75 Easy Dinners to Make for Valentine’s Day
Updated: Feb. 02, 2021Cooking for your sweetie on Valentine's Day doesn't have to be a big production. Just choose one of our easy Valentine's Day dinner and make it with love.
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Creamy Chicken and Pasta
Rich, flavorful and laced with wine, this creamy chicken pasta is a family favorite. No one ever guesses it’s so quick and easy! —Elaine Moser, Spokane, Washington
Editor’s tip: Nibble on these Valentine’s Day appetizers while you’re waiting for dinner to cook.
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Air-Fryer Scallops
I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. With the crunchy breading, my air-fryer scallops are the best you'll ever have. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
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Merlot Filet Mignon
Although this is a simple recipe, the filet is rich and elegant enough for a special occasion. Add a salad and rolls, and dinner is done! —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin 4 / 75
Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana
My husband used to order chicken parmigiana at restaurants for years. I found this cheesy chicken parmesan recipe in our local newspaper, adjusted it for two and began making this at home. After 50 years of marriage, I still enjoy making his favorite recipes. -Lola Butler, Sun City, California 5 / 75
Turkey Breast Tenderloins with Raspberry Sauce
Sweet and tangy raspberry sauce is a perfect complement to versatile turkey tenderloins. In fact, the sauce is so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it with a spoon.—Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri 6 / 75
Pressure-Cooker Short Ribs
These tender pressure-cooker short ribs explode with flavor, and they're a quick and easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs. Serve with egg noodles, rice or polenta. .—Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas 7 / 75
Garlic & Herb Artichoke Salmon
If you’re new to cooking fish (or even if you’re a pro), this no-fail salmon recipe is a must-make. It’s easy enough for everyday, but also wows at dinner parties. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington 8 / 75
Steaks with Mushroom Sauce
These rich steaks are smothered in a rich mushroom-wine sauce to create a wonderfully savory entree. The tender steaks are sure to be a hit, and would certainly dress up any plate. —Stephanie Allee, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 9 / 75
Smoky Spanish Chicken
After enjoying a similar dish at a Spanish tapas restaurant, my husband and I were eager to make our own version of this saucy chicken at home. If I want to make it extra healthy, I remove the skin from the chicken after browning. —Ryan Haley, San Diego, California 10 / 75
Plum Pork Spicy Meatballs with Bok Choy and Zucchini
I am a huge fan of sweet, salty and spicy, and with the new year in full swing, I'm trying to make healthier choices. This recipe is so satisfying and delicious, you won't miss any pasta or rice. If you don't want spiralized zucchini, any thin noodles will work, too. —Susan Mason, Puyallup, Washington 11 / 75
Dry-Rub Grilled Pork Chops over Cannellini Greens
My family was not a huge fan of pork until I tried this pork chops and green beans recipe. Feel free to incorporate your favorite herbs into the dry rub. You can use the rub on boneless skinless chicken breast or other meats, too. —Michael Cirlincione, Stockton, New Jersey 12 / 75
Chicken with Florentine Sauce
Here is my very favorite chicken Florentine recipe. A creamy topping and pretty presentation make it elegant enough for company, but it’s also fast to fix on busy weeknights! —Julie Fitzgerald, St Louis, Missouri 13 / 75
Sesame Salmon with Wasabi Mayo
I created this recipe to mimic the flavors of sushi. It’s remarkably simple and turns out well every time. —Carolyn Ketchum, Wakefield, Massachusetts 14 / 75
Smoked Salmon Pasta
This pasta originally came to be from the miscellaneous ingredients in my fridge, and depending on whom I'm cooking for, it changes a little each time I make it. The recipe makes enough for a party or for leftovers, which is a bonus because it's excellent the next day, whether you serve it cold or reheated. —Jackie Hennon, Boise, Idaho
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Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 16 / 75
Pork Tenderloin with Wine Sauce
Here’s a fast and easy, great-tasting meal that's as big on flavor as it is low in fat and calories. I serve it with fresh green beans and mashed potatoes. —Nancy LaVoice, Wexford, Pennsylvania 17 / 75
Tortellini with Sausage and Mascarpone
When I crave Italian comfort food on a busy night and don't have a lot of time to cook, this sausage tortellini skillet recipe is fast and yummy. You can have it on the table in less time than a takeout order. —Gerry Vance, Millbrae, California 18 / 75
Honey Balsamic Chicken
This balsamic chicken is a recipe I adapted from a cookbook that featured quick and easy recipes. I adjusted the seasonings somewhat and added a bit more honey to better suit my tastes. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas 19 / 75
Best Veal Scallopini
I found the best veal scallopini recipe in a magazine and adjusted it to suit our family's tastes. Delicate, fine-textured veal requires only a short cooking time, making this simple entree even more attractive. —Ruth Lee, Troy, Ontario 20 / 75
Coconut Mango Thai Beef Curry
My recipe provides a lot of sweet heat. The mango and coconut milk taste tropical while the curry paste adds a little fire. It’s a perfect dish to spice up the traditional offerings of the season. To make a milder dish, just reduce the amount of curry paste. —Terri Lynn Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee 21 / 75
Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod
