Having a date night at home shouldn’t mean you’re stuck cooking all evening. You want easy dishes that still feel special, leaving you free to chill and chat with your partner. These 21 date night dishes guarantee a great meal without leaving you stranded in the kitchen!
Chicken Tinga
Spice things up with Chicken Tinga. This is a flavorful, Mexican dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. Cook the chicken with chipotle, onions, and tomatoes, shred it, and it’s ready to top tostadas, tacos, or even rice. It’s a no-sweat, tasty meal that leaves you more time for date night fun.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Let’s talk about a winner chicken dinner, or more specifically, Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This dish is a real treasure for anyone looking for a standout meal without the hassle, making it a prime pick for date night dishes that don’t keep you tied up in the kitchen. And the best part? It’s quick, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the evening.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Ready for a twist on the classic pizza night? Ham & Asparagus Pizza is a fun and fancy way to shake things up without adding any extra kitchen time, making it a perfect date night dish. Plus, the combination of savory ham and fresh asparagus on a crispy crust is just too good to pass up for a low-effort date night at home.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
On those chilly nights when you’re craving something warm and comforting, Pasta e Fagioli Soup has got your back. It’s easy to whip up, making it an ideal date night dish that won’t have you stuck in the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to keep the evening relaxed and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Sometimes, you just need a dish that’s as easy as it is tasty, and that’s where Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes comes in. It’s a no-muss, no-fuss kind of meal that’s perfect for a chill date night. Halfway into preparing this, you’ll see it’s the kind of date night dish that lets you skip the kitchen marathon.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
A Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is the way to go when you want a delicious, no-fuss meal that leaves your kitchen mess-free. Just pop it in the oven and you’re done, freeing you up for the important stuff, like enjoying date night. The combo of lemon and rosemary also means it smells amazing.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Want a dish that basically cooks itself? Check out Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops. They’re a fantastic pick for any date night, mainly because they do all the work in the slow cooker while you get to relax. This is the kind of dish that transforms a simple evening into something special, without keeping you tied up in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
There’s something about Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells that just screams comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a comfy date night in, especially because it won’t leave you stranded in the kitchen all evening. Prepping it is a breeze, and once it’s in the oven, you’re free to cozy up until it’s time to eat.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Cooking up a bunch of Southern Green Beans in your slow cooker is a smart move for a fuss-free date night. You just throw everything in and let it do its thing, leaving you with hours not spent in the kitchen. Plus, they taste great with that hint of garlic and bacon, making them a perfect side dish for a comfy night in.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Steak & Pasta Salad
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? This Steak & Pasta Salad is your ticket to a balanced meal that’s both filling and fresh, perfect for a date night dish that won’t glue you to the kitchen counter. Halfway through your meal, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this your go-to date night dish that leaves plenty of time for everything else.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon might sound fancy, but it’s pretty straightforward, especially if you let a slow cooker handle the heavy lifting. Just browning some meat and chopping veggies is all the prep you need for this rich, French stew. It makes your date night feel special without chaining you to the stove all night.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Pizza Raclette
Instead of the usual pizza night, why not mix it up with Pizza Raclette? It’s all about melting that tasty cheese and piling on your favorite toppings together. It’s fun, interactive, and doesn’t glue you to the kitchen, making it a top pick for a laid-back date night where the focus is on each other.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Making a Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a great choice for something light yet filling, without spending all evening cooking. It’s quick and filled with flavor, and the shrimp makes it feel a bit fancy. Perfect for keeping things easy in the kitchen so you can spend more time focused on your date.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
For a cozy, comforting dish that won’t anchor you to the stove, try Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup. It’s incredibly simple to make, ensuring your date night remains about connection rather than cooking. This soup’s rich flavors develop on their own, making it a perfect warm-up dish that’s hearty and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Building a Cuban Sandwich Casserole is like making a big, hearty hug on a plate. It layers all the juicy, pickly goodness of a Cuban sandwich without the work of making several sandwiches. Since you get it ready ahead of time, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen when date night rolls around.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Smoked Cauliflower
If you’ve got a smoker, using it to make Smoked Cauliflower is a genius move for an easy date night dish. Prep is minimal, and then the smoker does all the work. You end up with a smokey, flavorful veggie dish that doesn’t keep you away from Netflix and chilling together.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Turkey à la King
Turkey à la King is like bringing leftovers back to life in a way that feels new and fancy. It’s a creamy, comforting choice that’s easy to whip up, especially on rice or toast. Since it’s so easy, you won’t be tethered to the kitchen, making it a winner for a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Indulge in some Authentic Hungarian Goulash for a dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in history, without demanding hours in the kitchen. This is one of those magical date night dishes that feels special without being a chore to make. By the time you sit down to eat, you’ll realize it was the perfect choice for a tasty, hassle-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Southern Ham Salad
Throwing together a Southern Ham Salad means you get a dish that’s both tasty and easy, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when you could be hanging out together. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for grazing on throughout the night. Just mix it up, chill, and serve when you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Pickled Yellow Beans
Whipping up some Pickled Yellow Beans before your date gives you a tangy snack that’s ready to go. You can do all the prep in advance, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen pickling when you could be chilling together. They add a zesty, crunchy kick to your night with zero last-minute effort.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans
Dutch Oven Carnitas
If you’re craving something that’ll bring the flavor without the fuss, Dutch Oven Carnitas are the way to go. These are seriously perfect for keeping your date night easy but tasty. It’s the kind of meal that’s all about big taste with little work, ideal for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas