27 Date Night Dinners That Prove Home Cooking Beats Takeout Every Time

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27 Date Night Dinners That Prove Home Cooking Beats Takeout Every Time

For your next date night dinner, skip the takeout and hit the kitchen instead. Trust us, nothing says “great night in” like a meal cooked with your own two hands. In this post, we’re all about showing you how easy it is to throw together a perfect dinner that’ll have you both patting yourselves on the back. We’ve got 27 recipes that’ll prove once and for all that home cooking can outdo takeout every single time.

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish is a smart pick for an easy date night dinner that anyone can make. You only need one pan and 30 minutes to create a meal that combines shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach in a coconut milk sauce. It’s a hassle-free way to make a special night feel effortless so that you can focus on quality time rather than complex cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose Lemon Garlic Scallops for a date night that’s both quick and luxurious. In less than 30 minutes, you can serve a one-pan meal that stars scallops with a vibrant lemon garlic flavor. This choice is perfect for creating a special atmosphere with minimal effort, allowing you to impress your date and enjoy an amazing meal together.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is your go-to for a cozy and easy date night dinner. You can whip up this one-pot meal in just 30 minutes, featuring Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s the perfect soup to make your evening both special and comforting, without requiring too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

A white bowl of asparagus noodles with bacon and sauce.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make your date night exciting with Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon, a dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. By using asparagus as noodles and adding creamy Alfredo and crispy bacon on top, you get a playful yet elegant meal. This recipe is great for those seeking to make the evening memorable without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a relaxed date night with Creamy Dijon Chicken, a dish that promises flavor without the hassle. This 30-minute, one-pan meal combines chicken with a rich Dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a great meal together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is the perfect dish to add some spice to your date night. It’s an effortless one-pan recipe that brings together sausages and vegetables in a rich curry sauce. Ready quickly, it allows you to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted sweet potatoes and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Opt for Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon for a comforting date night meal. This dish is simple to prepare, combining oven-baked squash, cauliflower, and bacon for a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s a great choice for those looking for an easy and cozy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken makes any date night special with minimal prep work. Ready in 40 minutes, this one-pan meal features chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy sauce. It’s a great pick for an impressive yet simple dinner, perfect for a night in.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

A pan with curry salmon and bok choy in a sauce.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy is a great choice for a flavor-packed date night dinner that’s also easy to prepare. This 30-minute, one-pan dish brings together a homemade curry sauce, salmon, and bok choy, creating a richly flavored meal that’s perfect for making your evening special without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs are great for date night. Ready in just 30 minutes, these meatballs are bursting with rich flavors yet require little effort to make. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a great-tasting meal quickly, making your date night both special and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a laid-back date night with this Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines chicken, spinach, and cheese into a comforting casserole. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a simple and hearty meal that makes the evening feel special without requiring too much work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken thighs with sun dried tomatoes in a white bowl.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken for a hassle-free date night. This 30-minute, one-pan meal includes chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, delivering a delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those looking to impress with a special meal without the complex cooking steps.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is perfect for a memorable date night. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish combines broccoli, cauliflower, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s an easy choice for a comforting and memorable meal, making it a fantastic option for a relaxing night in.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

For a hearty date night dinner, Keto Zuppa Toscana is a top choice. This version, ready in about an hour, is inspired by Olive Garden’s classic soup but tailored for a lifestyle with minimal carbs. The recipe combines bacon, ground mild Italian sausage, and radishes in a chicken broth, thickened with heavy whipping cream and flavored with garlic, sage, and black pepper. This dish is easy to prepare, ensuring a special meal without the stress, perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Opt for Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup for a simple, one-pot meal that’s ready in 60 minutes. It’s an easy recipe that produces a rich and flavorful soup, making any night a bit more special. This dish is a great option for anyone looking for an easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts for an easy date night meal. It’s ready in 30 minutes and combines tender chicken with artichokes in a rich sauce. It’s a simple way to create a filling and impressive dinner in no time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A bowl of cauliflower rice with creamy garlic chicken.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an easy yet impressive date night, Creamy Garlic Chicken is the way to go. Begin by seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, pepper, and salt for full flavor. Heat oil in a large pan and cook the chicken in batches until golden. Added with chicken stock to deglaze the pan, followed by heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This 30-minute meal combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce for a dinner that comes together quickly but feels special and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose Hungarian Mushroom Soup for a relaxed date night. This one-pot soup is ready in 45 minutes and is super simple to make. It’s a great choice for a laid-back evening, perfect for a delicious meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a bowl.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a fantastic option for an uncomplicated date night. This 30-minute meal is cooked in one pan and is easy to make. It’s a great way to enjoy a special evening together without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A fork is being used to take a piece of Philly cheese steak casserole out of a dish.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is a fantastic dish for spicing up your dinner plans. It takes less than an hour to prepare and is loaded with steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a generous amount of cheese. This dish is both easy to make and filling, making it perfect for a cozy date night at home.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a fun and simple option for a relaxing date night. This recipe involves seasoned chicken breasts layered with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked until perfectly melted and delicious. It’s an effortless dish that’s sure to make your evening pleasant.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Green Chile Chicken

A pan full of chicken in a sauce with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Green Chile Chicken is a perfect choice for an easy and quick dinner, especially if you have leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. This one-skillet meal comes together in just 20 minutes and is perfect for a no-hassle, delicious date night meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a great pick for a quick and delicious date night. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy these juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for a stress-free evening when you want to spend less time cooking and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an easygoing date night, Twice Baked Potato Casserole hits the spot. It features bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. It’s a great choice for a laid-back evening, allowing you to enjoy your time together without the last-minute rush.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a one-pot wonder that combines the heartiness of a classic dish with the comfort of a soup that’ll make you feel toasty all over. It’s simple to make with simple ingredients and delivers a cozy meal perfect for a date night, ready in just an hour. This soup is great for a night when you want the comfort of homemade cooking without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole serves up the flavors of stuffed peppers in an easy, one-pot dinner form. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s quick and easy to make, even for beginners, and results in a filling and delicious meal. It’s great for a relaxed date night when you’re looking for something simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Lemon Pepper Wings

Chicken wings in a bowl with lemon and parsley.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Lemon Pepper Wings are a fantastic option for a laid-back date night. These wings, marinated and baked until crispy, are juicy with a hint of tangy lemon pepper. They’re easy to prepare and can be served alone or with your choice of dipping sauce, making for a fun and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

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