Preparing a home-cooked meal for two can be an intimidating experience, especially when the same old recipes start to get repetitive or takeout becomes the default option. However, cooking at home can be a wonderful way to connect with your partner, fostering quality time and creating memories in the process. Additionally, cooking at home tends to be a healthier and more budget-friendly alternative to dining out. In this piece, we’ll explore some simple yet mouth-watering dinner ideas for two that are quick to prepare and sure to please.
37 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter
A staple in many cuisines, grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is a harmonious blend of flavors that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The zesty citrus notes from the lemon and the pungency of garlic beautifully complement the richness of the salmon, while the butter adds a satisfying golden crust, elevating the dish to new heights.
Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Transform the flavors of Italy into a simple yet elegant appetizer by combining fresh, ripe tomatoes with creamy mozzarella cheese. Start by arranging alternating slices of these ingredients on a plate, allowing their natural sweetness to meld together. Next, add a tangy and savory dimension with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of extra virgin olive oil. Finally, garnish with a few sprigs of fragrant basil leaves and serve with crusty bread for a delightful textural contrast.
Spaghetti Bolognese
As you cook the spaghetti according to the package guidelines, simultaneously heat up the ground beef in a pan. Once the pasta is nearly done, combine the two by adding the canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, oregano, and basil to the skillet with the ground beef. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes before serving the hearty mixture over the cooked spaghetti.
Shrimp Stir Fry
To prepare this dish, start by heating up a wok or large skillet with a sufficient amount of oil to ensure the ingredients cook evenly. Next, add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the pan. Allow them to cook through until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Once the vegetables are cooked, introduce peeled and deveined shrimp into the mixture. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, indicating they are fully cooked. Finally, serve the shrimp and vegetable combination over a bed of rice or noodles for a well-rounded meal.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Transform your mealtime by preparing juicy chicken breast strips. Begin by grilling the chicken to perfection before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Next, combine the tender strips with a medley of fresh flavors – crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, nutty grated parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of tangy Caesar dressing.
Margherita Flatbread Pizza
To create this delectable flatbread, begin by preheating your oven to a scorching 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly across the bread, leaving a small border around the edges. Add some sliced fresh mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fragrant basil leaves on top of the sauce. Finally, place the flatbread in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a golden-brown bubble. The end result is a perfectly toasted flatbread with a delightful balance of flavors.
Beef Tacos
For a flavorful and satisfying meal, cook ground beef in a skillet with a blend of savory taco seasonings. Once cooked through, serve the beef in either crispy taco shells or pliable soft tortillas. Top your creation with an assortment of delicious toppings, such as melted shredded cheese, crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, and a drizzle of spicy salsa. This classic combination is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
To add flavor to your chicken breasts, season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Then, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides. Next, add some fresh asparagus spears to the skillet, followed by a mixture of melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic. Once everything is combined, transfer the skillet contents to a preheated oven set at 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches your desired level of doneness.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Indulge in a satisfying meal by grilling sandwiches with sliced bread and your preferred cheese. For a comforting accompaniment, heat up a can of tomato soup on the stove, allowing the savory flavors to meld together. The combination of crispy grilled bread and warm, gooey cheese paired with the creamy richness of the tomato soup makes for a delightful culinary experience.
Shepherd’s Pie
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, browning it as it breaks apart into smaller pieces. Add aromatics like sautéed onions and garlic to enhance the flavor profile. To add depth, sprinkle thyme and rosemary, letting their earthy notes mingle with the meat. Once the beef is fully cooked, introduce frozen vegetables such as peas and carrots, allowing them to thaw and heat through in the skillet. Next, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, topping it with mashed potatoes that have been seasoned to perfection. Finally, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Ratatouille
To create a flavorful and colorful medley of summer vegetables, thinly slice eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes. Next, drizzle the sliced vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning to bring out their natural flavors. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly browned.