I love to make this steamed cod recipe as a weeknight dinner when I'm short on time. The coconut and orange sauce adds a ton of flavor. I usually serve this dish with rice or a salad for a well-rounded meal. — Roxanne Chan, Albany, California 22 / 75
Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp
Easy, quick and family-friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe comes together in just 30 minutes. The secret is the flavor-packed sauce and crunchy tortilla chips. — Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland 23 / 75
Ravioli with Creamy Squash Sauce
Store-bought ravioli speeds assembly of this cozy, restaurant-quality dish that tastes so good, your family won't notice it's meatless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 24 / 75
Soy-Garlic Chicken
Because I’m a full-time mom and help my husband on our ranch, I’m always looking for simple yet hearty meals for the slow cooker. My family really likes this one. —Colleen Faber, Buffalo, Montana 25 / 75
Ravioli Casserole
The whole family will love the fun, cheesy flavor of this ravioli casserole. It's like lasagna—without all the fuss! Time-saving ingredients, including prepared spaghetti sauce and frozen ravioli, hurry the preparation along. —Mary Ann Rothert, Austin, Texas 26 / 75
Multicooker Cajun Pork Loin with Sweet Potato Puree
A sauce made with sweet potatoes gives a golden look to this cajun pork loin recipe. It will be your new fall favorite. —Holly Ottum, Racine, Wisconsin 27 / 75
Quick Fettuccine Alfredo
This simple fettuccine Alfredo recipe combines heavy whipping cream Parmesan and Romano cheese or a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll come together in minutes. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana 28 / 75
Rosemary Salmon and Veggies
My husband and I eat a lot of salmon. One night, while in a rush to get dinner on the table, I created this rosemary salmon meal. It's a keeper! You can also include sliced zucchini, small cauliflower florets or fresh green beans. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington 29 / 75
Down-Home Pork Chops
Zippy sauce adds personality to these otherwise straightforward brown sugar pork chops. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin 30 / 75
Tilapia & Lemon Sauce
Serve this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It's easy, quick and unique. And it's a big hit with company, too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama 31 / 75
Prosciutto Pasta Toss
I love quick, simple dishes, and this pasta with prosciutto and peas is one of my favorites. I prepare a tossed green salad while the pasta cooks and serve up a lovely light supper in minutes! —Laura Murphy-Ogden, Charlotte, North Carolina 32 / 75
Pork Chops with Nectarine Salsa
My special pork dish has so much flavor and is a snap to prepare. A sweet, fruity salsa perfectly balances the spicy rub that coats the pan-fried chops. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania 33 / 75
Lemon Shrimp Orzo
What I love about this lemon shrimp orzo is that it's so tasty and it can be eaten hot or cold. It tastes great with chicken, too. —Aleni Salcedo, East Elmhurst, New York 34 / 75
Spanish-Style Paella
If you enjoy cooking ethnic foods, this Spanish paella recipe will be a favorite. It's brimming with generous chunks of sausage, shrimp and veggies.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 35 / 75
Curry-Rubbed Roast Chicken
There is just something right about serving a roasted chicken! And my curry-rubbed chicken is packed with spicy flavors suitable for a bridal shower lunch, graduation dinner or Mother's Day brunch. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California 36 / 75
Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken
This slow-cooker butter chicken recipe is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had in Malaysia. I spent several years there eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. Butter chicken was one of my favorite dishes while I was there! —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio 37 / 75
Tortellini with Tomato-Cream Sauce
This tortellini with tomato cream sauce is mouthwatering. Put spinach, tomatoes and other pantry staples to use in this warm and satisfying dish. —Barbra Stanger, West Jordan, Utah 38 / 75
Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak
This quick and easy air-fryer steak recipe is restaurant-quality. It's about to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia 39 / 75
Hearty Penne Beef
This hearty penne beef recipe is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it's tasty, easy and a wonderful way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 40 / 75
Mushroom Pasta Carbonara
I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin 41 / 75
Easy Pad Thai
Skip the take-out restaurant and give this pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 42 / 75
Salmon with Spinach Sauce
You won't have to fish for compliments with this tasty recipe. Poaching is a quick and healthy way to prepare an entree as delicate as fish, keeping it moist and tender while cooking. And the flavorful spinach sauce adds a pretty green accent to the pink salmon. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 43 / 75
Slow-Cooked Lamb Chops
Chops are without a doubt the cut of lamb we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours in a slow cooker. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota 44 / 75
Lemon-Garlic Salmon Steaks
I always enjoy making this easy recipe for my husband, Jim. He absolutely loves salmon and garlic, and they go together so well in this recipe. —Mary Lynn Baronett, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 45 / 75
Special Pork Chops
I work nine hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but this dish is good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops. —LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama 46 / 75
Breaded Pork Chops
These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan 47 / 75
Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze
I was not a salmon lover until I tried this recipe. Now it is one of my favorite dishes to serve friends. —Rachel Garcia, Arlington, Virginia 48 / 75
Beef in Mushroom Gravy
Reports Margery Bryan of Royal City, Washington, "This is one of the best and easiest meals I've ever made. It has only four ingredients, and they all go into the pot at once. The meat is nicely seasoned and makes its own gravy-it tastes wonderful when you serve it over mashed potatoes." 49 / 75
Lemon and Rosemary Chicken
This baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California 50 / 75
Italian Chicken Stew
"My husband enjoys preparing this satisfying stew because it's so easy to make," relates Jo Calizzi, Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. "With warm Italian bread, it's a winner on a cold day." 51 / 75
Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry
This mildly flavored ramen noodle stir-fry combines tender strips of chicken with vegetables and popular ramen noodles. I came up with this ramen noodle recipe when I wanted a quick-fix meal for myself. Sometimes I change the vegetables or substitute ground turkey for the chicken. —Dawn Boothe, Lynn Haven, Florida 52 / 75
Artichoke Chicken
Rosemary, mushrooms and artichokes combine to give this chicken a wonderful, savory flavor. I've served this healthy canned vegetable recipe for a large group by doubling the batch. It's always a big hit with everyone—especially my family! —Ruth Stenson, Santa Ana, California 53 / 75
Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles
This tangy shrimp is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois 54 / 75
Tenderloin Steak Diane
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada 55 / 75
Scallops in Sage Cream
I wanted to show off the ocean freshness of the scallops I bought on the dock from a local fisherman, so I used basic ingredients to showcase them. With sage and shallots, this is the best cream sauce for scallops I've found. —Joan Churchill, Dover, New Hampshire 56 / 75
Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks
My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it’s the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota 57 / 75
Chicken with Red Wine Cream Sauce
My creamy chicken tastes like a five-star restaurant dish but takes only minutes and few ingredients to make. Use fresh rosemary. Trust me. —Sarah Campbell, Terre Haute, IN 58 / 75
Flavorful Pot Roast
On hectic days, this is so quick and easy to prep! Convenient packages of dressing and gravy combine to create a sauce worthy of a fall-apart roast. For a filling meal-in-one, serve with mashed potatoes and ladle the juices over top. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah 59 / 75
Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington 60 / 75
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri 61 / 75
Lasagna Casserole
While growing up, this was the meal I always wanted on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma 62 / 75
Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware 63 / 75
Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty beef dish for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 64 / 75
Feta Shrimp Skillet
On our honeymoon in Greece, my husband and I had a dish like this one. I tried to re-create the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back such wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York 65 / 75
Roast Beef and Gravy
This is by far the simplest way to make roast beef and gravy. On busy days, I can put this main dish in the slow cooker and forget about it. My family likes it with mashed potatoes and fruit salad. —Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa 66 / 75
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken
If you want to put something on the table that’ll give you time to spare on busy nights, give this delicious angel hair pasta with chicken a try. From start to finish, you’re only 20 minutes away from a vibrantly colored meal! —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California 67 / 75
Lemon Cream Chicken
If you want an entree that's quick, easy and elegant, you can't beat this one. The lemon cream sauce is what makes it irresistible. It goes so nicely with the chicken and mushrooms. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas 68 / 75
Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
You won’t have to fish for compliments when this is the catch of the day! Christi McElroy — Neenah, Wisconsin 69 / 75
Swiss Mushroom Chicken
This entree is easy to prepare but looks and tastes special enough for company and special-occasion suppers. Everyone enjoys the golden chicken breasts topped with ham, melted Swiss cheese and fresh mushrooms.—Jan Baxter, Humarock, Massachusetts 70 / 75
Blushing Penne Pasta
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California 71 / 75
Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce
Just a skillet, a couple juicy steaks, fresh mushrooms and a few simple ingredients prove it doesn't take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania 72 / 75
Parmesan Pork Roast
Great sweet, savory flavor comes from just a few pantry staples in this easy roast. —Karen Warner, Louisville, Ohio 73 / 75
Savory Roasted Chicken
When you want an impressive centerpiece for Sunday dinner or a special-occasion meal, you can't go wrong with this golden chicken. The moist, tender meat is enhanced with a hint of orange, savory and thyme. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen 74 / 75
Raspberry Pork Medallions
Pork served with a luscious raspberry glaze is fancy enough for company. We bring it to the table with wild rice pilaf and steamed veggies. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho 75 / 75
Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida Originally Published: January 13, 2021
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