Baked Turkey Breast

It’s always fun to grab a meal at your favorite restaurant. But every once in a while, you and your partner should dine in your own kitchen. After all, what’s more romantic than a home-cooked meal? Plus, you’ll be able to save a little money and customize these meals to your heart’s content. Dig into a few of these tasty dishes for a romantic date night at home.

So, put on your aprons and take a look at these delightful date night recipes.

1. Baked Salmon With Maple Mustard Glaze

If you’re after an antioxidant-rich dinner, you can’t go wrong with salmon. It’s basically a blank slate – in other words, it works alongside any glaze or rub. But this mixture of maple syrup and Dijon mustard conquers all. It’s deliciously sweet and savory, which means that it pairs well with a starchy side. You can also adjust this recipe to your tastes. If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of chili powder.

2. Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta

This tasty pasta dish uses linguine or spaghetti as its base. Then, it’s topped with crispy chicken and lemony asparagus – and a creamy, cheesy sauce. What’s better than a meal that’s both healthy and indulgent? Feel free to make garlic bread or another small side to accompany this recipe. It yields four servings, so prepare to enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day.

3. Garlic Butter Steak

A romantic meal isn’t complete unless there’s a tender, juicy steak and a bottle of red wine. This recipe calls for a ribeye cut – a favorite amongst steak lovers. You’ll use a mixture of garlic, rosemary, butter and thyme to baste the meat. This step produces a delicious coat on the outside. Serve your steak with a side of roasted potatoes and glazed carrots – or whatever else you like.

4. Pizza Margherita

What’s a Friday night without a slice of pizza? Grab your significant other and flour your countertops, because you won’t want to miss this Margherita pizza. It’s ridiculously easy – but sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest. You’ll need tomato sauce, olive oil and fresh mozzarella and basil. Aside from your dough, that’s it. To make this pizza a little bit healthier, opt for a whole wheat crust.

5. Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)

It’s time to whip up some margaritas and enjoy this delectable carnitas dish. Traditionally, Mexicans make carnitas from braised pork. They serve it on tortillas with diced onions, refried beans and fresh salsa. This recipe calls for a pork shoulder, which you’ll pop into a slow cooker for about six hours. Make sure to pan-fry the meat after it’s done for a crispy finish.

6. Baked Turkey Breast

If you’re after a chicken alternative, look no further. It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving to enjoy a yummy turkey dinner. This recipe uses a delicious rub made up of butter, plus rosemary, thyme and parsley. When you pull it out of the oven, this turkey is perfectly moist. You can prepare a side dish like mac ‘n cheese or sweet potatoes as the perfect addition.

7. Tomato Basil Soup

Once you taste this homemade tomato basil soup, it’ll be hard to return to the store-bought version. And best of all, it’s chock-full of nutrients and only takes 25 minutes to make. Use home-grown tomatoes for a more vibrant flavor – or stick with canned goods in a pinch. Either way, you’ll be able to put together a tasty soup that reminds you of your childhood.

Ask your partner to whip up a few grilled cheese sandwiches, too.

8. Easy Mediterranean Shrimp

With a few simple ingredients, you can create a yummy shrimp dish. In this recipe, you’ll coat the shrimp with several tasty spices – like coriander, paprika and cayenne. Bell peppers, diced tomatoes and lemon juice allow for a balance of fresh, citrusy flavors. Serve atop a bed of white or brown rice and enjoy! Don’t forget to reserve some of that white wine for you and your significant other.

9. Penne alla Vodka Pasta

Not much comes close to a rich, creamy vodka sauce. It’s best served atop al dente penne pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and chopped basil. And of course, it’s super customizable – so feel free to add grilled chicken or sausage to the mix. You can also include spinach if you want some greens. Pair this dish with a few slices of garlic bread

10. Roast Beef Tenderloin

Who said that you couldn’t be a little fancy at home? Beef tenderloin is an excellent way to celebrate an anniversary – whether you’ve been together for one year or decades. In this recipe, you’ll concoct a divine red wine sauce that uses a few simple ingredients. After you cook the meat, be sure to serve it alongside a heap of whipped potatoes and a glass of merlot.

11. Skillet Mushroom Chicken Thighs

There’s no better combination than chicken and mushrooms – especially when they’re doused in garlic and butter. This recipe results in beautifully-cooked, golden-brown chicken thighs. You’ll use crimini mushrooms, alongside shallots and herbs, to create a delightful dish. Delegate your partner to vegetable duty, as a side of roasted potatoes works perfectly with these flavors.

12. Homemade Vegetarian Chili

If it’s a little rainy outside, you can’t go wrong with chili. It’s a terrific choice for everyone – and this recipe welcomes vegetarians and vegans with open arms. And thankfully, it’s just as hearty as the real deal. Instead of ground beef, you’ll use a few cans of black and pinto beans. There’s a ton of flavor to this chili, which comes from the garlic, cumin, oregano and paprika.

Use These Recipes for a Delightful Date Night at Home