Cast Iron Scampi- Valentine’s Day Dinner by Your Guy

While most of us are still recovering (recuperating) from the holiday season and getting back to a regular schedule, we don’t feel like planning for the next holiday, let alone valentine’s day dinner. But the truth is that this holiday is only a few weeks away and if you want to be spoiled by your significant other, you will need some planning ahead. Each Valentine’s Day, I ask my man to cook dinner for me. This is the best gift ever. I don’t get to do grocery shopping that day, no table setting, no dish washing. Of course, he gets me a valentine’s day gift (which happens to be also my birthday gift: my bday is only a few days apart from this holiday). But having an off duty of kitchen, cooking and even lunch box prepping that day is my favorite thing.

While my man is a fine cook, I don’t want to make it hard for him. I suggest few easy valentine’s day recipes that will ease the process. This year, I will go with shrimp scampi. I am a huge seafood fan, and so is he. The kids get to help him too. My daughter usually sets the table, and my teen boy helps with the cooking. He enjoys that. We usually have a romantic dinner after the kids eat theirs. They even help with serving the dishes. If your budget does not allow (or you don’t have a babysitter) to go out, then go out INSIDE your home. Now let’s see how the man in your life or your significant other can spoil with this Valentine’s Day dinner recipe.

Related: Valentine’s Day Breakfast Recipe: Egg & Cheese for Your True Love

Shrimp Scampi: Delicious Valentine’s Day Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package linguine
• 2 TBSP unsalted butter, room temp
• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 C white cooking wine
• 1/4 C freshly squeezed lemon juice
• salt and  black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 C Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 C Scallions

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Directions:

• Cook pasta as per package instructions in a pot of boiling water; drain well.
• On medium heat melt the butter in a  skillet.
• In the skillet add the shrimp, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

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• Stirring occasionally, cook, until pink,  2-3 minutes.
• Mix in the wine and lemon juice; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• After bringing to a simmer; take away from heat.

• Stir in pasta, lemon zest and parsley.
• Garnished with Parmesan cheese and scallions.

Isn’t this Valentine’s Day dinner delicious and easy to prepare? Like I said, we usually have our romantic dinner after the kids eat. One of our favorite easy recipes to give the kids is our Olivieri Ravioli Valentine’s Day recipe.

Olivieri Ravioli Valentine’s Day Recipe: Celebrate with Kids

If you’re not a fan of seafood, your significant other can whip you up an elegant yet easy four cheese manicotti recipe too!

 

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day dinner recipes? Tell us in the comments below!