10 Comfort Food Recipes for Valentine's Day: Cozy Dishes for Two

You're planning a cozy Valentine's Day dinner for two and want something special. You'll find rich, satisfying options like Rich Meatloaf and Braised Short Ribs, as well as romantic Garlic Shrimp Scampi.

These comfort food recipes will make your evening unforgettable, but which one will you choose to make first, and what makes them so perfect for this occasion?

1. Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake

Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake is a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce mixture, and grated mozzarella.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with parmesan cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

2. Chocolate Lava Cake

Rich, gooey chocolate lava cake for a decadent Valentine's Day treat.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with sugar.
3. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.
4. Whisk together the eggs and flour, then add the sugar and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 1 minute.
8. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates.
9. Serve immediately, with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

3. Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Hearty Beef Stroganoff for a Valentine's Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef strips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 cup cooked noodles
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the beef until browned.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, mustard, and paprika, and pour into the skillet.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
7. Stir in the sour cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve the beef mixture over the cooked noodles and garnish with parsley.

4. Roasted Chicken Dinner

Tender roasted chicken with flavorful vegetables, perfect for a Valentine's Day dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes in a large bowl and toss with a little bit of oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan.
7. Place the chicken in the roasting pan, breast side up, and put it in the oven.
8. Roast the chicken for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving with the roasted vegetables.

5. Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a romantic and flavorful Italian dish perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup cooked linguine

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the white wine, chicken broth, and olive oil.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
8. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and cook until melted.
9. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
10. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the linguine and sauce.
11. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
12. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired.

6. Homemade Mac Cheese

Creamy homemade mac cheese is a classic comfort food dish perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

7. Braised Short Ribs

Tender short ribs in a rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
6. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's softened, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary to the pot.
8. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
9. Return the short ribs to the pot and bring the sauce to a simmer.
10. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
11. Braise the short ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until they're tender and falling off the bone.
12. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly.
13. Serve the short ribs with the rich, flavorful sauce spooned over the top.

8. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a delightful Valentine's Day treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and use a donut pan to shape the donuts.
7. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon.
10. Toss the warm donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
11. Dust the donuts with confectioners' sugar before serving.

9. Baked Chicken Fajitas

Spicy chicken and sautéed peppers in a flavorful fajita dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat with the spice mixture.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.
9. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
10. Assemble the fajitas by placing the chicken and pepper mixture onto the tortillas and adding desired toppings.

10. Rich Meatloaf Recipe

Indulge in a classic rich meatloaf recipe perfect for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped bacon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, brown sugar, egg, onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Stir in chopped bacon.
5. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

You've explored these 10 comfort food recipes for Valentine's Day - will they make your dinner for two unforgettable? With options like Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake and Rich Meatloaf, you're sure to impress. Each dish offers a unique taste, so what's stopping you from cooking up a romantic evening?