• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Blogging Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Blogging Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    35 Romantic Recipes Perfect for Cooking Together

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated February 4, 2026 · Published February 14, 2026 ·

    Cooking together can be a fun and romantic way to spend an evening. Whether you're seasoned chefs or just starting out, preparing a meal as a couple can bring you closer and create lasting memories. Here are 35 dinner ideas that are perfect for a cozy night in, allowing you to enjoy each other's company while whipping up something special.

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta paired with a cheesy casserole. It's a cozy and elegant dinner that you can prepare in just 45 minutes, all in one oven-safe skillet to keep cleanup easy.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is quick to make and full of fresh vegetables. It's a light and enjoyable dish that sets the mood for a cozy date night.

    Get the recipe

    Mediterranean Lasagna

    Mediterranean Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Mediterranean Lasagna features a creamy feta cheese sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, garlic, and herbs. It's a great dish for a cozy date night that you can prepare together.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Red Wine Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish combines red wine, chicken, mushrooms, and thyme for a delicious meal that's great for a cozy night in. It's a perfect choice for a romantic dinner you can enjoy together.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Halloumi & Peaches

    Grilled halloumi and peaches.
    Photo credit: Coley Cooks.

    A cozy date night at home calls for a special meal. This salad features grilled Halloumi cheese paired with charred peaches, arugula, jalapeños, and a honey lemon vinaigrette for a delicious combination.

    Get the recipe

    15-minute Red Pesto Pasta With Prawns

    Red pesto pasta with prawns on a black plate.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    This quick and easy Red Pesto Pasta with Prawns is perfect for a cozy dinner together. With only five ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Fish and broccoli in lemon butter caper sauce makes for a delightful and easy dinner for a romantic evening. It's a great way to enjoy a cozy meal together without too much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta

    Lobster & Scallop Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Craft Cookbook.

    Lobster and scallop pasta makes for a special dinner at home. With tender seafood in a bright lemon garlic wine sauce, it's a perfect dish to enjoy together.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese

    Feta stuffed chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken breasts are filled with Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil, making for a delicious meal that's great for a cozy dinner together. This dish brings a burst of flavor that sets the mood for a romantic evening.

    Get the recipe

    Paella

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This paella is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With flavors from saffron, white wine, shrimp, chicken, peas, and bell peppers, it's perfect for a romantic dinner and makes great leftovers.

    Get the recipe

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta

    Cherry tomato pasta.
    Photo Credit: It's Not Complicated Recipes.

    Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta combines perfectly cooked pasta with delicious roasted tomatoes for a satisfying meal. It's an easy dish to prepare that delivers great flavor with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Grilled Salmon with Sour Cream

    Grilled Salmon with Sour Cream
    Photo Credit: Girl Gone Gourmet.

    This quick salmon dish with a creamy thyme sauce is ready in just 20 minutes. It's a great choice for a cozy dinner at home with someone special.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

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

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that brings together tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home, allowing you and your partner to enjoy cooking together.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

    Honey Mustard Chicken in a stainless steel pan.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons

    This honey mustard chicken skillet is a simple and flavorful meal that you can make together in just half an hour. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

    Get the recipe

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that's perfect for a romantic dinner. With a creamy sauce made from simple ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, it's easy to prepare and sure to impress.

    Get the recipe

    Caprese Chicken

    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Caprese Chicken is a great choice for a cozy date night at home. With just five ingredients, this easy-to-make meal is both satisfying and perfect for cooking together.

    Get the recipe

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    Mushroom truffle risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is perfect for a cozy date night, combining mushrooms and truffles with a rich buttery taste. It's a simple yet elegant choice that sets the mood for a romantic evening.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Prepare a delicious Shrimp Carbonara in just 10 minutes, adding a twist to the classic Italian dish. The creamy sauce blends perfectly with tender shrimp for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto

    A spoonful of shrimp risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp and asparagus come together in this delightful dish, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and a splash of white wine. It's a simple yet elegant meal that's perfect for a romantic dinner at home.

