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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    Why Go Out? 33 Easy Date Night Dinners That Taste Better Than Restaurant Meals

    Published: Sep 22, 2024 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    You know how we always struggle to figure out what to eat on date night? Well, I’ve found some amazing date night dinners that are super easy to make at home and honestly way better than what you’d get at a restaurant. You can whip up these meals without the hassle of going out, and they’re perfect for a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these, you might never want to leave the house for dinner again!

    Juicy And Tender Stuffed Pork Chops With Herbed Stuffing

    A stuffed pork chop on a plate covered in gravy.
    Juicy And Tender Stuffed Pork Chops With Herbed Stuffing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This flavorful recipe for stuffed pork chops and gravy makes tender, juicy pork chops with a tasty bread stuffing and homemade gravy. Ready less than an hour!
    Get the Recipe: Juicy And Tender Stuffed Pork Chops With Herbed Stuffing

    Fall-Off-The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs

    Barbecue ribs with a bowl of sacue.
    Fall-Off-The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Baby back pork ribs cooked in the crock pot are fall-off-the-bone delicious.
    Get the Recipe: Fall-Off-The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs.

    Boursin Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

    Sliced chicken breasts on a bed of spinach on a plate.
    Boursin Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These Stuffed Chicken Breasts are filled with Boursin cheese and topped with fresh basil and crispy prosciutto for a deliciously easy dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

    Smothered Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy

    A skillet of pork chops with a spoon full of mushroom gravy.
    Smothered Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Smothered pork chops with mushroom gravy are rich, satisfying, Southern comfort food. Thick, savory homemade gravy and tender mushrooms!
    Get the Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops With Mushroom Gravy

    Garlic Butter Pork Chops In A Cast Iron Skillet

    A cast iron skillet with two pork chops.
    Garlic Butter Pork Chops In A Cast Iron Skillet. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These cast iron skillet pork chops are basted with a garlic and herb butter for a the most tender and juicy pork chops that you can make in less than 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Pork Chops In A Cast Iron Skillet

    Pork Tenderloin With Apples

    A platter with pork tenderloin and apples with a serving spoon.
    Pork Tenderloin With Apples. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pork tenderloin with caramelized apples baked with an orange juice glaze will melt in your mouth. Easy to assemble and you can make it ahead.
    Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin With Apples

    The Juiciest Bone In Grilled Pork Chops

    A grilled pork chop next to a sweet potato on a plate.
    The Juiciest Bone In Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Perfect, juicy grilled pork chops in less than 20 minutes! You never need to have dry pork chops again! (Easy recipe!)
    Get the Recipe: The Juiciest Bone In Grilled Pork Chops

    Steak Marsala With Mushroom Sauce

    A plate of Steak Marsala topped with a rich mushroom sauce, garnished with chopped parsley. A fork rests on the side of the dish. The steak is sliced, revealing a medium-rare interior. The overall presentation is appetizing and savory.
    Steak Marsala With Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Steak Marsala with a buttery mushroom Marsala sauce will be a show stopper whether for family or your next dinner party.
    Get the Recipe: Steak Marsala With Mushroom Sauce

    Creamy Au Poivre Sauce With Peppercorns

    Steak au Poivre on a black platter with a bottle of Cognac.
    Creamy Au Poivre Sauce With Peppercorns. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy Steak au Poivre Sauce recipe is a rich sauce flavored with mustard and peppercorns that comes together in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Au Poivre Sauce With Peppercorns

    Super Tender Grilled Skirt Steak

    Marinated skirt steak grilled and sliced on a cutting board.
    Super Tender Grilled Skirt Steak. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Infused with tequila, soy sauce, and brown sugar, this skirt steak recipe yields juicy and flavorful meat every time.
    Get the Recipe: Super Tender Grilled Skirt Steak

    Pan Seared Buttery Garlic Ribeye Steak

    A pan seared steak sliced on a serving platter.
    Pan Seared Buttery Garlic Ribeye Steak. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Restaurant-quality, tender juicy steak right in your own kitchen in about 10 minutes. So easy, this garlic herb butter steak will melt-in-your-mouth.
    Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Buttery Garlic Ribeye Steak

    Weeknight Chicken In White Wine

    Weeknight Chicken In White Wine. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Weeknight chicken in white wine is a one skillet meal you can throw together with just a few ingredients. Simple enough for a weeknight.
    Get the Recipe: Weeknight Chicken In White Wine

    Creamy Italian Sausage And Pasta

    Creamy pasta with Italian sausage on a platter
    Creamy Italian Sausage And Pasta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This quick and easy creamy Italian sausage pasta is a great weeknight pasta dinner that will be on the table in less than 30 minutes. Sure to be a family favorite with savory Italian sausage and rosemary.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage And Pasta

    Pasta With Prosciutto And Scallops

    Pasta With Prosciutto And Scallops. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pasta with Crisped Prosciutto, Asparagus and Scallops is fresh and light and comes together in just 20 minutes. You’ll love the light cream sauce flavored with crisped prosciutto. Great for a week night dinner but fancy enough for company.
    Get the Recipe: Pasta With Prosciutto And Scallops

    Shrimp Pasta With Mascarpone

    Parmesan being added to shrimp and pasta.

    This easy shrimp and spinach pasta with mascarpone is rich and creamy and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pasta With Mascarpone

    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Mouthwatering pesto pasta salad recipe with vibrant colors on a spoon.
    Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Easy to make basil pesto pasta salad with bow tie pasta is a flavorful, colorful side that’s great for summer picnics or cookouts.
    Get the Recipe: Bow Tie Pasta Salad With Basil Pesto

    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    A serving bowl of antipasto salad.
    Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This irresistible antipasto pasta salad is EASY to make with a simple homemade dressing, an Italian inspired pasta that’s great for Summer.
    Get the Recipe: Cold Antipasto Pasta Salad With Pepperoncini Peppers

    Saltimbocca Recipe With Chicken & Artichokes

    Chicken saltimbocca with an artichoke sauce.
    Saltimbocca Recipe With Chicken & Artichokes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    For the weeknights when you need a quick and healthy meal, whip up a delicious chicken saltimbocca with basil, artichokes and prosciutto.
    Get the Recipe: Saltimbocca Recipe With Chicken & Artichokes

    Chicken And Roasted Potatoes

    Roasted chicken with potatoes and mustard in a skillet.
    Chicken And Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Chicken and Roasted Potatoes is a QUICK and EASY dinner with crispy chicken and potatoes roasted together in the oven.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken And Roasted Potatoes

    Apricot Chicken

    A plate of apricot chicken on a bed of rice.
    Apricot Chicken. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Apricot Mustard Glazed Chicken is a quick dinner you can prep in just 10 minutes that come out tender and juicy.
    Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken

    Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

    A skillet of Chicken parmesan meatballs with a serving spoon.
    Parmesan Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Parmesan chicken meatballs in a flavorful marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella are great for a healthy weeknight dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

    Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

    A baked chicken breast being removed from a serving platter.
    Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Baked lemon chicken recipe with dates is a no-fuss recipe that’s slightly sweet and tangy, with naturally sweet dates and caramelized lemons.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Chicken Recipe

    Tender And Juicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts

    A baked chicken breast on a bed of rice with lemon wedges.
    Tender And Juicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Lemon Garlic Chicken is an easy oven baked chicken dinner you can put together in 20 minutes or less. Lots of flavor for a weeknight dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Tender And Juicy Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts

    Oven Baked Tender And Juicy Bbq Pork Ribs

    Individual pork ribs on parchment paper.
    Oven Baked Tender And Juicy Bbq Pork Ribs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Too cold to break out the grill? Don’t worry, these oven baked ribs will make it feel like the height of summer.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Tender And Juicy Bbq Pork Ribs

    Grilled Tenderloin With Cherry Sauce

    A sliced pork tenderloin on a platter with cherry sauce around it.
    Grilled Tenderloin With Cherry Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Try grilled pork tenderloin for dinner with cherry sauce for an easy weeknight meal and one that will also impress when entertaining.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Tenderloin With Cherry Sauce

    Bone-In Oven Roasted Pork Chops With Peaches

    Peaches next to pork chops on a baking sheet covered in foil.
    Bone-In Oven Roasted Pork Chops With Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pork chops with peaches are sweetened with roasted peaches for a sheet pan meal that comes together in less than 10 minutes and ready in 30.
    Get the Recipe: Bone-In Oven Roasted Pork Chops With Peaches

    Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops With Gravy

    Pork chops on a plate covered with ranch gravy.
    Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops With Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This ranch pork chops recipe is made in the slow cooker with just a few ingredients. Perfect golden brown pork chops in a thick and flavorful gravy.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Pork Chops With Gravy

    Juicy Quick Browned Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    A serving of pork tenderloin over rice.
    Juicy Quick Browned Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Oven roasted pork tenderloin with pears has a golden brown, caramelized crust and the juiciest, most tender meat. Easy one-pan dinner for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Juicy Quick Browned Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin

    Pan Fried Panko Breaded Pork Chops

    A fork in a bite of a fried pork chop.
    Pan Fried Panko Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These Panko breaded pork chops are cooked in a skillet for the juiciest meat with the crispiest crust. Easy comfort food dinner in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Panko Breaded Pork Chops

    Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

    A serving of beef stroganoff with egg noodles.
    Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This one-pot Beef Stroganoff is made with ground beef and homemade mushroom soup for an extra flavor boost.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff With Homemade Cream Of Mushroom Soup

    Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe

    taco spaghetti swirled around a fork
    Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Taco Spaghetti Recipe is a super easy and quick weeknight dinner you can make in just ONE POT in less than 30 minutes!
    Get the Recipe: Best Taco Spaghetti Recipe

    Baked Chicken Gnocchi

    An iron skillet with baked gnocchi
    Baked Chicken Gnocchi. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Baked Chicken Gnocchi is a creamy, comforting dish you can whip up in just ONE PAN, ready in under 40 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Gnocchi

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot

    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Indulge in this Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Only 15 minutes of prep.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken In Crock Pot

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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