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Make the perfect Valentine’s Day menu!! From main dishes to desserts, we’ve got all of the Valentines dinner ideas!
Special Night In
We know that Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, but it can be celebrated with anyone special in your life.
Over the years, we have made a variety of meals to celebrate like Heart Shaped Pizza or Steak, and today we wanted to share some menu ideas for you to use in your own family. From breakfast to desserts, some recipes can help your loved ones feel special all day long.
We’ve tried to make it a special night for the family and usually have a fun and festive dinner with the whole family. We‘ve included easy, yummy recipes or ones that use fun colors of red and pink. There are plenty of choices to show your love with delicious food!
PRO TIP: Pin or bookmark this list so you’re ready with crowd-pleasing Valentine’s dinner ideas whenever you need a little romantic inspiration.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Most Loved Valentines Dinner Ideas For A Night In
These are my all-time favorite Valentine’s dinner-in dishes that are simple, cozy, and just fancy enough to make your night feel extra special.
1 Heart Shaped Pizza
Heart Shaped Pizza
Total Time: 30 minutes
Share the love with this adorable homemade heart shaped pizza! It's cute, tasty, and ready to enjoy in only 30 minutes!
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2 Steak Marinade
Steak Marinade
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Our all-time favorite steak marinade requires only four ingredients and makes mouth-watering steak that tastes amazing!
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3 Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
With less than 10 minutes of prep work, these parmesan crusted pork chops are simple, delicious, and the best way to enjoy pork chops.
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4 Easy Spaghetti Recipe
Easy Spaghetti Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
This easy spaghetti recipe features a rich homemade sauce and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners everyone will love!
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5 Swiss Chicken
Swiss Chicken
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Indulge in cheesy comfort with creamy swiss chicken bake, an easy weeknight dish smothered in decadent creamy goodness.
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6 Baked Salmon Recipe
Baked Salmon Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Bake a delicious and healthy pan of salmon for the whole family! Flavored with lemon, garlic, and parsley for a tasty dinner everyone will enjoy.
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7 Easy Alfredo Recipe
Easy Alfredo Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Rich and creamy, this easy fettuccine Alfredo comes together in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
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8 Easy Lasagna Recipe
Easy Lasagna Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Our family's favorite lasagna recipe – not only because it's delicious but because it's so EASY! With beef, Italian sausage, three cheeses, and tons of seasonings, you know this recipe is going to be a hit!
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9 Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu is deliciously breaded chicken filled with ham and cheese. It's a family favorite recipe baked to perfection!!
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10 Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes, this classic chicken penne pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food.
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Steak + Pork
Impress your significant other or your family with these mouth-watering dishes.
11 Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Flat Iron Steak Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
This flat iron steak recipe is marinated and grilled for a sweet and savory flavor explosion and a perfectly tender steak.
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12 Italian Pork Chops Recipe
Italian Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
These Italian Pork Chops require just a few ingredients and are baked in the oven with loads of veggies. Have it ready and on the table in just 30 minutes!
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13 Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
This creamy Lemon & Thyme Smothered Pork Chops recipe always gets rave reviews. It's flavorful and ready in 35 minutes or less.
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14 Breaded Pork Chops
Breaded Pork Chops
Total Time: 45 minutes
Crispy breaded pork chops are made with just a handful of ingredients and cook in 30 minutes for a go-to family favorite!
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15 Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Steak and Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Steak and Potatoes basted in garlic butter is a rich and flavorful dinner perfect for a special occasion, but easy enough for any night!
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16 Sirloin Steak Recipe
Sirloin Steak Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Juicy garlic butter steak grilled to perfection and brushed with garlicky butter for a simple, flavor-packed dinner everyone loves!
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Creamy Pastas for Two (or the Crew!)
Pasta and Valentine’s Day just go together and these twirl-worthy favorites are sure to impress.
17 Baked Ravioli Recipe
Baked Ravioli Recipe
Total Time: 21 minutes
Easy Cheesy Baked Ravioli is a quick, simple, and delicious dinner recipe that the whole family loves! It's so cheesy and so tasty!
