40+ Easy Dinner Ideas for Two (+Recipes) (2024)

Are you looking for easy supper dishes for two? Then we’ve got 36 super easy recipes for you to try.

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Cooking for two can be challenging, especially if you’re used to cooking meals for a large family. However, the truth is, any recipe can be easily modified to accommodate two people, so why not cook delicious meals? Whether it’s a quick and easy meal or an elaborate one, you’ll love these recipes.

It’s not always easy to come up with something fresh, interesting, and tasty to serve for dinner every night.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve undoubtedly found yourself slipping into the same old patterns and making the same old meals that soon get monotonous.

40+ Easy Dinner Ideas for Two (+Recipes) (1)

Planning a special dinner for two can be both exciting and daunting. With so many recipes and ideas to choose from, it’s important to find a balance between delicious dishes and effortless preparation. In this article, we’ll explore dinner ideas that not only satisfy taste buds but also make for a memorable evening spent together.

Dinner for two should feel intimate and personal, so consider both individual preferences and dietary restrictions when selecting your menu. Remember that quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation can elevate even the simplest of dishes to a luxurious dining experience.

From classic combinations to innovative pairings, the possibilities are endless, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. The key lies in selecting dishes that complement each other and create a harmonious meal, allowing both you and your dining companion to savor the moment, forging lasting memories with each bite.

Hopefully, these dishes will help restore some enthusiasm back to your kitchen. Here are some delicious dinner ideas for two.

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Source: cakescottage.com

1.Garlic Mushrooms

Garlic mushrooms are such a popular dish, and they go particularly well with steak.

However, they are so delicious that you’ll prepare them simply to eat on their own.

A good tip is to choose mushrooms of comparable sizes so that they cook evenly. This dish adds cream, but they are just as tasty without it.

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Source: gonnawantseconds.com

2. No-Peek Chicken

No-peek chicken is great if you want a quick, light dinner recipe that doesn’t need a great deal of effort. Chicken is always a good choice when looking for dinners recipes for two.

It’s simply chicken and rice with a creamy sauce, and it takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

Then, it goes in the oven for approximately 90 minutes. You can now go and concentrate on something else until it’s ready.

This is a dish that almost prepares itself.

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Source: foodiecrush.com

3. Chicken Piccata

Chicken piccata is one of those quick dinner ideas for 2. It takes only 30-minutes and adds an Italian style to basic chicken.

The lemon and butter combine with the white wine giving the chicken a delicate, succulent taste. The capers and fresh parsley offer a distinct taste you will never forget.

Serve it with roasted vegetables or on a bed of rice. In any case, it’s certain to be a success.

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Source: themodernproper.com

4. Pasta With Meatballs And Tomato Sauce

The handmade meatballs, which are substantial, properly seasoned, and delicious, are the key to this fantastic spaghetti.

The sauce is also really tasty and the whole thing is one of those easy dinner recipes for two.

You may serve the sauce and meatballs over whichever pasta you like. I’m a purist, and so I always use spaghetti.

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Source: craveitall.com

5. Garlic Butter Rice

This mild side dish complements most main meals, but I believe it’s best with roasted chicken or grilled fish. It’s an easy dinner for two. Easy meals for two should only take approximately 20 minutes to make, and the ingredients should already be in your kitchen cupboards.

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Source: trekkn.co

6. Alfredo Pasta Sauce

This sauce is thick and creamy, with a lot of butter, milk, and cheese in it. It’s one of the most delicious homemade Alfredo dishes I’ve ever tried.

Whatever pasta you serve it with, it will be wonderful.

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Source: melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

7. Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Vegetables

If you’re searching for a delicious side dish, these roasted veggies are a wonderful option.

They take some time to prepare, but they are well worth the wait.

Use whatever vegetables you have in the cupboard, although I usually stay fairly close to the recipe.

The sauce is fantastic; it’s cheesy and tasty, but not so much that it overpowers the earthiness of the veggies.

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Source: asouthernsoul.com

8. Scalloped Potatoes

These scalloped potatoes may be a side dish, but they will be the highlight of the meal.

They just need potatoes, flour, onions, butter, milk, and seasoning.

I also like to add lots of cheese and crushed garlic to mine.

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Source: julieblanner.com

9. Lemon Pepper Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken isn’t as unique as some other dishes, but it’s a crowd-pleaser.

I think people enjoy it so much since it is simple to prepare.

Other than the chicken, you’ll just need lemon juice, various spices, and olive oil. Preparation takes no more than 5 minutes.

Put the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes more, then serve with a green salad.

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Source: saltysweetsnsneaks.wordpress.com

10. Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Meatloaf gets transformed in this dish. It’s a more cheesy and more tender version of the meatloaf your mother and grandma used to cook.

It’s meatloaf for those who actually hate meatloaf.

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Source: modernhoney.com

11. Marry Me Chicken

If simply looking at this meal doesn’t make your mouth water, get your eyes tested since it looks incredible!

