27 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two: Recipes Designed to Impress

When it comes to figuring out dinner as a couple, it takes two to tango — but what do you do when you are unsure what to cook?

We have all been there when it’s 6 p.m. on a weeknight and you’re staring at your fridge (and perhaps your partner), unsure where to even begin. Should you pull leftovers together to make the same chicken and rice bowl you’ve been cooking forever or is it an instant mac and cheese night?

Instead of rotating the same meals over and over, it’s time to elevate your cooking repertoire to make a feast fit for the dynamic duo you are. Let’s review some easy dinner ideas for two that can be whipped together with leftovers or fresh ingredients.

Easy chicken dinner recipes for two

Whip up a delicious meal for two with a few ingredients and chicken breasts. Here are a few easy chicken recipes for two.

1. Garlic Parmesan chicken with veggies

What’s better than cooking up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes? This garlic Parmesan chicken recipe is to die for with rich flavors and minimal effort. Use either chopped garlic or powder for a faster solution. Make this dinner for two for your partner, friend or family member and show off your chef skills.

2. Lemon and herb chicken with roasted red potatoes

The blend of lemon and herbs pairs well with chicken breast and roasted potatoes. It tastes even better since it requires little to no time or effort. You can even finish making the entire lemon and herb chicken recipe by the time your red potatoes finish cooking. Don’t forget to squeeze extra lemon juice afterward to complete your dish.

3. Tuscan chicken

Taste the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your home with this Tuscan chicken recipe. It’s hard to believe this simple recipe is so delicious — but the creamy garlic and tomato sauce is hard to beat. You can customize this recipe to fit for two or we recommend making a bit extra because you will for sure want seconds. Serve this chicken dish with rice, pasta or even bread, which is perfect for dipping in the sauce.

4. Chicken and vegetable rice bowls

Chicken and rice bowls are easy meals for two and full of flavor. The spices used for this chicken dish pack a punch, yet it is so simple to whip up. When you mix the heat of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika with rosemary, lemon zest, onion powder, garlic and basil you create a marinade that is mouthwatering. After you grill your spiced chicken and vegetables, all you have to do is add it to your choice of rice. Dollop avocado on top with fresh tomatoes to complete your meal.

5. Chicken piccata

Are you looking to impress your friend or family with your chef skills? The lemon, butter and white wine sauce of chicken piccata is a fan favorite yet it is shockingly easy to make. Add your Italian-styled chicken to your choice of pasta with roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh parsley and top with capers for extra flavor.

6. Creamy chicken and broccoli pasta

Take your pasta recipe to the next level with this delectable sauce. The creamy white wine, butter, garlic and lemon sauce packs a punch with mouthwatering flavors. When you pair the sauce with lemon pepper chicken, broccoli and your choice of pasta (we recommend penne), you’ll want to eat more than two portions.

7. Marry me chicken

When it comes to dinner ideas for two you can never go wrong with “marry me” chicken. It is rumored that if you make this chicken recipe for someone they will instantly fall in love with you.

The rich, creamy sauce involves a little heat, but not too much for those sensitive to spice. Even those who aren’t crazy about sun-dried tomatoes will still enjoy the bold flavors.

Healthy dinner ideas for two

You can whip up a tasty meal while still hitting your health goals. Check out these healthy dinner ideas for two or take a gander at some of our low-calorie meal ideas for more inspiration.

8. Air fryer Parmesan chicken with broccoli

One of the easiest ways to flex your chef skills is by using an air fryer. Pop in your chicken breast that is coated in Parmesan to make a delicious bite to eat. The air fryer and Parmesan crust will make the chicken extra crispy. Pair your healthy Parmesan chicken with air-fried or sautéed broccoli. Your guest will devour this delicious meal in a matter of minutes.

9. Ground turkey stuffed peppers

Short on time but in charge of dinner? Ground turkey stuffed peppers to the rescue! This easy gourmet meal can be completed in under 30 minutes. Add your cooked ground turkey to the center of your peppers and fill them with your favorite veggies.

