TGet ready to celebrate the season of love with these affordable and tasty dishes. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean splurging on an expensive dinner at a restaurant. You can create a cozy and romantic atmosphere at home with a delicious, budget-friendly meal. Here are three easy-to-make recipes that are sure to impress your special someone. These meals are simple, flavorful, and filled with love.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta (from https://www.budgetbytes.com)

Ingredients
8 oz spaghetti
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 T butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
Toss the cooked pasta into the shrimp and garlic butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (from https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes)

Ingredients
2 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 c vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 c heavy cream or half-and-half
1 T dried basil (or 1/4 c fresh basil, chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Chicken Parmesan
from https://www.tasteofhome.com)

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 c breadcrumbs
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 c marinara sauce
1 c shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 T olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce and Mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with a side of spaghetti or salad.