Dinner is a time to unwind from the day’s hassle while enjoying some quality time with your loved ones. A romantic dinner for two can be a perfect opportunity to express your love and appreciation to your partner. Good food, a nice ambiance, and excellent company- what more could you ask for? If you are looking for simple dinner recipes for a romantic meal for two, we have got you covered. Here are some delicious yet straightforward dinner recipes that you can try.
1. Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Lemon
Ingredients:
-2 salmon fillets
– 1 bunch of fresh asparagus
– 1 lemon, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp. olive oil
– salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Place the asparagus around the salmon fillets.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and asparagus and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
5. Lay the slices of lemon over the salmon.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
7. Serve immediately.
Health Benefits:
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D. Asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. Lemon is a good source of vitamin C.
2. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp. salt
– 1/4 tsp. black pepper
– 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce heat and add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
9. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.
10. Add chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted.
11. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
12. Serve immediately.
Health Benefits:
Chicken is a good source of protein, while spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, and folate. Garlic has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease.
3. Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
– 1 box of jumbo pasta shells
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp. dried basil
– salt and pepper
– 1 cup roasted vegetables (any combination of zucchini, bell peppers, mushroom, and eggplant)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package directions.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and roasted vegetables until well combined.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the cheese and vegetable mixture.
5. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on top of the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the stuffed shells.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve immediately.
Health Benefits:
Roasted vegetables are rich in antioxidants, while ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese are good sources of protein and calcium.
4. Spicy Shrimp Linguine
Ingredients:
– 1/2 lb. linguine pasta
– 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tbsp. olive oil
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp. butter
– salt and black pepper
– chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the linguine pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
6. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
7. Add white wine and chicken broth to the skillet, and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
8. Add butter to the skillet and stir until melted.
9. Add cooked linguine and shrimp to the skillet and toss until coated with the sauce.
10. Season with salt and black pepper and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
11. Serve immediately.
Health Benefits:
Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and low in calories. Garlic has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Grilled Ribeye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients:
– 2 ribeye steaks
– salt and black pepper
– chimichurri sauce:
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
– salt and black pepper
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill to high heat.
2. Season the ribeye steaks with salt and black pepper.
3. Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes.
5. To make the chimichurri sauce, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a blender and pulse until chopped.
6. Slowly add extra-virgin olive oil while blending until the sauce is smooth.
7. Serve the steaks with chimichurri sauce on top.
Health Benefits:
Ribeye steak is a good source of protein, while parsley and cilantro are excellent sources of vitamin C and K.