10. Air fryer turkey meatballs with zoodles

Spaghetti and meatballs are so last year — switch up your dinner with air fryer turkey meatballs and zoodles. While this recipe does call for breadcrumbs, you can opt for almond flour as a gluten-free option. You can whip up this yummy dish in 30 minutes or less. Coat your meatballs in as much tomato sauce as you want or omit altogether for fewer calories. Split your cooked zucchini noodles and turkey meatballs into two portions and enjoy this healthy meal for two.

11. Chicken lettuce wraps

When it comes to creating a gourmet meal you don’t need a lot of ingredients (or skills). Transform your kitchen into P.F. Chang’s with copycat chicken lettuce wraps. Once you cook your chicken to perfection, you can assemble your wraps with large lettuce leaves and cooked rice. One bite and the bold flavors will take over.

12. Garlic roasted salmon

Garlic and salmon go together like two peas in a pod. This garlic roasted salmon recipe is healthy yet packed with flavor. Enjoy this meal during a weeknight or even to impress guests. After you mix only a handful of ingredients you will create the most delicious salmon. Serve it with whole-wheat couscous or mixed vegetables for the perfect low-calorie meal. 

13. No-peek chicken

Did you forget about your dinner plans? Don’t worry — this chicken recipe requires only five ingredients yet will have your guests drooling for more. This no-fuss meal involves combining all of the ingredients in a baking dish, covering it with aluminum foil and then cooking for an hour and a half. Seriously, that’s it. However, no peeking before time is up (hence the name)!

14. Taco bowls

Think taco night but the salad version. You can still enjoy the traditional flavors of tacos but without the tortillas. This healthy dinner idea for two starts off the same way a normal fiesta would, but when you get to the assembly part, you add all your ingredients in a bowl instead of soft or hard shells. We recommend you use ground turkey and omit the rice for your taco bowls, but don’t forget the avocado.

15. Smoked turkey wraps

When it comes to making an easy lunch or dinner, these smoked turkey wraps should be the first to pop in your mind. You can add deli turkey to either tortillas or large lettuce leaves to reduce the calories. Add in your favorite condiments, but check the labels for nutrition facts to keep things on the healthier side.

Vegetarian dinner ideas for two

When it comes to recipes for two people you don’t need to include meat. Put these vegetarian dinner ideas to the taste test.

16. Roasted vegetables and quinoa bowls

Overflow your dinner bowls with roasted vegetables and quinoa for a tasty and easy meal. Roast vegetables like butternut squash, zucchini and carrots for a colorful dish. Combine your cooked quinoa to complete your filling bowls.

17. Tomato and mozzarella flatbread

Without any meat in it, all fellow vegetarians can enjoy this meal. You can either use store-bought flatbread or use this flatbread recipe to make your own. After you have your flatbread crust, assemble it with thin rounds of mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Cook your flatbread until the cheese is melted.

18. Kung Pao cauliflower

Kung Pao chicken is good, but cauliflower is vegetarian-friendly and enjoyed by meat eaters too. Combine all of your ingredients in a skillet and cook until your cauliflower softens. Add your Kung Pao cauliflower and stir-fried vegetables to a bowl and garnish with scallions. 

19. Vegetable pasta bake

If baked ziti included vegetables then the end result would be this dish. While casseroles are typically for larger groups, you can still enjoy two portions now and save the rest for later. This vegetable pasta bake is a vegetarian delight that takes your favorite pasta and combines it with seasonal vegetables and melted cheese.

20. Hot honey tofu and arugula

This tofu recipe is a vegetarian twist to Nashville’s famous hot chicken. Create a crispy crust by coating your tofu in breadcrumbs. Make sure each side forms a crust and is browned before flipping. Drizzle your hot honey sauce on your tofu and pair it with arugula for an unforgettable meal.

Easy date night recipes

Whether it’s date night or a special anniversary, show off your chef skills by whipping up one of these easy but sure-to-impress romantic dinner recipes.

