18 Simple Date Night Meals That Are Better Than Dining Out

Written By Jill Taylor

Sometimes, nothing beats a cozy, romantic night at home, which can be both enjoyable and satisfying. These easy and tasty meals on our list will make your date night extra special, impress your lover, and make you glad you skipped going out.

Homemade Pizza with Fresh Toppings

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Dream Date Nights writes that pizza is the perfect comfort food, giving couples the chance to relax and be themselves. Go for a thin crust and top it with fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and a splash of olive oil. There’s nothing quite like the smell of pizza baking in the oven, creating a cozy and comforting vibe for your special night.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

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As an all-around favorite, spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s both simple and delicious. You only need a few ingredients: eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. The result is a creamy, tasty meal that’s perfect for sharing with someone special. It’s an easy dish that never fails to impress.

Grilled Steak with Herb Butter

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Most of us can agree that a delicious steak with herb butter is a great choice. Just season the steak with salt and pepper, grill it to how you like it, and add a mix of softened butter, garlic, and fresh herbs on top. It’s an easy way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

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For all you seafood lovers, lemon garlic shrimp pasta is super simple to make and tastes amazing. All you have to do is sauté the shrimp in olive oil with garlic, then mix it with cooked pasta, fresh lemon juice, and parsley. It’s a bright, tasty dish that will impress your partner for sure.

Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Say goodbye to boring chicken and make it special by filling the breasts with spinach, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add some herbs for flavor and bake until they’re juicy and tender. This tasty dish goes great with roasted veggies or a fresh salad, perfect for a cozy date night meal.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Sauce

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Did you know that cooking salmon in a pan gives it a nice crispy outside while keeping it soft inside? Pair it with a simple dill sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill. The mix of flavors and textures makes this dish tasty and enjoyable, perfect for a quick meal.

Mushroom Risotto

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As a great comfort meal, mushroom risotto is a delicious and cozy dish perfect for a night in. Just grab some Arborio rice, fresh mushrooms, and a bit of white wine. Keep stirring until the rice is tender, then mix in some Parmesan cheese and a little butter for extra creaminess.

Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables

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Most of us overlook a tasty beef stir-fry, but it’s easy to make and good for you. Cook some thin slices of beef with colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Mix in a sauce of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then serve it all on a bed of steamed rice for a yummy meal.

Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli

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There’s no denying that creamy chicken Alfredo pasta is a top-tier comfort meal. Start by cooking chicken breasts until they’re golden, then slice them up. Mix the chicken with fettuccine and a rich Alfredo sauce. Throw in some steamed broccoli for color and added nutrients, and voila!

Baked Ziti

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If you’ve had it before, you’ll know baked ziti is a delicious and filling dish that’s great for sharing. Just layer pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake until it’s nice and bubbly. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it a simple choice for a relaxed date night.

Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

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If you love Mexican food, then shrimp tacos are a fun and flavorful choice. Season and cook shrimp, then serve in warm tortillas with fresh avocado salsa. The combination of succulent shrimp and creamy avocado is delightful. If you want an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lime.

Margherita Flatbread

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Great for sharing, a Margherita flatbread is a simple yet delicious meal. To make this, top a flatbread with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, and then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The fresh ingredients and crispy crust make this dish a winner for a casual date night.

BBQ Chicken Skewers

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Summer calls for BBQ chicken skewers, which are perfect for an outdoor date night. Marinate chicken pieces in your favorite BBQ sauce, then thread them onto skewers with vegetables. Grill until cooked through and serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

Vegetarian Lasagna

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Regardless of whether you’re veggie or not, a vegetable-packed lasagna is a hearty and healthy option. First, layer lasagna noodles with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce, then bake until bubbly. This dish is not only delicious but also provides plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Thai Red Curry with Vegetables

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For something zesty, a Thai red curry is a fragrant and flavorful dish. Cook a variety of vegetables in a creamy coconut milk-based curry sauce with red curry paste. Then, serve over jasmine rice for a delightful meal that will transport you to the flavors of Thailand.

Beef and Cheese Quesadillas

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If you don’t want to spend a long time cooking, then quesadillas are quick and tasty. Fill tortillas with seasoned beef and cheese, then cook until crispy and golden. When done, cut them into wedges and serve with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. This meal is perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable date night.

Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

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We all know that a rack of lamb is an elegant and impressive dish. To do it properly, coat the lamb with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and fresh herbs, then roast until tender. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and asparagus for a sophisticated dining experience.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers

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Both tasty and healthy, stuffed peppers are a colorful and nutritious meal. You should fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked quinoa, spinach, and feta cheese, then bake until the peppers are tender. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.

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