Dinner ideas for my boyfriend's birthday?

Question

My boyfriend lives on his own, and the only thing he knows how to cook that's close to 'gourmet food' is chicken parmesan with angel hair pasta. So that's usually what are dinners are when he cooks for me. His 26th birthday is next week and I wanted to make him something different. I decided on Parmesan Crusted Bruschetta Chicken. I don't know what to make him for his side dish though. I don't want to make him angel hair pasta like we usually eat. I am planning on making homemade garlic bread, but what could I do for a side dish? He really like rice, but I don't know if that would go with the Italian food. He also hates vegetables, which makes this difficult. If you can suggest a pasta that isn't going to be very filling, that would work too. Also, what kind of wine would go with these foods? Anything is helpful! 

ps- For dessert, I'm making him a homemade chocolate cheesecake, so I don't need any dessert suggestions. :)

JennyP · Accepted Answer

You might consider branching out and making something besides an Italian chicken dish.  Some ideas might include:

Marinated pork tenderloin
Rice pilaf
Applesauce (homemade is best)

Glazed ham steaks
Scalloped cheesy potatoes 
Cranberry jello salad with walnuts and sour cream

Stuffed chicken breasts ( I use chopped artichokes, goat cheese, bread crumbs, butter)
Wild rice pilaf 
Fruit salad

You get the idea.  If your heart is still set on Italian, then a nice side might be gnocchi with a lemon butter sauce.

Mike · Answer

Try orzo rice!  It is a pasta that it shaped to look like long grain rice!  It could step in in place of the angel hair.  

I would toss it with some olive oil and Parmesan cheese for a simple side dish

And traditionally, a chicken dish should go with a white wine or a rose(pronounced ros-ay).  Don't buy anything labeled as a dessert wine for dinner.  And chill it in the fridge before opening.

And a romantic birthday dessert would be strawberries with melted dark chocolate, and champagne.  That trio of flavors work together perfectly.  Happy Birthday!

Dinner ideas for my boyfriend's birthday?

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