Valentines Dinner Recipes Easy

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Make your Valentine's Day special with these easy and delightful dinner recipes that will impress your loved one.

Rosie Mitchell

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2026-01-04T11:04:16.880Z

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show your love through cooking. These recipes are not only simple but also packed with flavors that will create lasting memories.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously romantic flavors that set the mood
  • Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy couples
  • Beautifully presented dishes that impress without the stress

Creating a Romantic Atmosphere

Setting the stage for a romantic dinner starts long before the food hits the table. Consider dimming the lights and lighting a few candles to create an intimate ambiance. Soft music playing in the background can also enhance the mood, making your dining experience feel special. You might even want to add fresh flowers to the table for an extra touch of love.

Don't forget to set the table beautifully. Use your favorite dinnerware, and arrange the plates, cutlery, and glasses in a way that feels inviting. A well-set table not only looks appealing but also shows that you’ve put thought into the occasion, making your loved one feel cherished.

Choosing the Right Wine

Pairing your meal with the right wine can elevate your Valentine's dinner to a whole new level. A light white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the chicken and cherry tomatoes beautifully, enhancing the dish's flavors without overpowering them. If you prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir is an excellent choice that adds a rich complexity to the meal.

Consider serving the wine chilled and in elegant glasses to add a touch of sophistication. You can even take it a step further by providing a small tasting note for each wine, explaining why you chose it and how it pairs with your dinner. This not only adds to the experience but also opens up a conversation about food and wine.

Making it Personal

To make your Valentine's dinner even more personal, consider adding a handwritten note or a small gift at each place setting. This could be a heartfelt message expressing your love or a small token that holds significance in your relationship. These little details can create lasting memories and show your partner how much you care.

Another idea is to incorporate a shared memory into your meal. Perhaps you can recreate a dish from your first date or include an ingredient that reminds you of a special trip together. Personal touches like these not only make the dinner memorable but also deepen the bond between you two.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Side Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, place the chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken.

Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are roasted.

Cook the Quinoa

While the chicken is baking, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Serve

Fluff the quinoa with a fork, stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve the baked chicken on a bed of quinoa, garnished with fresh basil.

Enjoy your romantic dinner!

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Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch, serve with a glass of red wine and a dessert like chocolate-covered strawberries.

Tips for a Stress-Free Dinner

Preparing a meal for a special occasion can sometimes be overwhelming. To ease the stress, consider prepping some ingredients ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken and chop the garlic the night before, ensuring that you have more time to focus on creating a lovely atmosphere and enjoying the moment.

Another tip is to keep the dessert simple. A store-bought treat can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on the main course. You can always add a personal touch by serving it with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream, making it feel homemade.

Leftover Ideas

If you happen to have any leftovers from your romantic dinner, don't let them go to waste! The baked chicken can be shredded and added to salads or wraps for a delicious lunch the next day. The quinoa can also be transformed into a hearty breakfast bowl by adding eggs and avocado, making use of every delicious bite.

You might also consider making a comforting soup with any leftover ingredients. Combining the chicken, quinoa, and some broth can create a warm and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy night in after your special dinner.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure that the quinoa is certified gluten-free, and avoid any sauces that may contain gluten.

→ Can I prepare this meal in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the quinoa ahead of time. Just bake the chicken fresh before serving.

→ What can I serve as a dessert?

Consider serving chocolate mousse or heart-shaped cookies for a sweet finish to your meal.

Valentines Dinner Recipes Easy

Make your Valentine's Day special with these easy and delightful dinner recipes that will impress your loved one.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Rosie Mitchell

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 2 boneless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Fresh basil for garnish

Side Ingredients

  1. 1 cup quinoa
  2. 2 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  4. 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, place the chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken.

Step 02

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are roasted.

Step 03

While the chicken is baking, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 04

Fluff the quinoa with a fork, stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve the baked chicken on a bed of quinoa, garnished with fresh basil.

Extra Tips

  1. For an extra touch, serve with a glass of red wine and a dessert like chocolate-covered strawberries.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g