9 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two You’ll Both Love
Cooking for Two Made Easy
Are you tired of eating the same old meals every night? Do you find yourself struggling to come up with new and exciting dinner ideas for you and your partner? Look no further! This blog post is packed with easy dinner ideas for two that will add some variety to your weeknight meals without breaking the bank or taking up too much of your time.
Whether you’re a busy professional couple, empty nesters, or simply enjoy cooking for two, these recipes are designed to be simple, tasty, and perfectly portioned for a duo. From quick one-pan dishes to elegant yet effortless meals, we’ve got you covered. So, put on your apron, grab your favorite cooking companion, and let’s dive into these mouthwatering dinner ideas that are sure to impress!
The Benefits of Cooking for Two
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the advantages of cooking meals for two:
- Less food waste: Cooking for two means you’re less likely to have excessive leftovers that might end up in the trash.
- Cost-effective: Buying and preparing ingredients for two can help you save money on groceries.
- Quality time: Cooking together can be a fun bonding experience for couples.
- Healthier portions: It’s easier to control portion sizes when cooking for two, which can support healthier eating habits.
- Flexibility: With fewer mouths to feed, you have more freedom to experiment with new recipes and ingredients.
Now that we’ve covered the perks, let’s explore some delicious and easy dinner ideas for two!
Skillet Chicken Fajitas
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 Bell pepper, sliced
- 1 Onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fajita seasoning
- 4 Small Tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cheese, salsa, avocado
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add sliced peppers and onions to the skillet. Sprinkle fajita seasoning over everything.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas and your choice of toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Mediterranean Shrimp and Couscous
Transport your taste buds to the sunny Mediterranean with this flavorful and easy one-pan dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add couscous, broth, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 more minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork, return shrimp to the skillet, and garnish with parsley.
This Mediterranean-inspired dish is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients.
Comforting Pasta Dishes for Two
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a rich, creamy pasta dish. This mushroom pasta is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz pasta of your choice
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms.
- Cook mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
This creamy mushroom pasta is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home for two.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
For a lighter pasta option that’s still full of flavor, try this zesty lemon garlic shrimp spaghetti.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and half of the parsley to the skillet.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the shrimp mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with remaining parsley.
This bright and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual date night at home.
Healthy and Hearty Salads
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
Who says salads can’t be filling? This grilled chicken and avocado salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying dinner option for two.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, toss salad greens with half of the dressing.
- Divide the dressed greens between two plates.
- Top each salad with sliced grilled chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over the salads.
This salad is not only easy to make but also customizable. Feel free to add other toppings like crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl
For a vegetarian option that’s both nutritious and delicious, try this quinoa and roasted vegetable bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 small sweet potato, cubed
- 1 small zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potato, zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- While vegetables are roasting, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Divide cooked quinoa between two bowls.
- Top quinoa with roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and remaining olive oil.
- Sprinkle with goat cheese if desired.
This colorful and nutritious bowl is perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner for two.
Cozy Soup and Sandwich Combos
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese
Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of soup paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. This classic combo is easy to make and perfect for two.
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Soup:
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add heavy cream and chopped basil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the grilled cheese, butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of cheese between two pieces of bread, buttered sides facing out.
- Cook sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve hot soup with grilled cheese sandwiches.
This comforting meal is perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
Butternut Squash Soup with Pesto Panini
For a more gourmet twist on the soup and sandwich combo, try this butternut squash soup paired with a pesto panini.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Soup:
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)
Ingredients for Pesto Panini:
- 4 slices of ciabatta bread
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until squash is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For the panini, spread pesto on each slice of bread.
- Place mozzarella slices between two pieces of bread.
- Butter the outside of each sandwich.
- Cook in a panini press or skillet until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot soup garnished with pumpkin seeds if desired, alongside the pesto panini.
This elevated soup and sandwich combo is perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
Sweet Endings: Desserts for Two
Mini Berry Cobblers
End your meal on a sweet note with these individual berry cobblers. They’re easy to make and perfectly portioned for two.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, toss berries with sugar.
- Divide berries between two ramekins.
- In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and baking powder.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until just combined.
- Spoon the topping over the berries.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and berries are bubbly.
- Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream if desired.
These mini cobblers are the perfect sweet ending to your dinner for two.
The Joy of Cooking for Two
Cooking for two doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these easy dinner ideas, you can create delicious, perfectly portioned meals that are both satisfying and fun to make. From quick one-pan dishes to cozy soups and indulgent desserts, there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Remember, the key to successful cooking for two is to plan ahead, be flexible with ingredients, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Cooking together can be a wonderful way to bond, try new flavors, and create lasting memories.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special date night at home, these easy dinner ideas for two have got you covered. Happy cooking!
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the pleasures of cooking for two. Bon appétit!
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