5 Date Night Recipes to Make

The way to their heart? It’s probably through one of these recipes.

If you’re trying to lock down the perfect date night dinner, you’re in the right spot. I rounded up five totally different recipes — a little cozy, a little fancy, a little fun — so whatever mood you’re feeling, there’s something here that’ll hit the spot. Just click the recipe name and it’ll take you to the original blog post with full ingredients + instructions.

1. Martha’s 3 Garlic Spaghetti

If you’re planning a cozy night in, this pasta recipe from Martha Stewart will bring something special to the table. It layers garlic three ways — roasted, sautéed, and fried — for a deep, savoury flavour that feels rich and comforting without being heavy. It’s simple but elevated, the kind of meal you can linger over with a glass of wine and good conversation. Minimal ingredients, mostly hands-off prep, and an irresistible crispy garlic topping — it’s the perfect low-stress, high-reward date night dinner. And hey, does garlic breath even count if you both have it?

2. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

If you’re planning a date night at home, these Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are guaranteed to steal the show. They come out perfectly tender, with a rich, velvety sauce that might just make you weak in the knees. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that fills your kitchen with the most incredible smell, so by the time dinner’s ready, it already feels like something special. Serve the ribs over creamy mashed potatoes, pour that glossy red wine sauce all over, and settle in — this is the kind of meal that turns a regular night into one you’ll never forget,

3. Coconut Curry Ramen Soup

Looking for a warm, feel-good date night dinner? This Coconut Curry Ramen Soup checks all the boxes. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with vibrant, aromatic flavours — but still light enough to keep things easy and relaxed. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time together. Ladle the silky coconut curry broth over a tangle of ramen noodles, load it up with veggies and your favourite toppings, and settle in for a bowl that’s pure comfort with a little extra flair.

4. One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken

If you’re in charge of date night dinner and want something low-key, but still a little special, this One Pot Lemon Pepper Chicken is the perfect pick. The chicken roasts up golden and flavourful, with buttery lemon pepper goodness that feels like comfort and celebration all at once. It feels just a little impressive when it hits the table, without asking much of you at all. It’s simple to throw together, but the kind of meal you’ll want to linger over — with nowhere to be, and plenty of time to just enjoy each other’s company.

5. Tomato, Pesto & Burrata Pizza

For a laid-back date night at home, a homemade pizza is always a good idea — and this Tomato, Pesto & Burrata Pizza takes it to the next level. A crispy, chewy crust, simple fresh toppings, and creamy burrata come together for a pizza that feels a little extra special without being over the top. Plus, making it is half the fun — from stretching the dough to adding your favourite toppings, it turns dinner into an activity you can enjoy together. Relaxed, memorable, and way better than takeout.