18 Valentine's Day Recipes For A Cozy Dinner In

Getting restaurant reservations on Valentine’s Day is a task that can be seriously tricky and seriously expensive. So why not opt for a cozier evening in with some Valentine’s Day dinner recipes that are perfect for enjoying at home? Warm, fancy dishes like pastas and hearty vegetables feel totally indulgent on a cool V-Day night. Plus, cooking with your special someone could be a fun activity anyway.

While it is pretty necessary to stock up on some Valentine’s dessert recipes, dinner should also taste decadent. Don’t shy away from fancy cheeses and good quality creams. You might even go the extra mile and completely make your own pasta and ravioli. Valentine’s Day is just another day of the year where you are pretty much expected to treat yourself (and your date) to something special. Whether you go for a traditional spaghetti dinner or try something new, don’t forget to end the night with some Valentine’s Day chocolate recipes.

From brown butter lobster ravioli to slightly more grown-up mac and cheese, these 18 recipes guarantee one cozy (and affordable) V-Day. Just light some candles and serve your dinner with plenty of wine, and you’re in for some magic — no reservation necessary.

1. Beet Risotto

Beets give A Beautiful Mess' risotto a gorgeous vibrant hue. Consider cutting a few pieces of the vegetable into hearts for a cute twist.

2. Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli

Half Baked Harvest combines three incredible luxuries into one irresistible dish: brown butter, lobster, and pasta. You don't need a bib to enjoy this meal.

3. One-Pot Lemon Scallop Pea Spaghetti

A one-pot meal means less time scrubbing dishes. I Am A Food Blog's lemony spaghetti is easy to make. Plus, the lemon will make your home smell amazing.

4. Roasted Cauliflower And Fennel With Chickpeas

Paired with creamy polenta, Naturally Ella's vegetarian dinner is a wholesome and hearty winter meal that still tastes perfectly refined.

5. Parmesan Risotto With Roasted Shrimp

Cheesy risotto makes an ideal complement for salty shrimp in The Kitchn's recipe. Serve it up with some white wine.

6. Simple Swiss Chard Pasta

Tomatoes and white beans amp up Love and Lemons' combination of brown rice noodles and wilted swiss chard.

7. Lasagna With Artichokes And Mushrooms

This isn't your childhood lasagna. Five and Spice makes the pasta dish taste fancier with a creamy white sauce and mushrooms.

8. Asparagus, Peas, And Smoked Gouda Frittata

Frittatas aren't just for breakfast. Averie Cooks shows that vegetables and smoky cheese make this a great anytime meal — plus, it's simple to just pop in the oven.

9. Moroccan Meatballs

Take a break from your mom's classic spaghetti and meatballs. The Crepes of Wrath's recipe incorporates ginger and coriander for a fragrant dish.

10. Squid Ink Pasta

A Beautiful Mess' squid ink pasta may sound a little scary, but this is the dish to try if you want to really impress.

11. One-Pot 45-Minute Coq Au Vin

Filled with mushrooms and wine, Half Baked Harvest's French chicken recipe is a classic dish that's actually pretty easy to make.

12. Jalapeño Broccoli Mac And Cheese

Mac and cheese can feel a whole lot fancier with some greens. I Am A Food Blog brings up the heat with jalapeños.

13. Homemade Whole Wheat Pasta

Making pasta can turn into a fun Valentine's activity with friends or loved ones, with the help of Naturally Ella's recipe. Serve it with your favorite homemade tomato sauce, or with some olive oil and garlic.

14. Spaghetti With Mascarpone, Meyer Lemon, Spinach, And Hazelnuts

Soft cheese, bright lemon, and spinach give The Kitchn's spaghetti a well-balanced savory taste, while hazelnuts add an unexpected sweet crunch.

15. Tahini Noodles With Carrots And Chickpeas

This takeout-inspired dish by Love and Lemons mixes things up with a peanut sauce. Add as much Sriracha as you'd like for a hot kick.

16. Honey Lemon Chicken With Angel Hair Pasta

Sweet and sour chicken is a stand-out dish on its own, but Averie Cooks' angel hair pasta is just the right complement, with plenty of fresh thyme to season.

17. Roasted Vegetable Toad In The Hole

This meal by Five and Spice is basically a crusty casserole filled with all your favorite fresh vegetables: carrots, tomatoes, and green beans.

18. Vegan Lasagna With Basil Cashew Cheese

Oh She Glows' vegan recipe proves you don't have to load up on dairy to make a majorly comforting dish.

For more ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: A Beautiful Mess (2); Half Baked Harvest (2); I Am A Food Blog (2); Naturally Ella (2); The Kitchn (2); Love and Lemons (2); Five and Spice (2); Averie Cooks (2); The Crepes of Wrath; Oh She Glows