Life has a knack for getting in the way.

But there is still a way to plan aromantic datenight.

It’s time to clear your schedule for a few hours to enjoy an at-home dinner together.

Southern Living Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin “Filets” on a plate to serve

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And you may be shocked to learn it takes just 35 minutes to pull off.

This recipe serves 4, but can easily be cut in half for you and your date!

Select 1-inch-thick pork chops for this recipe.

Easy Chicken Parmesan

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The orzo prepares on the stove and then the shrimp cooks right on top.

It helps ensure a crisp, caramelized texture.

The chimichurri is easy to make too, taking just a couple minutes to prepare.

Southern Living Cornish Hens half of a hen on a plate to serve with vegetables

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The tarragon gives a nice note of anise to the sauce, but you might substitute basil.

Look for bold flavored and sweet cherry tomatoes like yellow-orange Sun Gold or deep purple Black Cherry.

Artichokes are the star of this meatless dish, or you’re free to substitute spinach.

Southern Living Steak Diane on a plate to serve with a baked potato and salad

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Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente so it will stay firm in the oven.

Seared Scallops with Lemon-Herb Rice

Treat yourself to scallops for a romantic evening.

This dish looks restaurant-worthy, but it comes together at home in just 45 minutes.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops on plates to serve with green beans and mashed potatoes

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Fire up the gas grill and place a cast-iron skillet over the heat.

Serve immediately after cooking, along with the rest of the wine bottle.

The charred corn and sweet scallops cook in bacon grease for an extra indulgence.

one-pan garlic-butter shrimp with orzo

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Chop the salmon by hand to maintain a delicate texture.

The tangy buttermilk dressing is delicious on the salmon cakes and a side salad.

The cutlets only take a few minutes to cook through once you pound them to 1/4-inch thick.

Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

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Serve over whatever noodles you have on hand and dinner is done.

You’ll love the mingling flavors of broth, butter, and sherry.

This low-carb version of eggplant rollups doesn’t skimp on the comfort of indulging in classic Italian food.

Cast-Iron Salmon with Baby Kale Salad

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The eggplant is softened in the oven and then filled with a simple blend of herbs and ricotta.

Baked Chicken Roulade

This recipe elevates budget-friendly chicken to a fancy French meal.

Bake chicken stuffed with asparagus and spinach, then spoon a nice pan sauce over top.

Steak Frites on a blue plate with mustard sauce in a bowl

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Serve with roasted potatoes or another favorite side.

In only 35 minutes, you’ll have salmon and sugar snap peas in a sticky, Asian-inspired glaze.

Sprinkle with chopped scallions and a squeeze of lime.

Southern Living Baked Crab Cakes on a plate to serve with mixed greens and a lemon wedge

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Pair it with your favorite rice or mashed potatoes.

Pan-Seared Flank Steak With Herb Sauce

Turn pan-searedflank steakinto something special.

Our herb sauce is inspired by chimichurri, the popular steak sauce from Argentina.

Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce

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At the end, everything gets drizzled in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

Marry Me Chicken

Who can resist committing to a dish with a name like this?

The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is tantalizing, though we’re not quite sure where the recipe came from.

Southern Living Lasagna Roll Ups on a plate to serve with a fork

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Serve with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.

The haricots verts (long, slender green beans) saute in under five minutes.

We also recommend sugar snap peas as a side when they’re in season.

Seared Scallops with Lemon-Herb Rice

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This recipe also includes a side of Roasted Cheddar Broccoli.

Cast-Iron Cowboy Steak

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Crab-and-Bacon Linguine

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Creamy Rice with Scallops

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Fresh Salmon Cakes with Buttermilk Dressing

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Cast-Iron Chicken Piccata

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Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

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Eggplant Rollups

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Baked Chicken Roulade

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One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo

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Molasses-Soy Glazed Salmon and Vegetables

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Easy Shrimp Scampi with Basil

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Pan-Seared Flank Steak with Herb Sauce

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Orange-Rosemary Roast Chicken

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Southern Living Marry Me Chicken garnished with fresh basil and ready to serve

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Southern Living Crispy Prosciutto, Strawberry, and Burrata Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette on a platter to serve

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Cutlets With Haricots Verts on a plate with a glass of water

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Southern Living Smothered Steaks With Mushroom Sauce served over mashed potatoes with roasted cheddar broccoli

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