Cooking dinner for two people can be a daunting task.
It is easy to fall into a routine of eating the same meals over and over again, or simply ordering takeout. But cooking at home can be a lot of fun, and it is a great way to bond with your partner.
Not to mention, it is typically healthier and more affordable than eating out. In this post, we will share some easy and delicious dinner ideas for two that you can whip up in no time.
37 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two
1. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter
Grilled salmon with lemon garlic butter is a classic dish that’s both simple and flavorful.
The bright citrus from the lemon and the savory garlic complement the rich taste of the salmon perfectly, while the butter creates a beautiful, golden crust.
2. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Slice some ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella and layer them on a plate. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and sprinkle with some fresh basil leaves. Serve with some crusty bread.
3. Spaghetti Bolognese
Cook some spaghetti according to the package instructions. While it is cooking, heat up some ground beef in a skillet.
Add some canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and seasonings like oregano and basil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes and serve over the spaghetti.
4. Shrimp Stir Fry
Heat up some oil in a wok or large skillet. Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
Once they are cooked through, add some peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until they turn pink. Serve over rice or noodles.
5. Chicken Caesar Salad
Grill some chicken breasts and slice them into strips. Toss with some romaine lettuce, croutons, grated parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
6. Margherita Flatbread Pizza
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Spread some pizza sauce on a flatbread. Add some sliced fresh mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Beef Tacos
Cook some ground beef in a skillet with taco seasoning. Serve in taco shells or soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.
8. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear them in a skillet with some olive oil. Add some fresh asparagus spears and a mixture of butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
9. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Grill some sandwiches with sliced bread and your favorite cheese. Serve with a can of tomato soup that has been heated up on the stove.
10. Shepherd’s Pie
Brown some ground beef in a skillet with onions, garlic, and seasonings like thyme and rosemary.
Add some frozen vegetables like peas and carrots. Spread in a casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes.
11. Ratatouille
Thinly slice eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes. Toss with some olive oil and Italian seasoning. Spread in a casserole dish and bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes.
12. Grilled Pork Chops
Season some pork chops with salt and pepper. Grill them for about 7 minutes on each side. Serve with some store-bought or homemade applesauce.
13. Mushroom Risotto
Sauté some sliced mushrooms in a skillet with butter. Meanwhile, cook some risotto according to the package instructions. Once it is done, stir in the mushrooms and some grated parmesan cheese.
14. Egg Drop Soup
Heat up some chicken broth on the stove. Whisk together some eggs and slowly pour them into the broth. Add some sliced green onions and serve.
15. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Cook some quinoa according to the package instructions. Toss with some crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
16. Chicken Fajitas
Slice some chicken breasts into strips. Cook them in a skillet with sliced bell peppers and onions. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
17. Beef Stroganoff
Cook some egg noodles according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, brown some beef in a skillet with onions and garlic. Add some beef broth and sour cream. Serve over the noodles.
18. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Drain and rinse a can of black beans. Toss with some thawed frozen corn, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and a simple vinaigrette made with lime juice and olive oil.
19. Vegetarian Chili
Cook some diced onions, peppers, and garlic in a large pot. Add some canned tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
20. Caprese Pasta Salad
Cook some bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Toss with some sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
21. Chicken Piccata
Season some chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in a skillet with some olive oil. Add some minced garlic, lemon juice, and capers. Simmer for 10-15 minutes and serve.
22. Honey Glazed Salmon
Brush salmon fillets with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Bake or grill until the salmon is cooked through and glazed.
23. Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Butterfly chicken breasts, stuff them with sautéed mushrooms and spinach, and bake until the chicken is cooked and the filling is hot.
24. Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry
Slice beef into thin strips and stir-fry with a homemade teriyaki sauce, along with broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Serve over rice or noodles.
25. Lemon Butter Shrimp
Sauté shrimp in a pan with a mixture of butter, lemon juice, and garlic. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
26. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss with your favorite pesto sauce. Top with cherry tomatoes and grated parmesan cheese.
27. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi
Cook store-bought gnocchi and toss with a creamy sauce made from garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream. Add some spinach for a pop of color and flavor.
28. Lobster Tail with Butter
Split lobster tails in half, brush with melted butter, and broil until the meat is opaque and lightly browned. Serve with lemon wedges.
29. Lemon Herb Grilled Swordfish
Marinate swordfish steaks in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Grill until the fish is cooked and has a smoky flavor.
30. Pasta Primavera
Cook your favorite pasta and toss it with a medley of sautéed seasonal vegetables. Finish with a light olive oil and herb dressing.
31. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of ground meat, rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Bake until the peppers are tender.
32. Pan-Seared Scallops
Sear large scallops in a hot skillet with butter and garlic until they are browned and caramelized.
33. Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas
Sauté spinach and mushrooms and use them as a filling for quesadillas along with cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
34. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
Cook shrimp and sliced sausage in a skillet with a Cajun seasoning blend, bell peppers, and onions. Serve over rice or grits.
35. Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl
Cook thin slices of beef with broccoli and a homemade savory sauce. Serve over steamed rice.
36. Lemon Butter Asparagus Pasta
Sauté asparagus in a skillet with butter and lemon zest. Toss with cooked pasta and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
37. Stuffed Pork Chops
Cut a pocket in thick pork chops and stuff them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and diced apples. Bake until the pork is cooked through.
Final Thoughts,
Cooking dinner for two doesn’t have to be a chore. With these 37 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you and your partner can enjoy a variety of meals every night of the week.
Whether you are in the mood for seafood, pasta, or Mexican cuisine, there is something for everyone. So grab your apron, put on some music, and get cooking!
