10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Two to Delight Your Evening Meals

10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Two to Delight Your Evening Meals

Cooking for two can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re trying to impress a date or simply want an easy meal for yourself and a friend, having simple recipes on hand is essential.

With the right easy dinner recipes, you can create delicious meals without the stress of complicated cooking techniques or tons of leftovers.

A cozy kitchen with two place settings on a small table, a pot simmering on the stove, and fresh ingredients scattered on the counter

Choosing recipes that are specifically designed for two helps you save time and reduce food waste. It’s all about enjoying great flavors while keeping it simple and straightforward.

You’ll find that cooking together can also be a great way to bond and share quality time.

1) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

A sheet pan with sizzling chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with fajita spices, ready to be served for a cozy dinner for two

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are a simple and tasty dinner for two. You can make them all on one pan, which makes cleanup quick and easy.

Just toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with some spices and bake.

You can use warm flour tortillas to serve the fajitas. Add your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, or avocado for extra flavor. This dish is not only easy but also delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: salsa, cheese, avocado

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a sheet pan, mix chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
  3. Add olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

2) Chili Garlic Noodles

A steaming bowl of chili garlic noodles sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by two elegant place settings and a pair of chopsticks

Chili garlic noodles are a quick and delicious dish that you can whip up in no time. They are perfect for two and pack a lot of flavor. You can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.

These noodles can be ready in just 10 to 15 minutes. They are simple to make with a few key ingredients. The combination of garlic and chili sauce creates a tasty meal you’ll enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) noodles
  • 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Green onions, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Boil water in a pot. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
  2. While the noodles cook, heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Stir in chili garlic sauce and soy sauce.
  5. Drain the noodles and add them to the pan. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions. Enjoy!

3) Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta

A pot of boiling water with pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach being tossed in. A couple's dinner table set for two

This Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a quick and tasty dinner option for two. It combines vibrant flavors that make your meal feel special without taking too much time to prepare.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add minced garlic.

Next, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and toss it with the sun-dried tomato mix. For an extra creamy touch, you can add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta (like penne or spaghetti)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 5 ounces baby spinach, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
  5. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet.
  6. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

4) Brown Sugar Salmon

A simple kitchen scene with a baking sheet holding two salmon fillets covered in a brown sugar glaze, surrounded by fresh ingredients like lemon, herbs, and vegetables

Brown sugar salmon is a tasty and easy dinner option for two. The sweet glaze combined with the rich flavor of the salmon creates a delightful dish. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and cooks quickly in the oven.

To make this dish, you will need brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. These ingredients blend together to give the salmon a delicious, caramelized finish.

You can serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes will make it flaky and tender. You’ll enjoy every bite of this sweet and savory dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice.
  3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
  4. Brush the glaze over the salmon.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.

5) One-Pot Baked Risotto with Blistered Tomatoes

A steaming pot of creamy risotto with blistered tomatoes sits on a rustic wooden table, surrounded by fresh ingredients and cooking utensils

This One-Pot Baked Risotto is a great choice for an easy dinner for two. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with beautiful blistered tomatoes. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need fresh tomatoes, arborio rice, broth, cheese, and a few herbs to make it flavorful. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pot.

As it bakes, the risotto absorbs the flavors from the tomatoes and herbs. You’ll end up with a warm dish that feels cozy and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 1 small bunch fresh oregano or thyme (5 to 8 sprigs)
  • 1 ½ lb cherry tomatoes
  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp red chile flakes
  • 1 ½ cups arborio rice
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup burrata cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a pot, combine rice, broth, tomatoes, and shallots.
  3. Add the herbs and red chile flakes.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
  5. Remove from the oven and stir in the burrata before serving.

6) Honey Mustard Chicken

A dinner table set for two with honey mustard chicken, roasted vegetables, and a bottle of wine

Honey mustard chicken is a simple and tasty dish perfect for a cozy dinner for two. The chicken turns tender and juicy, thanks to a delicious honey mustard sauce. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.

Start by mixing honey and mustard for the sauce. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture and let them marinate for a bit to soak in the flavors. Then, cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it until it’s fully cooked.

This dish pairs well with rice or steamed veggies. Enjoy a lovely meal together without the fuss!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
  2. Mix honey and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
  3. Coat the chicken breasts with the honey mustard mixture.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or bake for 20-25 minutes.
  6. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.

7) Blackened Shrimp Rice Bowls

A colorful rice bowl filled with blackened shrimp, mixed vegetables, and flavorful sauce, set on a simple table setting for two

Blackened shrimp rice bowls are quick, delicious, and perfect for two. You can make this meal in about 30 minutes.

Start with seasoned shrimp cooked until they are crispy and full of flavor. Serve them over a bed of rice for a hearty base. You can add toppings like black beans, avocado, and corn for extra taste.

Drizzle some zesty dressing over the bowls for a fresh kick. Enjoy this colorful and satisfying meal any night of the week!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup corn, cooked
  • Dressing of choice (like cilantro lime)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
  2. Season the shrimp with blackening seasoning.
  3. Sauté the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until cooked.
  4. Divide the rice into bowls, then top with shrimp, black beans, avocado, and corn.
  5. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

8) 4-Ingredient Boursin Pasta

A pot of boiling pasta, a block of Boursin cheese, a splash of cream, and a handful of fresh herbs on a kitchen counter

This 4-ingredient Boursin pasta is quick and delicious. You only need Boursin cheese, pasta, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While that’s boiling, toss whole cherry tomatoes in olive oil. You can also season them with salt and pepper.

Once the pasta is ready, mix in the Boursin cheese until creamy. Then, add the roasted cherry tomatoes. This simple dish is flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Boursin cheese
  • Pasta (your choice)
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Mix the cooked pasta with the Boursin cheese.
  6. Add the roasted tomatoes and stir well.

9) Chicken-And-Fontina Sandwiches

Two sandwiches on a cutting board with melted cheese and grilled chicken, accompanied by a side salad and a glass of wine

This chicken-and-fontina sandwich is a delicious option for dinner. It combines tender chicken with flavorful fontina cheese for a tasty meal you both will enjoy.

Start by grilling or sautéing your chicken until it’s cooked through. Layer it on a crusty bread with melted fontina cheese.

To add a little zing, try adding pesto or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top.

You can serve it with a side salad or some chips for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices of fontina cheese
  • 2 crusty sandwich rolls
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Pesto or balsamic glaze

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
  4. Place fontina cheese on top of chicken during the last minute of cooking to melt.
  5. Toast the sandwich rolls lightly.
  6. Assemble the sandwich with chicken and cheese. Add any optional toppings.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy!

10) Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

A cozy kitchen with two stuffed peppers on a rustic table, surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

Vegetarian stuffed peppers make a colorful and tasty dinner for two. They are filled with healthy ingredients like rice, beans, and vegetables. You can even add cheese for extra flavor.

To prepare them, start by choosing vibrant bell peppers. You can use red, yellow, or green ones.

Cook the filling with your favorite spices for a delicious mix. Then, stuff the peppers and bake until they are tender.

These stuffed peppers are not only easy to make but also satisfying. Serve them with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
  3. In a bowl, mix rice, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
  4. Fill each pepper with the mixture.
  5. Place in a baking dish and cover with foil.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender.
  7. If using cheese, uncover and sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes.

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