Feb 3, 2026

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to skip the crowded restaurants and cook a romantic dinner at home. With the right recipes and a little effort, you can create an unforgettable evening right in your own kitchen — plus save money and enjoy quality time together. Below are some of the best Valentine’s Day dinner recipes (with links) that are sure to impress.


🍽️ Main Dishes to Set the Mood

🦐 Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A creamy, sun‑dried tomato sauce with shrimp and pasta makes a rich, indulgent entrée perfect for Valentine’s Day. Get the recipe here: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe (Delish).


🥩 Steak with Cream Sauce

No date night at home is complete without a classic steak. Try cooking a tender steak with a savory cream or onion sauce — great served with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. Get the steak inspiration and basic recipe here: Steak with Cream Sauce Recipe (Pioneer Woman).


🍝 Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish features sun‑dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a creamy sauce that clings to every bite. Make it for Valentine’s Day with this recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Foodess).


🍷 Side Dishes & Complements

🍄 Steak & Wild Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce

Add a rich red wine mushroom sauce to your steak for an elevated main course experience. Find the recipe here: Steak and Wild Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce (The Daily Meal).


🍤 Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

Want something light but flavorful? Garlic butter shrimp with linguine is a simple yet romantic choice. Find the recipe here: Linguine with Shrimp Scampi (Food Network).


🍰 Sweet Endings — Decadent Desserts

🍓 Chocolate‑Covered Strawberries

A classic Valentine’s Day dessert that’s simple and elegant — just melt chocolate and dip fresh berries. Ideas and tips here: Chocolate‑Covered Strawberries Tips (EatingWell).


🍫 DIY Chocolate Dessert Inspiration

For something rich and indulgent like molten lava cake or chocolate mousse, you’ll find plenty of options in general Valentine’s dessert roundups. These creamy, warm desserts pair perfectly with a bottle of wine and candlelight.


🍷 Tips for a Perfect At‑Home Valentine’s Dinner

Set the mood — soft lighting, a great playlist, and a nicely set table make all the difference.
Cook together — make the meal prep part of the experience.
Pair with a drink — choose your favorite wine, cocktail, or mocktail to elevate the evening.
Don’t forget dessert — conclude your homemade meal with something sweet and memorable.


🍽️ Finish the Night with Something Special

Making dinner at home for Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be complicated — just heartfelt. These recipes give you a delicious way to celebrate without the restaurant crowds or costly reservations.

And while you’re planning a cozy evening, don’t forget to treat yourself — maybe with a new ride from McCarthy Chevy Olathe’s largest and best‑priced inventory in the Midwest at www.McCarthyChevyKC.com