Cooking for two doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or just want to make a meal without tons of leftovers, dinner for two can be both easy and delightful. In this post, I’ve rounded up some simple, yet flavorful recipes that are perfect for two servings. I’ve also included affiliate links to Amazon for any kitchen tools or gadgets that might come in handy while cooking. Let’s dive in!
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special evening. With the rich flavors of garlic and butter complementing the sweet shrimp, it’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix everything together. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Amazon Essentials for This Recipe:
- Stainless Steel Garlic Press: A quality garlic press will save you time when mincing garlic. Shop on Amazon
- Non-stick Skillet: A good non-stick skillet is key for cooking shrimp without sticking. Shop on Amazon
2. Chicken Piccata with Lemon and Capers
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that’s flavorful, zesty, and surprisingly easy to make. The tangy lemon and capers create a bright and fresh sauce that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup flour (for dredging)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp capers
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and capers. Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Let the chicken absorb the sauce for a minute.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with a side of rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Amazon Essentials for This Recipe:
- Meat Mallet Tenderizer: To make the chicken breasts evenly thin and tender, a meat mallet comes in handy. Shop on Amazon
- Cast Iron Skillet: For perfectly searing your chicken and making a flavorful sauce. Shop on Amazon
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers are an easy, healthy dinner option that’s full of flavor and customizable. You can fill the peppers with ground beef, turkey, quinoa, or rice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/4 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bell pepper halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
- In a skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked rice and marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Amazon Essentials for This Recipe:
- Baking Dish: A good-quality baking dish is essential for stuffed peppers. Shop on Amazon
- Rice Cooker: For perfectly cooked rice every time. Shop on Amazon
4. Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus
For a light yet elegant dinner, Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus is a fantastic choice. The crispy salmon skin and tender fish pair beautifully with roasted asparagus, making for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin on)
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
- While the asparagus is roasting, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Add the salmon fillets skin-side down to the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist in the center.
- Serve the salmon with roasted asparagus and garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
Amazon Essentials for This Recipe:
- Fish Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula is perfect for flipping delicate fish without ruining it. Shop on Amazon
- Non-stick Frying Pan: For perfectly seared salmon without sticking. Shop on Amazon
5. Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables
A quick and vibrant Beef Stir-Fry is a fantastic dinner for two, packed with colorful vegetables and tender strips of beef. You can mix and match the veggies to suit your taste, but the stir-fry sauce is what brings everything together.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and vegetables. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, followed by soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, then serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Amazon Essentials for This Recipe:
- Wok Pan: A wok is perfect for stir-frying because of its high sides and even heat distribution. Shop on Amazon
- Garlic Grater: Grated ginger adds a burst of flavor to stir-fries. Shop on Amazon
Conclusion
Cooking dinner for two can be fun, easy, and an opportunity to try new recipes. These simple meals—ranging from shrimp pasta to stir-fries—are perfect for cozy nights in or impress
