Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken Sausage & Tomatoes
Skip the hustle for dinner reservations this Valentine's Day and spend the night in making a delicious meal for the ones you love.
Whether it's your spouse, significant other, best friend, group of friends, or just yourself, you can't go wrong with any of these romantic recipes. And, of course, make sure there's plenty of fancy wine.
1. Parmesan Risotto with Roasted Shrimp
Risotto is the perfect dish to cook together with your sweetheart or a group of friends. It's kind of slow and requires you to open a bottle of wine, and the resulting dish is special enough for a celebratory meal.
2. Slow-Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon
We can think of no better way to show your Valentine you care than with this recipe. Using the slow cooker cuts down on the hands-on time, but it's still a lengthy recipe worth the wait. Just be sure you have plenty of red wine to go with it.
3. Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes with Herbed Crème Fraîche
The smoked salmon takes this crispy potato cake to a whole new level. It's an incredibly simple dish that has a great presentation. Plus, if you're cooking for one, it's easy to make a batch and only cook one or two, and then freeze the rest.
4. How to Make Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese
There are two reasons mac & cheese is great for Valentine's Day. First, if you're cooking for a loved one, comfort food can be the best way to show you care. And second, if you're cooking for one, mac & cheese is one of the best ways to eat your feelings.
5. Duck Breast with Pomegranate-Citrus Glaze
Don't be intimidated by cooking duck at home — it's not just a treat for restaurant meals. This recipe is great for anyone who has never cooked the fowl before; it's the perfect special-night-in meal.
6. How To Make a Zuni Cafe Roasted Chicken at Home
The extra steps required to make this heavenly roasted chicken are completely worth it. Get your bird now so you can start prepping for a magical meal on February 14.
7. How To Make Homemade Tortellini
Having a girls' night instead of celebrating Valentine's Day? Give yourselves a challenge and make tortellini from scratch. It's a hand-on activity that will make dinner and your favorite rom-coms that much more fun.
8. How To Make Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
Going the hearty appetizer route for Valentine's Day dinner? Then this baked brie is a must. What could possibly be better than molten brie in a puff pastry shell? We can't think of anything, either.
9. Pork Chops in Port Wine Sauce
You might not immediately think pork chops for a special dinner in, but these chops are taken to the next level with a port wine sauce. You're definitely going to want to put this sauce on everything.
10. Gnocchi Skillet with Chicken Sausage & Tomatoes
This meal might not take that long to make, but the pillow-soft gnocchi and the spicy chicken sausage make it feel special. And somehow things always seem more special when made at home with lots of love.
11. Stuffed Eggplants with Herbed Bulgur
What makes these eggplants so festive for February 14? The addition of pomegranate arils sprinkled on top. It's the littlest touches that make a meal special.
12. How To Cook Mussels on the Stovetop
Steamed mussels will always feel like an indulgence, which is perfect for a special meal. The secret is they really aren't that hard to make: All you need are some simple seasonings, broth, and white wine. Time to break out the baguette.
13. Italian Bread & Tomato Soup (Ribollita)
Ribollita just sounds romantic the way it rolls off your tongue, doesn't it? This rustic soup, with plenty of hearty French bread, is ideal for a cozy night at home.
14. Weeknight Coq au Vin
Don't be intimidated by this recipe that you may have only ordered at fancy restaurants in the past. Even with limited time to cook, you can pull off this impressive dish. Your sweetheart will thank you.
15. Veal Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce
Valentine's dinner is a perfect time to experiment with ingredients that you might not normally cook with. Veal is one of those things that really steps up the game and makes an ordinary meatball dish into something that's worthy of a special occasion.
16. Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza
Planning a party for all your single friends? Make it a pizza night. You'll win everyone over (and maybe even make some love connections) with this simple but stunning prosciutto and arugula pie.
17. How To Grill Oysters at Home
What Valentine's Day recipe list would be complete without mention of oysters? If you're ready to tackle them at home, follow this grilling guide. Of course, you could always just eat them raw as well.
18. Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Almonds & Chickpeas
One of the best reasons to prepare this spicy tagine is that in the time it takes to cook it, it will make your entire house smell amazing. No cheesy scented candles necessary this Valentine's Day.
19. Shrimp Pasta with White Wine Sauce
Garlic, shallots, and white wine make this low-key pasta dish one worth celebrating. No, it might not take a long time to make, but it will most certainly delight your dinner companion.
20. How To Make Burgers on the Stovetop
Just because it's February doesn't mean you can't enjoy delicious homemade burgers and fries. For the meat and potatoes fan, Valentine's Day dinner doesn't get any better than this.
21. Lemon-Rosemary Roast Chicken with Winter Green Stems
Lemon and rosemary are a classic combination for roast chicken, but the real stars of this dish are the winter green stems. You'd never guess that something you'd normally toss in the compost bin could be so delicious.
22. Onion and Mushroom Tart
Single this Valentine's Day? Go ahead and treat yourself with this decadent and savory onion and mushroom tart. After all, you won't have to worry about anyone else smelling your onion breath.
23. Steak with Drunken Mushrooms and Blue Cheese Roasted Potatoes
You can't go wrong with steak; it's a classic for special meals at home or out, and this version is sure to be a hit. Who could possibly resist drunken mushrooms, and the most sophisticated version of cheesy potatoes we've ever tried?