Grilled Pork Chops
To elevate the flavor of your pork chops, begin by seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Then, fire up your grill and cook the chops for approximately 7 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Finally, serve the juicy pork chops alongside a tangy accompaniment like store-bought or homemade applesauce, allowing the sweet and savory flavors to meld together in perfect harmony.
Mushroom Risotto
As you begin preparing your dish, start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a pat of butter. Next, add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they’re tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. While the mushrooms cook, prepare your risotto according to the package instructions. Once the risotto is cooked through, stir in the mushrooms and some grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, savory combination.
Egg Drop Soup
To create a simple yet satisfying soup, begin by heating up some chicken broth over low heat on your stovetop. Next, whisk together 2-3 eggs in a bowl until they’re well-beaten, then slowly pour them into the simmering broth while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling. As you add the eggs, notice how they’ll initially form curds that will eventually dissolve and thicken the soup to a creamy consistency. Once the eggs have fully incorporated, finish the dish by adding some sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, comforting goodness.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
To start, cook the quinoa as per the package guidelines. Once cooked, combine it with a flavorful mix of crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette crafted from a harmonious blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar. This delightful combination will elevate your dish into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for satisfying your cravings and nourishing your body.
Chicken Fajitas
To create a delicious and satisfying meal, start by slicing chicken breasts into strips. Next, heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken along with sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Once you’ve achieved this, warm up some tortillas and fill them with the cooked chicken mixture. Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, and guacamole to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Beef Stroganoff
As you cook the egg noodles according to the package guidelines, simultaneously sear the beef in a skillet with sautéed onions and garlic until it reaches your desired level of browning. Next, add a rich and savory blend of beef broth and sour cream to create a hearty sauce. Finally, combine the two – the tender noodles and the savory beef mixture – for a satisfying and filling meal.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
To prepare the ingredients for your dish, start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans. Next, combine the black beans with some thawed frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions to create a flavorful base. For an added layer of complexity, whisk together lime juice and olive oil to make a simple yet effective vinaigrette. This tangy and savory dressing will bring all the ingredients together in harmony.
Vegetarian Chili
Combine the flavors of sautéed aromatics by cooking diced onions, peppers, and garlic in a substantial pot until they’re translucent. Next, introduce canned tomatoes, beans, and a pinch of warmth with chili powder. Allow the mixture to meld together for 20-30 minutes as you simmer the sauce.
Caprese Pasta Salad
To create a mouthwatering summer salad, start by cooking a portion of bowtie pasta according to the package guidelines. Once cooked, combine it with sliced cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness, creamy fresh mozzarella balls, and a light vinaigrette crafted from the perfect blend of olive oil and rich balsamic vinegar.
Chicken Piccata
To create a delicious and flavorful dish, begin by seasoning several chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. After removing the chicken from the skillet, reduce the heat to low and add minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a sprinkle of capers. Allow this mixture to simmer together for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Finally, serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional lemon wedges or herbs if desired.
Honey Glazed Salmon
Transform your salmon fillets by brushing them with a harmonious blend of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. The sweet and savory fusion will elevate the dish to new heights. Simply bake or grill the salmon until it reaches the perfect level of doneness, allowing the glaze to caramelize and infuse the fish with an irresistible aroma.
Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Transforming chicken breasts into a savory delight, consider stuffing them with a flavorful medley of sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach. As you place the ingredients within the chicken’s cavity, envision the tender meat absorbing the earthy essence of the mushrooms and the subtle nutty flavor of the spinach. Once prepared, bake the dish until the chicken is fully cooked and the filling reaches a satisfying heat.
Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry
To create a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish, thinly slice beef and cook it in a savory stir-fry with a tangy homemade teriyaki sauce. Add some vibrant vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to the mix for added color and texture. Serve this flavorful combination over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Lemon Butter Shrimp
Indulge in the simplicity of cooking succulent shrimp by sautéing them in a flavorful blend of butter, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. This harmonious union can be served atop a bed of comforting pasta or paired with a crusty bread slice for an added layer of indulgence.
