It's the ultimate girl dinner! This Galentine's Day menu is the sweetest spread
It's the ultimate girl dinner! This Galentine's Day menu is the sweetest spread is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by The KSL Noon Show on YouTube.
Prep: 24 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 24 min
Cost: $31.86 total, $7.97 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles (heart‑shaped or orzo, uncooked)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 3 Tbsp Salted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 0.25 cup Heavy Cream (chilled)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 8 oz Cheese Cubes (firm cheese like cheddar or gouda, cut into bite‑size cubes)
- 2 Tbsp Raspberry Jam (smooth or seedless)
- 12 Medjool Dates (pitted)
- 0.25 cup Almond Butter (smooth, natural)
- 1 cup Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips (or chopped chocolate bar)
- 0.25 cup Pink M&M's (optional, for color and crunch)
- 1 pinch Flaky Sea Salt (for topping)
- 4 cup Sprite (chilled)
- 4 Tbsp Grenadine Syrup (store‑bought)
- 4 Tbsp Vanilla Cream Syrup (or vanilla flavored syrup)
- Ice Cubes (as needed)
Instructions
Sauté Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1‑2 minutes, being careful not to brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook Noodles in Broth
Add the uncooked noodles to the pot, then pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al‑dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 8‑10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑low simmer
Finish the Buttered Noodles
When the broth is mostly gone, add the butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir until the butter melts and the cheese fully incorporates, creating a creamy coating. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Cheese & Jam Bites
Place cheese cubes on a serving plate. Spoon a small dollop of raspberry jam onto the top of each cube, optionally shaping the jam into a tiny heart with the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Date Base
Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the pitted dates evenly on the sheet and press them together with a rolling pin until they form a compact, flat layer.
Time: PT5M
Spread Almond Butter
Evenly spread the almond butter over the pressed date layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Time: PT3M
Melt Chocolate
Place chocolate chips in a microwave‑safe bowl and melt in 30‑second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.
Time: PT2M
Add Chocolate & Toppings
Pour the melted chocolate over the almond‑buttered dates, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle pink M&M's and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
Time: PT5M
Chill the Bark
Transfer the sheet to the refrigerator (or freezer for a faster set) and let the chocolate harden completely, about 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Prepare Dirty Shirley Mocktail
Fill each glass with ice cubes. Add 1 Tbsp grenadine, 1 Tbsp vanilla cream syrup, then pour chilled Sprite over the top. Stir gently and serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 65 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Tree nuts, Soy (possible in chocolate chips)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Small Pasta Noodles: any small pasta shape, rice noodles (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Salted Butter: unsalted butter (add pinch of salt)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: fresh basil, cilantro
- Instead of Cheese Cubes: mozzarella cubes, vegan cheese cubes
- Instead of Raspberry Jam: strawberry jam, fruit preserves
- Instead of Medjool Dates: soft dried figs, date paste
- Instead of Almond Butter: peanut butter, cashew butter
- Instead of Semi‑Sweet Chocolate Chips: dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips
- Instead of Pink M&M's: colored sprinkles, crushed candy
- Instead of Flaky Sea Salt: regular kosher salt
- Instead of Sprite: 7‑Up, any lemon‑lime soda
- Instead of Grenadine Syrup: pomegranate juice + sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Cream Syrup: vanilla extract diluted with water
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Microplane or Box Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin (optional)
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Glassware for Mocktail
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned.
- Allow broth to absorb completely before adding butter and cream.
- Press dates into a uniform layer before spreading almond butter.
- Melt chocolate gently to avoid scorching.
- Chill the bark until fully set before cutting.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use heart‑shaped pasta for a cute Galentine’s touch.
- Finish the buttered noodles with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on the date bark instead of M&M's.
Troubleshooting
Noodles turn out dry or stuck to the pot.
Add a little more broth or water and continue simmering, stirring constantly.
Chocolate becomes grainy after melting.
Melt chocolate over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring continuously; add a teaspoon of butter if needed.
Jam runs off the cheese bites.
Pat cheese cubes dry before adding jam and use a small dollop; chill bites briefly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Butter noodles, cheese bites, and date bark keep 2‑3 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Date bark freezes well for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Serve the Dirty Shirley immediately; do not store.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the date almond butter bark a day ahead; keep refrigerated.
- Cheese bites can be assembled up to 2 hours before serving and covered.
- Butter noodles reheat well in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a "Girl Dinner" in modern American pop culture?
The term "Girl Dinner" went viral on social media as a playful way to describe a quick, carb‑heavy, no‑protein snack that friends gather around, especially on nights like Galentine’s. It reflects a shift toward comfort‑focused, low‑effort meals that celebrate friendship rather than traditional dinner structures.
What are the traditional regional variations of buttered noodles in American cuisine?
While buttered noodles are a simple staple across the U.S., regional twists include adding cheese in the Midwest, incorporating herbs like parsley in the Pacific Northwest, or using broth instead of water in Southern comfort cooking. This recipe follows the creamy, Parmesan‑rich style popular in the Northeast.
How is buttered noodles traditionally served in a Galentine’s dinner setting?
In a Galentine’s setting, buttered noodles are often plated in a shallow bowl, garnished with fresh herbs, and served alongside bite‑size snacks like cheese bites and sweet treats, creating a communal, share‑able vibe that encourages conversation.
What occasions or celebrations is a Girl Dinner typically associated with in contemporary U.S. culture?
Girl Dinner is most popular for informal gatherings such as Galentine’s Day, girls‑night‑in, movie marathons, or after‑work catch‑ups where the focus is on comfort, ease, and indulgence rather than formal dining.
What makes the Date Almond Butter Chocolate Bark special in American snack culture?
The bark combines natural sweetness from dates, creamy almond butter, and rich chocolate, echoing the growing U.S. trend toward wholesome, no‑bake desserts that are both indulgent and nutrient‑dense. Its customizable toppings make it a crowd‑pleaser for festive gatherings.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the buttered noodles in this recipe?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, letting the broth evaporate too quickly, and adding butter before the liquid is mostly absorbed, which can cause a greasy texture. Follow the critical steps: simmer until most liquid is gone, then finish with butter, cream, and cheese.
Why does this Girl Dinner recipe use chicken broth instead of plain water for the noodles?
Using broth adds depth of flavor and a subtle savory backbone that pairs beautifully with the butter, cream, and Parmesan, turning simple noodles into a richer, more satisfying dish without extra effort.
Can I make the Date Almond Butter Chocolate Bark ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the bark can be prepared up to two days ahead. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; for longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the buttered noodles are done?
The noodles should be coated in a glossy, creamy sauce that clings to each piece, with the Parmesan melted into a smooth finish. The dish should look slightly glossy, not watery, and the parsley garnish adds a fresh green speckle.
What does the YouTube channel The KSL Noon Show specialize in?
The YouTube channel The KSL Noon Show focuses on lifestyle and cooking segments that blend quick, family‑friendly recipes with seasonal celebrations, often featuring guest chefs and easy‑to‑follow tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel The KSL Noon Show's approach to Galentine’s cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The KSL Noon Show emphasizes relatable, low‑stress meals that can be assembled with everyday pantry items, highlighting community and fun. Unlike more technique‑heavy channels, it keeps steps simple, uses one‑pot methods, and adds playful touches like heart‑shaped pasta for a festive feel.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