Smother tender chicken in an enticing, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, crushed garlic, oregano, and grated Parmesan. This dish tastes smells and looks amazingly good.

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Source: delish28.com

12. Tuscan Chicken

This Tuscan-style chicken only contains seven carbohydrates per serve and is bursting with flavor!

The sauce is creamy and garlicky, and the chicken breast is juicy and tender.

If you like a dessert wine, this meal goes well with Moscato.

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Source: lecoupdegrace.ca

13. Caprese Grilled Filet Mignon

The filet mignons in this recipe are cheesy, properly seasoned, and super juicy

You could find these little delights in a five-star restaurant. Garnish with basil leaves, tomato, and mozzarella add a little balsamic vinaigrette over everything, and you’re done.

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Source: ilovemyrecipes.com

14. Jamaican Banana Bread

Jamaican banana bread, flavored with rum and topped with icing. You can also add chopped nuts and desiccated coconut for a delicious dessert.

The rum gives it a distinctively tropical taste, while the bananas provide a delicious sweetness that any banana fan would like.

As lovely as it is, it can be quite filling, so it’s best served after a salad or something light.

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Source: thehealthymaven.com

15. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Tahini Sauce

Try this roasted vegetable salad if you’re searching for a bright, visually appealing, vegan-friendly meal.

You can modify the recipe to include your favorite vegetables, or you can keep to potatoes, cauliflower, butternut squash, broccoli, and bell peppers.

Tahini, fresh parsley, pine nuts, and a few more ingredients are used in the sauce. It’s wonderful when combined.

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Source:.thediaryofarealhousewife.com

16. Tomato Mexican Rice

Tomatoes, onions, crushed garlic, ground cumin, and chicken broth are used in this twist on classic Mexican rice.

It transforms the taste into something that’s more full of flavor and a substantial meal in itself.

If you prefer some zing in your rice, sprinkle it with a little lime or lemon juice.

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Source: mccormick.com

17. Flank SteakGrilled

Flank steak is the most tender and juicy cut of beef available. It’s so simple to prepare and cook.

Marinating is the most difficult step, but it’s also the simplest!

Combine salt and pepper seasoning witholive oil, garlic, dried flakes of red pepper, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.

Allow the meat to marinate for as long as you can, then cook it on the grill for approximately 10 minutes on the grill.

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Source: simplyrecipes.com

18. Tomato Pasta and Butter Sauce

This spaghetti is delicious and easy to make with just a few ingredients.

It’s a simple, delicious pasta that tastes as if it came from the kitchen of an Italian grandmother.

It may be a bit drier than you’re accustomed to, particularly if you add optional bread crumbs, but that doesn’t take away from the taste or yumminess.

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Source: foodiecrush.com

19. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is one of the fastest and simplest methods to transform shrimp into a complete and easy dinner.

It takes less than 25 minutes to prepare, and you can easily source the ingredients.

Linguine, shrimp, lots of butter, grated Parmesan, delicious white wine, and herbs are all you need to make this delicious meal.

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Source: gimmesomeoven.com

20. Browned Butter Lemon Pasta

This type of pasta dish is light, lemony, and delicious, and so simple to make.

It’s not like most pasta you’ve had before, and the flavor is difficult to describe.

Try it for yourself and discover how delicious it is. Plus you can prepare it in less than 30 minutes.

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Source: cafedelites.com

21. Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad

This meal is beautiful and flavorful; my only complaint is that it is almost too beautiful to eat.

It takes some effort to put together, but it is well worth it, particularly if you want to look good for someone special.

The recipe states that store-bought tzatziki may be used, but try a homemade version for a richer, fuller taste. Salads really do makeeasy dinners for two. Easy meals for two need to be super simple.

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Source: southernkissed.com

22. Chicken and Dumplings

Sometimes all you want is a hearty, home cooked meal that takes you back to your childhood.

That dinner is probably chicken and dumplings if you live south of the Mason-Dixon line.

This is one of my favorite recipes since it is so easy yet so delicious.

You can make this in about an hour with only a few ingredients.

Don’t worry if you produce too much; it can be frozen for up to 6 months!

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Source: thenovicechefblog.com

23. Caprese Chicken Skillet

This skillet dinner elevates the classic Caprese salad to another level.

It’s the ideal summer meal, with boneless chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, chopped red onions, mozzarella cheese, basil, and more.

Don’t be mean with the sauce. The balsamic vinegar and honey combination provides a ton of flavor.

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Source: bellyfull.net

24. Cinnamon Raisin Rice Pudding

A romantic supper for two needs a delectable dessert to round off the meal.

This creamy rice pudding is fantastic since it tastes amazing and is so simple to prepare.

Who wants to spend a long time preparing dessert after a long day of cooking?

Milk, cinnamon, medium-grain rice, sugar, raisins, and vanilla essence is all that’s needed. Pop in the oven for around 20 minutes, and it’s done!

