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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Easy Date Night Meals to Make Them Fall for You

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 15, 2025 · Published January 13, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    These 22 easy date night meals are perfect for impressing your special someone without spending hours in the kitchen. From comforting pasta dishes to juicy steak, each recipe is simple to prepare and sure to create a cozy atmosphere. Cooking together can be a fun way to bond, and these meals will help set the stage for a memorable evening.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a simple and tasty dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. It features tender shrimp and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This meal is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with spinach and walnuts is a simple and delicious meal that's great for a cozy night in. Adding some mozzarella or burrata cheese gives it an extra special touch. It's a perfect way to impress someone without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Spicy Sausage Pasta

    Spicy sausage pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dinner features a tasty combination of spicy sausage, pasta, and Parmesan cheese. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can impress anyone. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish brings together bold flavors and comforting ingredients.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Shrimp Carbonara is a great way to enjoy both seafood and pasta in one dish. It offers a creamy take on the traditional Italian recipe and can be prepared in just 10 minutes, all without any cream. Perfect for a cozy date night, this meal is sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Cacio e Pepe

    A fork with cacio e pepe.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    This Italian pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare, using only a few ingredients. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home, bringing a taste of Italy to your table. With its simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pesto Salmon is a quick and delicious meal that you can prepare in a flash. With a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, this dish is packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights. It's an easy option that will impress anyone at your dinner table.

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    Cashew Alfredo

    A skillet full of cashew alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    This vegan alfredo sauce is easy to whip up with just five ingredients. It's creamy and tasty, and you can have it ready in just 15 minutes without any cooking involved. Perfect for a quick meal that feels special.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak is a quick and flavorful dish that can be ready in just 8-10 minutes. The marinade infuses the meat with great taste while keeping it juicy, making it perfect for a simple yet impressive dinner. This meal is ideal for a date night when you want to impress without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This creamy and slightly spicy gochujang pasta comes together in just 15 minutes. It's a quick and tasty dish that brings a unique flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for a cozy night in, this meal is sure to impress anyone you share it with.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara is quick and easy to prepare with ingredients you probably already have on hand, plus some tortellini. It's a great option for a cozy date night at home. With just a few steps, you can create a delicious meal that feels special without taking too much time.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros are a quick and simple vegetarian meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. With very little prep, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

    Fish tacos.
    Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Thyme.

    Grilled white fish topped with a zesty mango salsa brings together fresh and vibrant flavors that are sure to impress. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner. The combination of the fish and the salsa creates a delightful experience that you and your date will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This carbonara recipe offers a fun take on the traditional dish, bringing in some extra flavor that makes it stand out. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can impress anyone. Perfect for a cozy date night, this dish is sure to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Chicken Thighs

    Crispy chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Delightful Plate.

    These flavorful chicken thighs are cooked in one pan, making dinner easy and delicious. They go well with a salad, rice, or some steamed vegetables, creating a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick and delicious steak dinner can be ready in just 10 minutes with Air Fryer Steak Tips. Using simple seasonings you probably already have on hand, this meal is sure to impress your date. It's an easy way to create a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Bites

    Air Fryer Steak Bites.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer steak bites come together in under 10 minutes, making a quick and satisfying dinner. Marinated in a mix of lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and herbs, these bites turn any cut of steak into a tender and flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy date night, this meal is sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy dish that you can prepare in just 10 minutes, making it a great choice for a delicious appetizer or main course. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley creates a lovely smell that will fill your kitchen. It's a simple way to impress someone special with a flavorful meal.

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    Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

    Creamy Italian Meatball Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Italian meatball soup is a simple and tasty dish that you can prepare in just one pot. It features flavorful meatballs, pasta, and a creamy tomato broth seasoned with herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in, this soup is sure to impress anyone you share it with.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese

    Feta stuffed chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken filets topped with Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil create a delicious meal that's perfect for a date night. This dish is simple to prepare and brings a burst of flavor that will impress anyone. It's a great way to enjoy a cozy evening together with a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Salmon pasta with crème fraîche, lemon, and chives is a simple and delicious dish that works well any night of the week. Whether you use fresh or frozen salmon, the creamy sauce gives it a nice, light flavor. This meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings a bit of summer to your table, no matter the season.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken and Rice

    15-Minute Chicken and Rice
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipes.

    This chicken and rice dish is a great choice for a cozy date night at home. It comes together in just 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a nice meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's simple yet satisfying, making it perfect for a relaxed evening together.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp and Orzo

    15-Minute Shrimp and Orzo
    Photo credit: Tried and True

    This shrimp and orzo dish is simple to prepare and really delicious. It's perfect for a cozy date night at home. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Creamy tuna pasta bake.
      21 Easy One-Pan Dinners You Can Set, Forget, and Devour
    • Creamy curry pasta.
      23 Filling Family Dinners on a Budget
    • Creamy curry pasta.
      25 Fast and Easy Pasta Dinners for Your Busiest Nights
    • Chicken taco casserole.
      12 Easy Mexican-Inspired Chicken Casseroles for Busy Nights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years 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, 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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