Cooking Dinner For A Date

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60+ Best Dinner Ideas for Two for the Most Romantic Date Night

They'll fall in love with these fabulous recipes—and so will you.

sauteed herbes de provence shrimp with basil and pea couscous

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or just want to treat your special someone a little, well, special on a Tuesday night, one of the most romantic ways to pamper the person you love is to spend a little quality time with them, over a romantic dinner for two. You could go out to a fancy restaurant, of course, but there's something much more heartfelt about making the food yourself—or even better, making it together.

It can be hard to make the same kitchen and dinner table you're always sitting at feel special. Our advice? Dress up a little! Even a nice shirt can help set the mood. Then turn off the tv and turn on some romantic music instead. Light some candles (or at least use floor lamps instead of the overhead lights). If you want to really set the mood, surprise your special someone with a heartfelt love note or a card with a cute quote about love written inside. Then enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with them.

🍴 Let us share our favorite recipes from the Country Kitchen to yours.

We know what you're going to say: "Who has time to do all that on a weeknight?" Not to worry. Our recipes are beyond easy, including slow-cooker recipes that will help you get dinner on the table in less time than you can say, "I love you!" So give these recipes a gander, then hit the grocery store, grab an apron, and turn on the stove. You can do this!

And after you've found a delicious dinner, we suggest finding a sweet ending to the evening by perusing these delicious romantic desserts.

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White Wine Coq Au Vin

This French country recipe has it all: bright flavors, a to-die-for sauce, and the ease of being able to make it all in one pot.

Get the recipe.

SHOP DUTCH OVENS

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Herbes de Provence Shrimp with Couscous

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Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby

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Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes

There's just something about roast chicken on a bed of vegetables, isn't there? This recipe yields juicy, flavorful meat and surprisingly delicious veggies.

Get the recipe.

SHOP BAKING SHEETS

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Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms

This version of the classic dish, made with white wine, crème fraîche, and a bit of Dijon, is not too heavy, so you can enjoy the meal and still have room for dessert.

Get the recipe.

SHOP SKILLETS

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Roasted Squash with Goat Cheese and Poached Cranberries

Creamy butternut squash is always a welcome side at any meal. But here, it's taken up a notch with the addition of goat cheese, cranberries, and pepitas.

Get the recipe.

SHOP SAUCE PANS

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Pork Chops With Bourbon-Molasses Glaze

Who says you can't conquer an out-of-the-ordinary dish like this? Delightful pork chops smothered in a buttery bourbon-molasses glaze are a good idea for a Christmas dinner or a date night.

Get the recipe.

SHOP SAUCE PANS

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Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken

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Salt-and-Pepper Chicken with Spring Quinoa Pilaf

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Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak

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Gingery Snap Pea Slaw with Seared Salmon

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Bourbon Maple Chicken with Asparagus Soup

When making a romantic dinner, it's important the dish look special as well as taste delicious. Which is why we love this delicious chicken. The restaurant-worthy presentation isn't difficult to pull off, but it's guaranteed to make your special someone say "oooh, that looks great."

Get the recipe at Food Is Love Made Edible.

SHOP CANDLESTICK HOLDERS

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"Get It Right" Grilled Scallops with Lemon Salsa Verde

Serve this light and bright dish over a simple bed of couscous. It's good enough to make your heart skip a beat.

Get the recipe at Food Fidelity.

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Salmon en Papillote with Lemon Dill Butter and Gremolata

We love cooking in parchment or foil packets: what the French call "en Papillote." It's practically impossible to ruin. The envelope keeps fish tender and moist and the food essentially steeps in butter and herbs. And the presentation is so elegant.

Get the recipe at Sweet Tea and Thyme.

SHOP ROSE PETALS

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Pan-Seared Cod in White Wine Tomato Basil Sauce

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Cowboy Steaks and Brussels Sprouts

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Asparagus Stuffed Chicken

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Date Night Easy Chicken Parmesan

It's hard to find someone who doesn't love chicken parm. This genius recipe is scaled down to serve just two—meaning you'll have less dishes to clean up after your feast!

Get the recipe at Dessert for Two.

SHOP WOODEN SPOONS

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Easy Risotto for Two

Some recipes are just meant to be served on date night. This easy, buttery risotto is one of them.

Get the recipe at A Couple Cooks.

SHOP SAUCE PANS

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Steakhouse Dinner for Two

There's no way they'll doubt your love if you serve them a decadent steak dinner. This one features filet mignon, roasted rosemary potatoes, and creamed spinach.

Get the recipe at Strawberry Blondie Kitchen.

SHOP WOODEN SPOONS

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Date Night Engagement Chicken

Guys, it's called "Engagement Chicken" for a reason. Might want to to get a manicure before you serve this up on date night...just in case.

Get the recipe at Dessert for Two.

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Date Night Meatloaf

Tired of hearing about how great your significant other's mom's cooking is? Next date night, make Mom's cooking a distant memory (if only temporarily) with this down-home, super simple meatloaf, complete with perfect crust.

Get the recipe at Hostess at Heart.

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Date Night Cheese Souffle

What could be more romantic than serving a souffle? Serving a cheese souffle! Get ready for a steady stream of "I love yous" when you present this fluffy feast.

Get the recipe at Entertaining with Beth.

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Date Night French Onion Soup

Some people don't think of soup as a meal. You should not date those people.

Get the recipe at A Sassy Spoon.

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Date Night Spicy Tuna Stacks

Looking to impress your special someone? This recipe looks super fancy, but it only takes around 35 minutes from start to finish. But let's keep that between us.

Get the recipe at Typically Jane.

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Date Night Mediterranean Veggie Pizza

Eating healthy doesn't have to be synonymous with bland and boring. This pizza is bursting with both flavor and color. Also it's pizza. How can you be anything but happy on pizza night?

Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.

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Date Night Stove Top Butter Chicken

Looking to add a little spice to the night? This recipe will do the trick. The sensation of eating it is described as like getting a hug, so you'll feel great even if your date is a dud.

Get the recipe at Table for Two.

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Date Night Lasagna

Grab your date, break out the tiny loaf pan and pasta sheets, and get to assembling a right-size lasagna for a just-right night in.

Get the recipe at A Cozy Kitchen.

Jennifer Aldrich Editorial Assistant Jennifer Aldrich was the editorial assistant for CountryLiving.com.

Rebekah Lowin Senior Editor Rebekah Lowin is a Senior Editor at The Pioneer Woman, covering home décor, food, entertaining, crafting, gardening, and holiday.

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