Date-Night Shortcut: Restaurant-quality frozen dinners for two

Who says a romantic dinner has to break the bank? Stay in and cozy up to one of these affordable, restaurant-quality frozen dinners for two. Or, get inspired to make 'em yourself.

Pick It Up:

Buitoni Complete Meal for Two: Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli with Garlic Butter Sauce
Ravioli stuffed with wild lobster, shrimp and ricotta cheese makes for one indulgent meal. ($9.99, at grocery stores)



DIY:

Creamy Saffron Farfalle with Crab and Shrimp
This easy, yummy, romantic 30-Minute Meal gets a kick from cayenne pepper.

Get the recipe »



Pick It Up:

P.F. Chang's Home Menu: General Chang's Chicken
Crisp battered chicken gets tossed in a sweet chili sauce with broccoli and red bell pepper strips. ($8.99, at grocery stores)




DIY:
Basil, Chili and Garlic Chicken
Make your own takeout! If you want, swap out the chicken and try thinly sliced pork, beef, shrimp, or more in-season veggies instead; the soy-chili-basil sauce goes great with any of 'em.

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Pick It Up:
Bertolli Classic Meal: Tuscan-Style Braised Beef with Gold Potatoes
Get slow-cooked results in a hurry with these melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks and potato halves. ($8.99, at grocery stores)






DIY:
Braised Beef Short Ribs
You don't need a slow-cooker or fancy equipment for this old-fashioned, slow-roasted dinner-just a few on-hand ingredients and a little bit of time yield savory results.

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Pick It Up:
Deep Foods: Chicken Tikka Masala Complete Dinner for 2
Here are all the essentials of a traditional Indian feast-think crispy naan, samosas and creamy lentils. ($9.99, at Costco)


DIY:
Turkey Curry on Flatbread
Cool off your curry with a creamy spread of feta and Greek yogurt with this dinner that comes in at well under $10 for the whole family.

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Pick It Up:
Romano's Macaroni Grill: Spicy Italian Sausage Pomodoro
Nothing says comfort like this hearty rigatoni dish loaded with spicy sausage, roasted red peppers and onions. ($7.99, at grocery stores)






DIY:
Rachael Ray's Christmas Pasta
"This is the greatest gift I can give to myself and those I love," says Rach, "a big bowl of pasta with the works." Your sweetie will feel the love any time you serve up this 30-Minute Meal, guaranteed.

Get the recipe »

By Every Day with Rachael Ray staff

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