A Simple Valentine’s 3-Course Dinner at Home (That Feels Like a Reservation)

There is something so lovely about staying home.

No reservations.
No waiting for a table.
No rushing through a meal because the next party is standing behind you.

Just candles.
A set table.
Music low in the background.
And a meal made with intention.

If you’re staying in this Valentine’s Day, here is an easy three-course menu that feels elevated — but is completely doable. This is the kind of dinner that says “I thought about this” without it being too stressful on anyone.

Let’s build your menu.

Course One: Whipped Goat Cheese + Hot Honey Crostini

Sweet. Savory. Elegant. And ready in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced

• 8 oz goat cheese (room temperature)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons hot honey

• Fresh thyme (optional)

• Flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Brush baguette slices lightly with olive oil.

2. Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.

3. Whip goat cheese with a drizzle of olive oil until fluffy.

4. Spread onto warm crostini.

5. Drizzle with hot honey and finish with thyme and flaky salt.

It feels like something you’d order at a tucked-away bistro — but you made it in your own kitchen.

Main Course: Creamy Tuscan Chicken (One-Skillet, 30 Minutes)

This is your restaurant-style moment — without the reservation.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)

• ½ cup grated parmesan

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 cup fresh spinach

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Sear in butter over medium heat until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds.

4. Pour in broth and cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes.

5. Stir in parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.

6. Add spinach and allow to wilt.

7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer until fully cooked through.

Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted asparagus.

It looks impressive.
It tastes indulgent.
It takes about 30 minutes.

Dessert Option One: No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

Rich. Chocolatey. No oven required.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (or crushed gluten-free brownies)

• 3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup melted dark chocolate

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup whipped cream

Directions

1. Mix crumbs with melted butter and press into small jars or ramekins.

2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

3. Add melted chocolate and vanilla.

4. Fold in whipped cream.

5. Spoon over crust and chill 1–2 hours.

Top with strawberries or chocolate shavings before serving.

Dessert Option Two: Strawberry Shortcake

Southern. Timeless.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced strawberries

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Shortcakes or biscuits (regular or gluten-free)

• Fresh whipped cream

• Splash of vanilla

Directions

1. Toss strawberries with sugar and let sit 15–20 minutes.

2. Split shortcakes in half.

3. Layer berries, juices, and whipped cream.

4. Top with more cream and a few extra strawberries.

For an elevated twist, add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Set the Table. Light the Candles. Stay In!

Valentine’s doesn’t have to mean crowds and reservations.

Sometimes it’s quieter.
More meaningful.
More intentional.

A home-cooked meal.
A clean table.
The people you love sitting across from you.

That’s romance, too.

And truly? It might be the best seat in the house.