration, check out these posts:
24 Foolproof Valentine's Day Recipes If You'd Rather Cook At Home
19 Easy Dinners That Will Impress The Heck Out Of Your Date
Design Your Valentine's Day And We'll Tell You Which Celeb You'll Marry
