Why dine out? These 17 Valentine’s entrées are all you need

Photo of author

| Published:

Fighting for parking, waiting for a table, and acting impressed by an overpriced plate? Hard pass. Instead, these 17 Valentine’s entrées make it easy to enjoy a meal without the chaos of dining out. Cook up something that beats any restaurant meal, and the only background noise will be whatever playlist is actually good. Plus, dessert is unlimited and doesn’t require pretending you’re “too full” for it.

Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata on a dish.
Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tom Kha Soup

A bowl of Tom Kha Soup with green herbs, and a slice of lime.
Tom Kha Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

If you’re aiming for comfort but with a twist, look no further. It brings a smooth, creamy experience that’s unforgettable, blending unique flavors that are hard to find anywhere else. Tom Kha Soup isn’t just another soup; it’s a journey through taste that doesn’t require leaving your kitchen. Rich, aromatic, and with just the right amount of kick, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Soup

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with vintage chicken divan and a fork dishing up one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Remember those classic dishes your grandma used to make? Well, Vintage Chicken Divan brings all that nostalgia right to your table. It’s a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for a night when you’re in the mood for something hearty yet sophisticated. Packed with familiar flavors, it turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s a throwback that never goes out of style, making any dinner an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale

A bowl of creamy Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale topped with kale, sausage, pancetta, and drizzles of oil.
Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

When you’re craving something that warms you up and fills you up, turn to this hearty option. Tuscan Soup with Sausage and Kale combines rich flavors that satisfy your hunger and your soul. It’s like a hug in a bowl, offering a taste that reminds you of rolling hills and rustic kitchens. This soup proves simplicity and depth can go hand in hand, creating memories at your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Soup with Sausage Kale

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Two cast iron skillets contain shrimp scampi garnished with lemon wedges.
Classic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For those evenings when you want to bring a bit of elegance to your dining table but with minimal fuss, this dish is your go-to. Classic Shrimp Scampi is all about simplicity meeting luxury. It’s light, it’s succulent, and above all, it’s an easy way to make dinner feel like a special event. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that promises to impress.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Scampi

Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup

Two bowls of Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup topped with crispy bacon bits and chopped chives.
Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Imagine sitting down to a bowl of something that’s all about comfort, flavor, and a bit of indulgence—well, you don’t have to imagine. Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup is exactly that. With every spoonful, you get a creamy texture, smoky flavors, and that irresistible cheese pull. It’s a dish that makes staying in feel like the best decision you’ve ever made.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Potato-Bacon-Cheddar Soup

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Who says you need a steakhouse to enjoy a high-quality steak? Fire up the grill at home, and treat yourself to Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. This dish is all about the sizzle, the smoke, and the mouthwatering aroma. The cowboy butter adds a burst of flavor that takes it from simply grilled to unforgettable. It’s an at-home dining experience that rivals any restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Mediterranean Chicken Bake with herbs, cheese and tomatoes in a platter.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your dining room with this enticing option. Mediterranean Chicken Bake is as vibrant in taste as it is in appearance, offering a wholesome yet utterly delicious option for your special night. It’s a dish that speaks of sun-soaked coasts and romantic getaways, perfect for when you dream of travel but prefer the comfort of your home. Light, flavorful, and easy to prepare, it’s a surefire way to impress.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Sliced Herb-Crusted Pork Roast on a rectangular white plate with a floral napkin in the background.
Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about setting it and forgetting it that adds to the anticipation of mealtime. Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast is the epitome of this experience. As it slowly cooks, the aroma fills the house, promising a meal that’s both tender and packed with flavor. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of gourmet to your weekly dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Pork Roast

Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

A casserole dish of Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuit.
Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, you just need a dish that’s a bit out of the ordinary. Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits does exactly that. It combines the comfort of a home-cooked meal with a twist that makes it stand out. The biscuits on top add a fluffy, golden crown that’s just waiting to be broken into. This dish is a conversation starter and a belly filler, all rolled into one.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Biscuits

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta on a platter.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s a reason this dish became an internet sensation. Baked Feta Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and absolutely addicting. It’s a modern twist on pasta night that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. And the best part? It brings a gourmet vibe to your table without any of the hard work usually involved.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Smoked Salmon Spread

Bowl of smoked salmon spread garnished with chopped chives next to crackers on a slate platter.
Smoked Salmon Spread. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a way to kickstart your meal with something that screams sophistication? Smoked Salmon Spread is your answer. It’s creamy, it’s smoky, and it has a way of elevating crackers, bread, or veggies to something extraordinary. This spread is ideal for a relaxed evening, turning your dining table into the best spot in town.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Spread

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sometimes, all it takes to transform dinner into something memorable is the right dish. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken offers a fresh, flavorful take on a beloved classic. It’s a little bit of summer on a plate, no matter when you serve it. With each bite, you get the grill’s char, the freshness of the toppings, and a satisfaction that only comes from a perfectly balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Oven Baked Ribs

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Want to know the secret to ribs that fall off the bone? Oven Baked Ribs are where it’s at. This dish brings all the barbecue vibes right into your kitchen, minus the hassle of a grill. It’s about slow-cooked, tender love and care that results in ribs so good, you might forget about napkins and manners for a moment.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Close-up of Crab Stuffed Mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley on a slate plate.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who needs a fancy appetizer when you can create magic with mushrooms and a filling that’s all about the sea? Crab Stuffed Mushrooms are bite-sized wonders. Each one is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, turning what could be an ordinary start into something utterly sensational. It’s an elegant way to whet your appetite for the delicious main course that follows.
Get the Recipe: Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the same old side dishes; Baked Spanish Rice has entered the chat. This dish is more than just a side; it’s a flavor explosion that complements any main course beautifully. It’s robust, it’s hearty, and most importantly, it brings a bit of global flair to your dinner table. There’s no going back to plain rice once you’ve given this a try.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those nights when simplicity and flavor are key, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp delivers. This dish is all about the fresh taste of the sea, enhanced by a medley of herbs and spices. It’s quick to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the company and the meal. Plus, it’s a surefire way to add a bit of elegance to any evening.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata

Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata on a dish.
Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Seeking comfort food but with an upscale twist? Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata is here to satisfy. It combines the heartiness of a baked pasta dish with the refinement of salmon, all topped with a gremolata that adds a burst of bright flavor. This is how you make a night in feel like a night out, without stepping foot outside.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Gnocchi Bake with Gremolata

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.