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Transform zucchinis into a delicious noodle substitute by spiralizing them. Then, combine the resulting ‘zoodles’ with your preferred pesto sauce for a flavorful base. To add some pops of color and freshness, top the dish with halved cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan cheese, allowing their respective sweetness and nutty flavors to meld with the zucchini and pesto.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi
Transform store-bought gnocchi into a mouthwatering dish by cooking them and tossing them with a rich and creamy sauce crafted from a trifecta of flavors: pungent garlic, nutty parmesan, and velvety heavy cream. To add a burst of vibrancy and depth to the dish, stir in some wilted spinach, its delicate leaves infusing the sauce with a subtle yet savory essence.
Lobster Tail with Butter
To elevate the flavor and texture of your lobster, begin by splitting the tails in half lengthwise. Next, generously apply a layer of melted butter to each half, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, place the lobster under the broiler until the meat reaches an opaque and lightly browned state. This will not only add a rich, buttery flavor but also help to tenderize the meat. To complete the dish, serve the lobster with lemon wedges on the side, allowing each guest to squeeze a bit of citrus over their portion to brighten the flavors even further.
Lemon Herb Grilled Swordfish
To add depth and complexity to your swordfish steaks, marinate them in a zesty blend of lemon juice, rich olive oil, and fragrant fresh herbs. Once marinated, grill the fish until it’s cooked through and develops a tantalizing smokiness, infusing every bite with an irresistible harmony of flavors.
Pasta Primavera
Transform your go-to pasta dish into a vibrant culinary experience by cooking up your favorite type of pasta, then combining it with a colorful mix of sautéed seasonal vegetables. Add a touch of elegance with a lightly dressed combination of olive oil and fresh herbs.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Transform bell peppers into flavorful stuffed delicacies by hollowing out their insides and filling them with a savory blend of ground meat, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of seasonings. As the peppers bake to tender perfection, the aromatic mixture will meld together in harmony, resulting in a dish that’s both nutritious and delectable.
Pan-Seared Scallops
To caramelize large scallops, simply sear them in a piping hot skillet with a generous pat of butter and a sprinkle of aromatic garlic. As the scallops cook, they’ll transform from pale to golden brown, developing a rich, nutty flavor that’s sure to impress.
Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas
For a flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas, try using sautéed spinach and mushrooms as a filling, paired with melted cheese. The earthy flavors of the vegetables complement the richness of the cheese perfectly. To take it to the next level, serve your quesadillas with a spicy kick from salsa and a tangy dollop of sour cream.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
Savor the flavors of Louisiana by cooking succulent shrimp and savory sausage in a skillet with a medley of colors – bell peppers and onions. The perfect blend of spices comes from a dash of Cajun seasoning that elevates the dish to new heights. Serve this mouthwatering concoction over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy grits, and get ready for a taste adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl
Indulge in a culinary delight by cooking tender slices of beef to perfection, accompanied by the vibrant green of broccoli, all wrapped up in a rich, homemade savory sauce. This delectable dish is best served atop fluffy steamed rice, allowing each bite to be a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Lemon Butter Asparagus Pasta
To elevate the simplicity of sautéed asparagus, combine it with tender pasta and the brightness of citrus. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add a sprinkle of lemon zest. Once the asparagus is tender and lightly caramelized, remove it from the heat and toss it with cooked pasta. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added depth and complexity.
Stuffed Pork Chops
Stuff thick pork chops with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and diced apples by cutting a pocket into the meat. Then, bake until the pork is cooked through to perfection. And don’t forget, a variety of delicious dinner options awaits you and your partner – from seafood to pasta and Mexican cuisine, there’s something for every taste bud. With 37 easy and scrumptious dinner ideas at your disposal, cooking for two can be a joyous experience.