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Source: diethood.com

25. Garlic Baked Salmon

In less than 30 minutes, you can make this healthy and delicious baked salmon!

It’s wonderfully seasoned and so soft that it almost melts on your tongue.

It has a delicious lemon garlic taste and just one carb in each serving, making it perfect for keto couples.

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Source: reallifedinner.com

26. Tomato Parmesan Soup

There’s nothing better than hot soup on a cold night with crusty bread.

Because of the tomatoes, carrots, Parmesan cheese, crushed garlic, and chopped onion, this soup is rich and creamy, with a surprising array of tastes.

Serve with thick, buttered bread for a complete supper that will keep you satisfied all night.

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Source: cookmorphosis.com

27. Condensed Milk Bread

I only have one bread recipe on the list as you’ll never need another.

This bread tastes like you’re eating clouds. That’s the beauty of condensed milk bread.

It’s also very tasty and the butter comes through with a touch of sweetness from the glaze.

It will require some work on your side, but you will be happy you tried it.

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Source: justeasyrecipes.com

28. Smoked Salmon Pasta

This pasta has everything you might want in a delicious, substantial meal — salmon, pasta, dill, and creme fraiche to name a few.

You’ll also like the sauce’s overall smokey, lemony taste and smoothness. The whole thing tastes delicious with the most simple ingredients.

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Source: portandfin.com

29. Tomato Bocconcini Flatbread

This flatbread takes a long time to rise, so allow at least an hour for it to do its job.

Busy yourself while it’s resting and the rest of the recipe should take around 35 minutes. It’s worth it as it is very stunning!

The combination of crimson sauce, green leaves, and white mozzarella is almost beautiful.

Serve it sliced up with a chilled glass of white wine.

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Source: dinneratthezoo.com

30. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Can you tell that we love garlic butter! It is fantastic in garlic butter shrimp.

It tastes as good as steak and potatoes but has far fewer calories and carbs!

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Source: dinneratthezoo.com

31. Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta

This is a fantastic choice if you’re searching for a tasty pasta meal that’s also healthy.

It combines spaghetti noodles and grilled chicken, as well as asparagus, spices, and red bell peppers.

It’s a light yet delicious dinner that’s ideal for replicating the famous Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene without the mess!

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Source: therecipecritic.com

32. Steak and Potatoes Skillet

Everything tastes better with lashings of garlic butter, and this steak and potatoes dinner is proof of that.

The potatoes are crunchy, buttery, and bursting with garlic.

Every bite of the steak is soft and juicy, with a mouthful of flavor. This simple, traditional meal is difficult to surpass.

40+ Easy Dinner Ideas for Two (+Recipes) (34)

Source:easychickenrecipes.com

33. Chicken Fried Rice

Use this recipe if you want tasty Asian food without paying for a takeaway.

It tastes as delicious as any meal that you’d get at your neighborhood Chinese restaurant, but it’s half the price!

The rice is fast and simple to prepare, but you should chop and measure everything ahead of time; otherwise, you could burn the stir fry.

Add some canned water chestnuts if you want it crunchy.

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Source: kitchenmason.com

34. Vegetable Pasta

If you’re looking for a vegetarian-friendly healthy dinner, single-pot veggie pasta is another fantastic choice.

Whatever veggies you choose, the end result is full of healthy yumminess.

There’s also onions, crushed garlic, and a sprinkle of pepper flakes for a little heat.

Remember to add the Italian seasoning for a wonderful aroma and flavor.

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Source: girlheartfood.com

35. Sardine Pasta

Sardines are such a lovely fish, and yet I rarely see any recipes with them in. So let’s change that with this very tasty and easy pasta dish.

Just use tinned sardines to make it even quicker. Throw in some sundried tomatoes and capers and spinach, and you have a healthy and tasty alternative pasta dish. It also makes a great weeknight dinner.

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Source: saltandlavender.com

36. Shrimp Alfredo

I like spaghetti because it is delicious and simple to prepare.

This shrimp alfredo can be on the table within 30 minutes and requires just eight ingredients.

The alfredo sauce is thick, rich, and super creamy. The shrimp has just the right amount of crunch.

If you enjoy shrimp alfredo from Olive Garden, you’ll love this dish.

37. Smothered Turkey Wings

Another great idea is turkey wings. This Southern recipe will have your taste buds singing from the home cooked goodness. Highly recommended.

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Our 40+ BEST Easy Dinner Ideas for Two (+Garlic Butter Rice)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!

5 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 275 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups uncooked Basmati rice
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 5 minced garlic cloves
  • 2.5 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. parsley
  • 1/4 tsp. fresh black pepper

Instructions

  • Stir garlic in melted butter 1 minute.

  • Stir in rice.

  • Add all other ingredients and simmer until all liquid is absorbed.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal

Keyword dinner ideas for two, garlic butter rice

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Cassie Marshall

Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.

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