12 Date Night Recipe Ideas That’ll Make Your Night Perfect

Pasta with seafood on a plate.

Having the right date night recipe ideas is always a good idea.

Because while it can be romantic to go on dates, sometimes you both just don’t feel like leaving the house.

And it’s understandable.

Here’s What You’re Up Against When You Eat Out:

  • You have to take time to get ready.
  • Drive to your destination (and hope there’s no traffic).
  • Wait to get seated.
  • Wait to place your order.
  • Wait for your food to arrive.
  • Hope the food is good
  • Wait to get the check and pay.
  • Drive home exhausted.

The stakes are much too high which means having some great date night recipes is a must.

So pick a few of these, stay home, relax, have some great conversations, and enjoy a romantic night in.

1. Creamy Pesto Chick with Roasted Tomatoes

Creamy Pesto Chick with Roasted Tomatoes on a blue plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHASING FOXES

Here’s What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

The photo above is mine.

It’s not my recipe, but I made it and it was really worth it.

The taste was restaurant quality and ridiculously satisfying.

The difficulty level was pretty low for such a good meal.

And lastly, the flavor combination of the creamy pesto and the tangy oven-roasted tomatoes was perfect. Definitely try it!

Recipe: Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

2. One Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pot French Onion Pasta in a metal bowl.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE CINNAMON JAR

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

You’re combining two amazing things: Pasta and French onion soup.

It’s the perfect match.

Also, you’re getting tasty caramelized onions, creamy cheesy goodness, and a meal that looks like it’s perfect for a special date night.

Pair it with some toasted French bread and you’re all set.

Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta

3. Pan Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Sauce

Pan Seared Duck Breast on a plate with greens.
PHOTO CREDIT: AN EDIBLE MOSAIC

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

Not only is duck so tasty and perfect for a romantic evening, but you get a beautiful dinner in just 25 minutes.

That’s right, no waiting an hour or more for this recipe.

It’s yours in under half an hour.

Now you can spend more time with your significant other and less time in the kitchen.

Recipe: Pan Seared Duck Breast Recipe with Cherry Sauce

4. Quick & Easy Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken on a white dish.
PHOTO CREDIT: A SOUTHERN SOUL

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

With just 5 minutes of prep time, I’d say this date night recipe idea is well worth your time.

I looked through the ingredients list and I think this is probably a pretty good dish to try if you want a special night together.

You’re getting things like Parmesan, garlic, cream, and so many tasty spices and herbs.

Also, this would probably go great with some bucatini pasta, but that’s just me.

Recipe: Marry Me Chicken (Quick And Easy)

5. The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)

Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a white plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE CINNAMON JAR

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

Ok I know I just shared the marry me chicken recipe above, but I thought I’d at least give you the option to have it as pasta.

It’s ready in 30 minutes, filled with plenty of tasty ingredients, it’s not healthy, and it’s probably well worth the effort.

Recipe: The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)

6. Quick-Marinated Picanha Steak

Picanha Steak on a blue surface.
PHOTO CREDIT: WENDY POLISI

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

Steak is always going to be a great idea for a date night.

And with just 5 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes of marinating, and a 10-minute cook time, this is perfect if you’ve had a busy day!

Recipe: Quick-Marinated Picanha Steak

7. Scallop Shrimp Pasta

Pasta with scallops and shrimp on a plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: DELIGHTFUL PLATE

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

Something about shrimp and scallops and pasta just sounds date-tastic.

It’s like they combined three ingredients you see so often in movie date scenes and made it into a recipe.

And with just 5 minutes of prep and ingredients like white wine, butter, and garlic, this might be your new go-to.

Recipe: Scallop Shrimp Pasta

8. Easy Butter Poached Lobster Tail

Poached Lobster Tail sitting in butter.
PHOTO CREDIT: SEASONED AND SALTED

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

How does lobster swimming in butter not scream date night?

Also, with some freshly baked bread from the store and some roasted potatoes, I’d say this would make a fantastic dinner.

And lastly, it’s just 10 minutes of prep, so you’re not standing on your feet forever.

Recipe: Easy Butter Poached Lobster Tail

9. Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast

Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast in a pan.
PHOTO CREDIT: HAUTE AND HEALTHY LIVING

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

I don’t know about you, but this chicken recipe looks ridiculously flavorful and tasty.

Maybe pair it with wild rice?

Also, you’re getting ingredients like brie, maple syrup, and thyme so I’d say this is gonna be a winner.

Recipe: Apple and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast

10. Easy Blackened Sea Trout

Blackened Sea Trout in a skillet.
PHOTO CREDIT: TYLER’S FISHING ADVENTURES

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

I love seafood and especially when it’s blackened and cooked in ample amounts of butter and spices.

Also, the prep time is 5 minutes, and takes just 10 minutes to cook.

So if you have a side already made, then you guys are gonna be eating in no time.

Recipe: Blackened Sea Trout (Easy Recipe)

11. Polenta Pizza Italian Style

Polenta Pizza on parchment paper.
PHOTO CREDIT: MY CHEFS APRON

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

Something about a polenta pizza sounds both equally delicious and fancy.

Also, polenta is just so tasty and would probably soak up the flavors of the toppings in a wonderful way.

The prep time is 20 minutes, but I’d say try it.

The ingredients sound great and it looks like something you’d get from a pretty food magazine.

Recipe: Polenta Pizza Italian Style

12. Pan Seared Lamb Chops

Pan Seared Lamb Chops on a plate.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHOCOLATE MOOSEY

What You Need to Know About This Recipe:

Lamb makes for such an amazing dinner.

It’s that meat you only have a handful of times in a year, and it kind of feels like a special occasion each time.

Also, the ingredients sound very good, and it’s just 15 minutes of prep time.

If you guys like lamb, then I think you should try it for one of your date nights.

Recipe: Pan Seared Lamb Chops

Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.

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