21. Baked feta pasta

The infamous TikTok baked feta pasta is simple yet delicious. I mean, what’s better than a melted block of cheese with roasted tomatoes? We took the recipe one step further with shallots for a game-changing dish. Once your feta and tomatoes are roasted, add cooked pasta into the mixture. One bite and your partner will be impressed with your creative dinner idea.

22. Heart-shaped homemade pizza

There is nothing more romantic than making heart-shaped homemade pizza with your loved one. You can use store-bought pizza dough (we won’t judge you) or you can make your own to impress your significant other. Add your favorite toppings like turkey pepperoni and olives to your dough and cook until golden brown.

23. Sheet pan steak and potatoes

One pan is all you need to make this steak and potatoes recipe. Bake your steak and red potatoes until golden brown. Broil until the steak reaches desired doneness. Sprinkle on Parmesan and chopped parsley and pair with caramelized onions. 

24. Lemon garlic shrimp

Take your date night dinner to the next level by serving this lemon garlic shrimp recipe. The bold garlic butter sauce and lemon zest will have your partner asking for seconds. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes for a bit of spice! Pair your shrimp with your choice of pasta or rice. 

25. Salmon skewers

Making salmon skewers is a fun activity to do with your loved one. It’s nice to cook a meal together and flex your own chef skills. Pile on small chunks of salmon to your skewers and alternate with cut-up vegetables. After you grill your skewers, dip them in your favorite sauce for a boost of flavor.

26. Caprese steak

Transform your kitchen into a piece of Italy and impress your partner along the way by serving Caprese steak at your next date night. The slice of tomato and mozzarella complements seasoned steak so well. Serve your Italian dish with your choice of pasta and asparagus.

27. Herb lamb chops

Lamb chops are one of those dishes that look overly complicated, but this recipe is actually fairly simple. The marinade of olive oil, rosemary, garlic and thyme is heavenly and also tenderizes the meat. Serve your herb lamb chops with garlic green beans and quinoa.

27 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two: Recipes Designed to Impress

Recipe by InstacartCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calorieskcal

Follow one of the recipes below to enjoy easy dinner ideas for two.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of protein of choice

• 2 cups of vegetables

• 2 cups of whole grains

Healthy dinner ideas

• Air fryer Parmesan chicken with broccoli
• Ground turkey stuffed peppers
• Chicken and rice bowls
• Air fryer turkey meatballs
• Garlic roasted salmon
• Copycat chicken lettuce wraps
• Vegetable pasta bake
• Salmon skewers
• Caprese steak
• Baked feta

Dinner for two FAQ

Figuring out what to make for dinner is no longer a hassle. The answers to your questions about dinner for two are below.

What should I make for dinner when I’m feeling lazy?

Casseroles and protein dishes make for good dinners when you’re feeling lazy. Start off with your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, etc.) and pair it with veggies and a carb. You could make a pasta bake or even air fry Parmesan chicken that requires little to no effort.

What should I serve on date night?

Meat and pasta aren’t the only things you can serve on date night. You can make a heart-shaped pizza or salmon skewers for a fun and delicious activity.

What can I cook for two people?

When it comes to cooking a meal for you and your partner, a roommate, or a friend, look no further than our comprehensive list of dinner ideas for two! If you’re still unsure what to make, look for leftovers in your fridge that can be evenly distributed and amplified with a single sauce. Our favorites include taco or teriyaki bowls (a protein rice or beans and vegetables) or a sheetpan meal of potatoes, vegetables and a protein. 

What should I make my significant other for dinner?

Marry me chicken is the perfect chicken dish you can make for your significant other. The mouthwatering sauce will have your loved one begging for leftovers.

Serving final thoughts 

Now that you are more familiar with dinner ideas for two, it’s time to put your cooking skills to the test. Remember you don’t have to overcomplicate these dishes. Try adding your personal touch to your ground turkey stuffed peppers or seafood dishes. You can portion out these meals for two or make a little extra to indulge in a midnight snack or dinner for tomorrow.

When it comes to shopping for your dinner ingredients, leave the hard work to the Instacart team. Choose same-day order pickup or have everything delivered to your front door — save time and effort for the actual prepping. Place your order today and get started mastering your cooking artistry.

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Author

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