Print

Perfect Romantic Dinner for Two with Easy Wine Pairings Guide

romantic dinner for two - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy romantic dinner for two featuring seared chicken breasts with garlic, rosemary, cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and buttery thyme baby potatoes, paired perfectly with white or red wine.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), preferably organic, free-range
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 12 small baby potatoes (about 1 lb / 450 g), halved
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened (use plant-based if dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay (for pairing)
  • Alternatively, a light Pinot Noir (for pairing)

Instructions

  1. Place the halved baby potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and toss with softened butter and fresh thyme. Keep warm.
  2. While the potatoes cook, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden crust.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear. Reduce heat slightly if chicken browns too quickly.
  5. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, push the chicken to one side of the pan and add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant and tomatoes start to soften, about 2 minutes.
  6. Add baby spinach to the pan, stirring gently until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Arrange chicken breasts on plates alongside the buttery thyme potatoes and sautéed spinach and tomatoes. Pour a glass of your chosen wine and serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken breasts for even cooking. Flatten chicken slightly with a meat mallet if cooking unevenly. Do not crowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Butter can be swapped for plant-based butter or coconut oil for dairy-free option. Fresh herbs preferred but dried herbs can be used at one-third the amount. Let wine breathe about 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: romantic dinner, chicken recipe, easy dinner for two, wine pairing, quick dinner, healthy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-romantic-dinner-for-two-with-easy-wine-pairings-guide/