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    Home » Recipes » Easy Main Dish Recipes

    Feb 1, 2023 by Andrea· This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Special Occasion Dinner Ideas

    Making a special dinner for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean hours spent in the kitchen. Here are a few recipes that are sure to win over the heart of the lucky recipient.

    I've selected 8 of my favorite recipes for a special dinner. Some require more time than others but they are all easy and delicious!

    creamy shrimp and scallops with sundried tomatoes and spinach in metal pan
    Creamy Shrimp and Scallops
    This gourmet meal can be ready in under 30 minutes! Serve it over pasta, rice, cauliflower mash, zucchini "noodles" or a hunk of crusty bread. No matter how you serve it you will feel like a Chef!
    Get the Recipe!
    a sliced grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce poured over it.
    Flank Steak with Salsa Verde
    Flank steak is a less expensive cut of beef that's packed with flavor which makes it a great option when cooking on a budget. If your barbecue is buried under the snow right now don't worry. This delicious steak can also be pan-seared on the stovetop. Instructions are in the recipe notes.
    Get the Recipe!
    Spanish chicken bake in cast iron pan with mixed vegetables
    Spanish Chicken
    A healthy and inexpensive way to impress your sweetheart. It's an elegant, one-pan meal that makes the most delicious leftovers!
    Get the Recipe!
    4 pan seared salmon filets. 2 with skin side up and 2 flesh side up. All topped with caper vinaigrette.
    Crispy Pan Seared Salmon With Fried Caper Vinaigrette
    Another simple and easy restaurant-quality dish that comes together quickly and will impress all salmon lovers. The crispy skin and fried caper vinaigrette take it to the next level!
    Get the Recipe!
    pork medallions in creamy mushroom sauce in pan with spoon
    Pork Medallions in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
    Still one of my most popular recipes this pork recipe is an absolute winner. Pork tenderloin is not only lean and full of protein but it's also economical. It's a win-win!
    Get the Recipe!
    red wine braised short ribs in a large pot
    Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
    If you have never tried red wine braised short ribs you are missing out on one of life's greatest food pleasures! This recipe takes more time but it can be made ahead and is well worth it.
    Get the Recipe!
    An individual portion of shrimp stir fry served over black rice with fresh lime wedges on the side.
    Shrimp Stir Fry With Pad Thai Sauce
    Who needs takeout when you can whip up this Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Pad Thai Sauce in less than 30 minutes? The tangy Pad Thai sauce is so good you'll want to use it for every stir fry you make!
    Get the Recipe!
    4 whole chicken legs on a bed of creamy white wine mushroom sauce.
    Coq au Vin Blanc (Chicken Braised in White Wine)
    Like the Spanish Chicken recipe above this dish uses chicken legs that are so delicious and affordable I don't get why they aren't used more often. The white wine mushroom sauce, with a touch of cream, will win over the heart of anyone who tries it.
    Get the Recipe!

    If you'd like to browse more for more ideas check out my Easy Main Dish Category and Easy Side Dishes for some accompaniment ideas.

    Tried this recipe? I would love it if you could leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and/or a comment below. You can also follow me on social media here on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

    Want to say thank you?

    More Easy Main Dish Recipes

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      Harissa Baked Chicken with Feta
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    • A large platter of tofu stir fry with a serving spoon and chopsticks on the side.
      Crispy Tofu Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
    • 2 smoked turkey breasts thinly sliced on a bed of lettuce.
      Smoked Turkey Breast

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    1. Louise says

      February 03, 2023 at 8:00 pm

      I've got eyes on the Pork Medallion recipe as I have tenderloin in the freezer. Yum!
      Enjoy your time in Mexico... love this country and its people. Omg...the awesome food you will have there! I'm a tad envious. Lol. Hope it will inspire you to make lovely recipes to share with us. Lucky you! Have fun!

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    Andrea from My Pocket Kitchen

    Hello and welcome to My Pocket Kitchen! I'm Andrea, a professionally trained Chef & Pastry Chef . Here you will find easy, step by step recipes that are packed with wholesome, nutrient rich ingredients. Hope you have fun! Read More…

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