    Get the recipe

    Duck with Orange Sauce

    Duck with orange sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Making duck at home is easier than you might think. This straightforward recipe will guide you through the process, making it simple to enjoy a delicious meal together.

    Get the recipe

    Smoked Salmon Risotto

    Smoked salmon risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple and delicious smoked salmon risotto makes for a perfect cozy dinner that you can prepare together. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy the cooking process without the hassle of constant stirring.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Mahi Mahi

    Air fried mahi mahi.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Mahi mahi cooked in the air fryer pairs perfectly with a zesty mango salsa, making for a delightful dinner for two. This dish is simple to prepare and adds a special touch to your date night.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto

    A bowl of asparagus risotto.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Making risotto in your Instant Pot is a breeze compared to the traditional method. This asparagus version is really tasty and is sure to become a go-to meal for you both.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer French Onion Pork Chops

    French onion pork chops.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Pork chops cooked in the air fryer come out juicy and flavorful, making for a great dinner option. Pair them with a quick stovetop sauce for an easy yet satisfying meal to enjoy together.

    Get the recipe

    Shrimp Scampi

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp scampi makes for a great dish to share on a cozy date night at home. This version is wine-free, making it a dish everyone can enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Bacon Risotto

    A bowl of chicken and bacon risotto.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    This dinner features chicken and bacon mixed with traditional risotto ingredients for a delicious meal. It's perfect for a cozy evening spent together.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is easy to make and only needs three basic ingredients. It's perfect for a cozy dinner together.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Air fried chicken cordon bleu.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Make a delicious version of a favorite restaurant dish that will wow your partner. This meal is perfect for a cozy night in, bringing a touch of romance to your dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Risotto

    A spoonful of salmon risotto.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A delicious salmon risotto with perfectly seared salmon makes for a lovely dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy evening together.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi offers a delicious change from the usual boiled kind, especially when paired with crispy bacon and flavorful mushrooms. This dish brings a cozy and satisfying vibe to any romantic dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Cornish Hens

    A cornish hen on a plate.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    Air frying whole Cornish hens makes for a fun and delicious dinner that you can enjoy together. It's a great way to spend time cooking and sharing a meal on a romantic date night.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta with bacon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A tasty tomato sauce pairs perfectly with crispy bacon, making for a satisfying meal. It's a great option for a cozy dinner together.

    Get the recipe

    Pea and Bacon Risotto

    A bowl of pea and bacon risotto.
    Image credit: Sarah Cook.

    This risotto features bacon and peas, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner for two. It's a simple dish that you can easily prepare together, perfect for a romantic evening.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Make a delicious dinner with your partner by filling salmon with garlic butter and wrapping it in bacon. This easy meal is perfect for a fun cooking experience together.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Mushrooms & Red Wine

    Pork chops with red wine and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pork chops simmered in red wine with mushrooms and thyme make for a lovely dinner for two. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • French onion pork chops.
      24 Simple Valentine's Dinners to Celebrate Your Love
    • Crock pot Hawaiian chicken.
      14 Gourmet Recipes You Can Make With Just 5 Ingredients
    • No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
      15 Easy Chicken Dinners That Go Straight to the Oven
    • Surf and turf foil packs.
      21 Easy Seafood Recipes Anyone Can Make

    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.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • lemon ricotta pasta on a green plate.
      Lemon Ricotta Pasta
    • Air fryer steak tips on a plate.
      Air Fryer Steak Tips
    • pork chop on a plate
      Cast Iron Pork Chops with Mushrooms, Red Wine & Thyme
    • Ravioli casserole.
      No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Our Favorite Gameday Recipes

    • duck breasts topped orange sauce
      Duck Breasts with Orange Sauce (Best Sauce for Duck!)
    • Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
      Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
    • The 31 Best Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas for Busy People
    • pork chop on a plate
      Cast Iron Pork Chops with Mushrooms, Red Wine & Thyme

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB