Valentine’s Day is a significant holiday, with many couples heading out to restaurants or preparing a special meal at home. However, this day can also carry a stigma for some. We are here to show that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples – self-love is equally worth celebrating. Treat yourself to a heart-shaped box of delicious chocolates, light some candles, put on some music, and cook up one of our favorite meals for one. These recipes are easy to prepare and won’t leave you with a pile of dishes to clean up afterward. They are designed for smaller portions or can be easily scaled down, though you might find yourself wishing you had made more!
Pasta is a staple at Delish and is a go-to for solo dinners. It’s versatile, easy to adjust based on your hunger level, and perfect for weeknight meals. Whether you prefer classic Italian pasta dishes like cacio e pepe, pasta alla gricia, or more modern options like divorce ditalini or creamy Tuscan vegan pasta, pasta dinners are always a win.
For a special treat, consider indulging in a steak dinner. You don’t have to share your cowboy butter steak, cast-iron skillet steak, or steak with bourbon garlic cream sauce with anyone, and you’ll impress guests when you do eventually have them over!
Pair your main course with a small-batch dessert recipe that’s perfect for one or two people with a sweet tooth. For example, cowboy butter steak features a bone-in ribeye seared to perfection and basted with a zesty butter for a delicious meal.
Indulge in dishes like divorce ditalini, lemon-brown butter salmon, burrata pizza sandwiches, and classic cacio e pepe. Each recipe offers a unique and flavorful dining experience that’s perfect for celebrating self-love on Valentine’s Day.
Freshly ground pepper adds depth with its earthy, sweet, and spicy notes all at once. Find the recipe for Cacio e Pepe here. PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet features butter-toasted chickpeas and seared broccoli coated in a rich Alfredo-style sauce made with heavy cream, shallots, garlic, and Parmesan. A hint of lemon zest and crushed red pepper flakes provide a zesty contrast to the creamy sauce in this 35-minute skillet dinner. Get the recipe for Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet here. PHOTO: MURRAY HALL; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
For a decadent dish, try Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, which boasts a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce packed with shrimp, tender spinach, and fragrant herbs, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Find the recipe for Marry Me Shrimp Pasta here. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Enjoy a quick and easy homemade pizza experience with French Bread Pizza. Skip the hassle of rolling out pizza dough by using French bread as the base for this flavorful pizza hack. Get the recipe for French Bread Pizza here. JOEL GOLDBERG
Savor a comforting bowl of Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta inspired by the classic creamy Tuscan chicken dish but made vegan-friendly, retaining the luscious creaminess. Find the recipe for Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta here. PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Indulge in Brie Spaghetti, a decadent pasta dish featuring nutty, buttery brie that pairs effortlessly with a variety of flavors, offering a luxurious yet simple meal option. Get the recipe for Brie Spaghetti here. PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURN
Experience Marry Me Tofu, where well-seasoned tofu shines in a creamy, garlicky sauce, offering a delightful plant-based protein option for a flavorful meal. Find the recipe for Marry Me Tofu here. PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Delight in Mushroom Piccata Pasta, a vegetarian twist on classic chicken piccata, featuring a bright and briny sauce filled with golden brown mushrooms for a savory and satisfying dish. Get the recipe for Mushroom Piccata Pasta here. PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Enjoy a lighter version of creamy Alfredo pasta with Cottage Cheese Alfredo, featuring cottage cheese and spinach for added protein and flavor without compromising on taste. Find the recipe for Cottage Cheese Alfredo here. PHOTO: ROCKY L
ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM
Lobster Ravioli
This version of lobster ravioli uses wonton wrappers instead of traditional pasta dough. The delicate wonton wrappers enhance the decadent lobster filling, making it the star of the dish.
Get the Lobster Ravioli recipe.
Andrew bui Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls
Pad krapow is a popular stir-fry dish in Thailand known for its saucy ground meat, bell peppers, spicy chiles, and fresh basil served over rice. Our take on this dish is a protein-packed meal prep option that will keep you satisfied throughout the week.
Get the Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Indulge in the heavenly combination of caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese sandwiched between crispy toasted bread. This grilled cheese twist on classic French onion soup will have you questioning why you ever bothered with the broth.
Get the French Onion Grilled Cheese recipe.
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER
Baked Feta Pasta
Roasting a block of feta with burst tomatoes creates a delicious dish that has taken TikTok by storm. This baked feta pasta is a simple yet elegant recipe perfect for a cozy date night for two.
Get the Baked Feta Pasta recipe.
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
These flavorful ground turkey lettuce wraps are a quick and customizable meal, ready in just 20 minutes. Top them with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious and light dish.
Get the Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe.
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet
This vegetarian take on a creamy Tuscan dish features white beans and spinach in a luxurious tomato cream sauce. Enjoy this hearty and comforting skillet dinner that will make you forget all about the chicken.
Get the Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet recipe.
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE
Indian Butter Chickpeas
Elevate canned chickpeas with this flavorful vegetarian dish simmered in an aromatic tomato gravy. This unique spin on butter chicken will transform your perception of beans.
Get the Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe.
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
Jerk Tofu Grain Bowls
Embark on a culinary journey through Jamaican cuisine with these vegan grain bowls featuring sweet plantains, rice and peas, and jerk-marinated tofu
Looking to cook a high-quality steak at home in a short amount of time? Skip the restaurant and try this method that takes only 15 minutes, or even less sometimes. The trick is to ensure your skillet is extremely hot, and your steak is dry and well-seasoned before searing. Check out the Cast-Iron Skillet Steak recipe.
Expand your sloppy Joe horizons beyond the traditional sandwich by trying this Sloppy Joe orzo recipe. The delicious sauce and ground beef mixture that make sloppy Joes so tasty are combined with orzo pasta for a new twist. Find the Sloppy Joe Orzo recipe here.
Upgrade your nachos game with these Sheet-Pan Green Chile Chicken Nachos featuring four types of cheese. The addition of chopped green chiles cuts through the richness of the cheese. Customize your toppings, but we recommend The Works for a flavorful experience. Get the Sheet-Pan Green Chile Chicken Nachos recipe.
Add a kick to your pasta with Sichuan peppercorns in the Sichuan Pesto Noodles recipe. These unique peppers bring a herbal spice with a numbing effect, elevating the traditional pesto and pasta combo. Discover the Sichuan Pesto Noodles recipe here.
Elevate your solo dinner with this Steak With Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce, featuring a 12-ounce strip steak with a creamy bourbon garlic sauce. Seared to perfection, basted in garlicky butter, and served with a rich pan gravy, this steak is a decadent centerpiece for any meal. Find the Steak With Bourbon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe.
Enjoy a vegan twist on the popular Peruvian dish Lomo Saltado with the Seitan Lomo Saltado recipe. This flavorful dish substitutes seitan for beef, creating a satisfying vegan meal. Check out the Seitan Lomo Saltado recipe.
Indulge in the Fried Halloumi Salad, a hearty meal featuring crunchy fennel, juicy orange segments, creamy avocado, crispy fried pita, and a herb-packed dressing. This salad is a complete meal in itself, perfect for days when you want a no-cook option. Get the Fried Halloumi Salad recipe.
Whip up a quick and delicious dinner with Air Fryer Beef & Broccoli, a Chinese-American classic made with tender beef strips, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a savory-sweet sauce. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes in the air fryer. Find the Air Fryer Beef & Broccoli recipe here.
Oh, the joy of flavors, textures, and scrumptiousness! (The perfect trio!) To add an extra kick, gradually whisk in a portion of a ramen seasoning packet, tasting and adjusting as you go. Find the Warm Tahini Ramen Noodles recipe for a delightful culinary experience.
Next up is the Joel Goldberg Kimchi Fried Rice. With just six ingredients, the focus is on the rice and the kimchi. Opt for leftover takeout rice for convenience, and seek out Napa cabbage kimchi for optimal results. Elevate this dish by adding leftover steak or a fried egg with a perfectly runny yolk to transform it into a hearty meal. Find the Kimchi Fried Rice recipe for a flavorful delight.
For a twist on traditional egg rolls, try the andrew bui Egg Roll Bowls. If you adore the crispy, savory goodness of egg rolls, this deconstructed version is a dream dinner come true. Packed with veggies and ready in under an hour, garnish with crunchy raw scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a generous drizzle of sriracha or chili oil. Find the Egg Roll Bowls recipe for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Indulge in the simplicity and richness of Pasta Alla Gricia. This Italian classic is a breeze to prepare and even more delightful to savor. For an authentic touch, use guanciale—cured pork jowl—with its subtly sweet and delicate flavor. If guanciale is unavailable, pancetta or thick-cut bacon can be excellent substitutes. Find the Pasta Alla Gricia recipe for a comforting pasta dish.
Prepare to be amazed by the decadence of the Chicken Caesar Salad. While salads may not typically be associated with decadence, this one breaks the mold. Featuring a luscious, tangy dressing, tender roasted chicken thighs, crispy croutons, and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this Caesar salad is a luxurious treat. Find the Chicken Caesar Salad recipe for a truly indulgent experience.
For a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, try the Chirashi Bowls. Chirashizushi, or “scattered sushi,” presents sashimi atop sushi rice for a delightful twist on sushi. Chirashi bowls offer a simple way to enjoy sushi flavors without the need for sushi rolling skills. Find the Chirashi Bowls recipe for a refreshing take on sushi.
If you’re a fan of Rome’s famous carbonara pasta, you’ll adore the Carbonara Pizza. This extra-cheesy pizza rendition pays homage to the beloved carbonara dish. Accompany it with peppery arugula dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to balance the richness of the pizza. Find the Carbonara Pizza recipe for a cheesy delight.
End your culinary journey with the Joel Goldberg Moules Frites. This messy yet delightful dish is a favorite for two reasons: it’s ideal for sharing and promises a messy, flavorful experience. Picture white wine sauce infused with