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18 Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Simple Chicken Alfredo pasta is a go-to dinner with creamy sauce and sautéed chicken. It's a one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy!
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19 Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Simple & Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta is bright, cheesy, and comforting. It is a flavorful dish the entire family will love!
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20 Sausage Alfredo Recipe
Sausage Alfredo Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Creamy Sausage Alfredo packed with smoky sausage is a family favorite. It's on the table in only 30 minutes!!
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21 Chicken Manicotti Recipe
Chicken Manicotti Recipe
Total Time: 43 minutes
These manicotti shells are stuffed with a cheesy chicken mixture, and topped with tasty marinara!
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22 Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Pasta carbonara is a creamy and deliciously flavorful pasta dish that is on the table in under 30 minutes!
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23 Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
A copycat version of Cheesecake Factory’s Sun-Dried Tomato Fettuccine recipe. This flavorful and creamy dish is filled with chunks of chicken, garlic, whipping cream, spinach and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s not only delicious but is a great way to change up the classic fettuccine recipe.
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Chicken Favorites
Winner winner chicken dinner! If we’re making a special Valentines dinner for the whole crew we like to go with a little more affordable option than steak and these chicken recipes are loved by every member of our family.
24 Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Baked Bruschetta Chicken is marinated in Italian dressing and topped with cheese. It is simple and delicious!!
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25 Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Enjoy a lean version of your favorite ‘hunter-style’ chicken in this Chicken Cacciatore with mushrooms, onions, and red bell pepper.
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26 Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe
Healthy Chicken Piccata Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
This "Skinny" Chicken Piccata is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight but also fancy enough to make when you have company over! Plus it's a healthy version, which makes it even better!
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27 Buttery Baked Chicken Recipe
Buttery Baked Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Creamy Buttery Baked Chicken is simple and full of flavor. It is another great dinner idea for any occasion!!
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28 Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Deliciously crispy chicken parmesan is smothered in marinara and served over pasta for a restaurant-quality dish made right at home!
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29 Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Baked parmesan crusted chicken is crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, with the perfect hint of lemon!
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30 Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Chicken Scallopini Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
This Chicken Scallopini is a delicious dish of crusted chicken over lemon butter pasta. The combo is irresistible and beyond delicious!
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31 Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Easy, family-friendly stuffed chicken parmesan with spinach and cheese, topped with marinara and mozzarella, is a guaranteed hit!
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32 Lemon Chicken with Veggies Recipe
Lemon Chicken with Veggies Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Roasted Lemon Chicken with Veggies including green beans and red potatoes. One of the easiest and yummiest dinner recipes!
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Sides to Love
These Valentine’s Day sides add the perfect touch of color, flavor, and love to any romantic dinner.
33 Cheese Fondue
Cheese Fondue
Total Time: 20 minutes
This simple cheese fondue is gooey perfection and is made in minutes. It's a showstopper dip to share, or not!
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34 Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
Simple and Fresh Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a twist on classic flavors. This is a perfect appetizer or side to any meal!
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35 Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Sweet honey glazed carrots are simple and ready in 15 minutes, the perfect side dish for any meal, especially holidays!
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36 Crescent Rolls
Crescent Rolls
Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
Flaky homemade crescent rolls are soft and tender. They are perfect for Sunday dinner or a holiday gathering!
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37 Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe
Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
With a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes bake time – crispy, seasoned oven roasted red potatoes will add flavor to any meal!
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38 Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Olive Garden Breadsticks Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
Just like the originals, these copycat Olive Garden breadsticks are light, airy, and flavored with butter and garlic salt.
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39 Garlic Knots Recipe
Garlic Knots Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Buttery-soft homemade garlic knots whip up in under 20 minutes and make a perfect side for pizza, pasta, or salads!
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40 Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Recipe
Total Time: 16 minutes
Delicious and Healthy Baked Parmesan Zucchini. These spears are crusted in Parmesan cheese and baked to perfection, making them a great side dish for any meal.
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41 Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Strawberry Harvest Salad tastes just like the salad at Zupa's! It's topped with a homemade Strawberry Vinaigrette dressing.
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42 Baked Parmesan Asparagus
Baked Parmesan Asparagus
Total Time: 25 minutes
Baked parmesan asparagus is the yummiest way to eat veggies! It takes just 10 minutes to prep and only a handful of seasonings.
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43 Sauteed Green Beans Recipe
Sauteed Green Beans Recipe
Total Time: 12 minutes
Sauteed green beans are a quick and easy stovetop side that is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes!
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44 Wedge Salad Recipe
Wedge Salad Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
This fresh wedge salad is a classic. It's crisp and refreshing, smothered in creamy dressing and topped with crumbles of cheese and bacon.
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45 Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Total Time: 22 minutes
Juicy roasted tomatoes are the yummiest and easiest appetizer or side dish. Roasting them (with a little olive oil, basil and parmesan) brings out every delicious flavor!
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46 Brussel Sprouts and Bacon Recipe
Brussel Sprouts and Bacon Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Brussel sprouts with bacon has a delicious flavor that will make you come back for second and third helpings! Adding bacon is the perfect addition to this side dish recipe that is simple and loved by all.
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47 Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Easy Tortellini Salad Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Fresh and filling Tortellini Salad whips up in minutes for a delicious summer salad topped with creamy ranch dressing.
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48 Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 42 minutes
Crispy, cheesy parmesan crusted potatoes are baked to perfection and full of flavor. They are a finger-licking good side!
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49 Green Bean Salad Recipe
Green Bean Salad Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Crisp and flavorful green bean salad is seasoned with garlic, feta, and lemon for a tasty side, perfect to accompany any dinner!
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50 Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes – A yummy side dish!! Golden potatoes in lemon juice, olive oil, and lots of seasonings!!
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51 Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Total Time: 8 minutes
Our favorite fresh tomato mozzarella salad delivers big flavors with just 4 simple ingredients in under 10 minutes!
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52 Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Caprese Kabobs Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
Simple, quick and delicious Caprese Kabobs take minutes to throw together and are perfect for any party or get together.
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53 Risotto Recipe
Risotto Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Get ready to impress with our creamy asparagus risotto, a dish so delightful, it'll make you feel like a gourmet chef!
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50+ Valentines Dinner Ideas For a Night In
Make the perfect Valentine's Day menu!! From main dishes to desserts, we've got all of the Valentines dinner ideas!
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- ½ cup A.1. Original sauce
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
- 1 pound steak of choice, (flat-iron, skirt, top sirloin or flank steak)
Instructions
- Combine dressing, A.1. sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in a large resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Mix well.
- Add steak to the marinade, making sure it is coated on all sides.
- Place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 36 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill to 450–500°F. Allow steaks to come to room temperature.
- Place steaks on the grill and cook until golden browned and slightly charred (4–5 minutes). Flip steaks over and continue to grill to the desired doneness (see below; 5–7 minutes for medium).
- Let meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. The steak will continue to cook a bit, and the juices will distribute.
Notes
Grill prep. Start with a clean grill and add a little vegetable or olive oil to the grate before heating.
Doneness guide. For steaks that are 1½ inches or thicker, use a meat thermometer. Start by charring them on both sides over high heat, then move them to low heat to finish cooking to the desired temperature:
o Rare: 120°F
o Medium-Rare: 130°F
o Medium: 140°F
o Medium-Well: 150–160°F
o Well Done: over 160°F
Freeze marinating meat. Freezing stops the marinating process so it is safe to add your meat to a marinade and then keep it in the freezer until ready to thaw and cook. For best results, do not freeze in this flavorful marinade for longer than 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.
STORE. After cooking the meat in the homemade steak marinade, store it in a Ziploc bag and place it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZE. Wrap the steak tightly and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1steak, Calories: 702kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 50g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 136mg, Sodium: 3154mg, Potassium: 1609mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 271IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 148mg, Iron: 8mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I really love this idea. I have used your homemade dough recipe several times and think it will be perfect for this cute dish.
I love all these fun special ideas! Every thing you need for a great Valentine’s Day is right here. Thank you Lil Luna!
I love making my family a special Valentine’s dinner & I refer to this site every year for ideas! Loving that heart shaped pizza. Anything shaped into a heart is extra special!