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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Simple Romantic Dinner Dishes with Just a Few Ingredients

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 17, 2025, updated May 7, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Planning a romantic dinner doesn't have to be complicated or require a long list of ingredients. Here are 16 simple dishes that are perfect for creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare, making your evening special without the stress.

    Chicken Marsala Fettuccine

    Chicken Marsala Fettuccine.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Chicken Marsala Fettuccine is a classic Italian dish that brings together chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine for a delicious meal. It's a comforting option that's great for a cozy dinner at home or when you want to impress your guests.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A comforting creamy pesto pasta can be ready in just 10 minutes with only three ingredients. The mix of bright pesto sauce and Greek yogurt creates a simple and tasty dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a simple dinner option for busy nights. With just 5 ingredients and 12 minutes in one pot, it’s quick and easy to prepare.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be made in just 10 minutes without any wine, offering a delicious appetizer or meal. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Alfredo sauce is easy to make with just a few common spices from your pantry. It's a great addition to a cozy dinner at home.

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    Crab Pasta

    Crab Pasta
    Photo Credit: Caroline's Cooking.

    Crab pasta is perfect for a busy evening when you want a tasty meal without spending hours cooking. It's simple to prepare and sure to impress your date.

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    Pesto Chicken Pasta

    Pesto Chicken Pasta
    Photo Credit: The Toasty Kitchen.

    In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a tasty Pesto Chicken Pasta with just 5 easy ingredients. This is a great meal for busy evenings when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta

    No Cream Italian Herb Pasta
    Photo Credit: Sprinkles and Sprouts.

    Enjoy a simple and flavorful pasta dish that's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious. This meal pairs well with grilled meats, roasts, or crispy fried foods, making it a great option for a cozy date night at home.

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    Pesto Chicken

    Pesto chicken with a side of salad.
    Photo credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    This easy pesto chicken recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner at home. Juicy grilled chicken breast with creamy basil pesto makes for a cozy and delicious evening.

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    15-Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti

    15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

    Instant Pot spaghetti is a quick and easy meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tasty marinara sauce, and soft spaghetti noodles. This classic dish is simple to prepare and still delivers all the comforting flavors we enjoy in a hearty pasta dinner.

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    Lemon Orzo

    lemon orzo.
    Photo credit: Healing Tomato.

    This quick and easy recipe uses just five ingredients and is perfect for a romantic dinner at home. Enjoy a delicious meal that makes cozy nights in with your partner even more special.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole is loaded with cheese and only needs a few ingredients. It's perfect for a cozy night in.

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    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake

    Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake
    Photo Credit: Buy This Ccook That.

    A simple and tasty meal can set the mood for a cozy night in. This Sausage Asparagus Pasta Bake uses fresh asparagus and sweet Italian sausage, and you only need five ingredients for a satisfying dinner.

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    Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti

    Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This Creamy Baked Ziti is a cozy dish that combines soft noodles, a rich sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. With just five simple ingredients, it’s an easy meal that brings delicious Italian flavors to your dinner table.

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    Brown Butter + Sage Chicken Penne Pasta

    Brown Butter + Sage Chicken Penne Pasta
    Photo Credit: Buy This Cook That.

    Brown butter and sage chicken with pasta is a great choice for busy nights when you want a simple yet delicious meal. It comes together quickly and is sure to impress anyone you share it with.

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    Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo

    5-Ingredient Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Girl Gone Gourmet.

    This easy sun-dried tomato alfredo pasta sauce is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • A broccoli casserole.
      21 Hearty Veggie Loaded Casseroles You Need to Try Tonight
    • Pesto gnocchi.
      17 Gnocchi Recipes That Are So Good You'll Want Seconds
    • Cranberry chicken.
      21 Crockpot Chicken Dinners for When You’d Rather Not Cook
    • Meatball pasta casserole.
      22 Quick and Easy Dump-and-Bake Dinners for the Whole Family

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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