34 Easy Dinner Ideas for Two: Recipes Designed To Impress

We’ve all been there: 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 scrape some leftovers together to make the same chicken and rice bowl you’ve been cooking forever, or is tonight an instant mac and cheese night?

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?

Instead of rotating the same meals over and over, why not 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 made 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 nine 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 garlic 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 own 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 make a bit extra because you will certainly 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 mouthwatering marinade. 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 Parmesan sauce packs a punch with mouthwatering flavors. When you pair the sauce with garlic, chicken, broccoli and your choice of pasta (we recommend penne), you’ll want to eat more than two portions.

7. Chettinad chicken curry with coconut milk

You’ll love this single-pan recipe for its easy cleanup. A blend of spices combine to create a rich indulgent Chettinad chicken curry you’ll never forget. The coconut milk balances out the heat and adds creaminess to this dish. Pair with rice or naan for the complete experience. 

8. Chinese bok choy chicken stir-fry

Cooking for a pair of Asian cuisine fans? A quick and easy bok choy chicken stir-fry packs a powerful punch of flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to really turn up the heat.

9. 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.

10. Air fryer chicken Parmesan 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.

11. Quinoa tofu veggie bowl

A beautiful quinoa tofu veggie bowl can be prepared in just half an hour. This nutrient-packed plant-based entrée is a triple threat: healthy, delicious and satisfying. You’ll want to revisit this recipe time and time again, and you can easily keep things interesting by adding your favorite seasonal veggies or swapping quinoa for couscous or brown rice.

12. Ground beef stuffed peppers

Looking for an easy gourmet meal when you’re in charge of dinner? Ground beef stuffed peppers to the rescue! Add your cooked ground beef to the center of your peppers and fill them with your favorite veggies. For an additional boost of flavor, drizzle your peppers with olive oil before stuffing them. To create a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or cooked lentils instead of meat. 

13. Air fryer meatballs

Meatballs are a classic, and a little help from an air fryer makes them even easier to prepare. While these air fryer meatballs do 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 ground beef meatballs into two portions and enjoy this healthy meal for two.

14. Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps

When making an easy lunch or dinner, these wraps should be the first to pop into your mind. Whip up a quick and delicious meal with some buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. Once you cook your chicken to perfection and toss it in buffalo sauce, assemble your wraps with large lettuce leaves and blue cheese dressing. One bite and the bold flavors will take over.

15. Honey garlic salmon

Garlic and salmon go together like two peas in a pod. This honey garlic 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 baked salmon. Serve it with whole-wheat couscous or mixed vegetables for the perfect low-calorie meal. 

16. No-peek chicken

Did you forget about your dinner plans? Don’t worry — this no-peek 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)!

17. 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 is also a great weeknight dinner idea for the whole family. It 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.

18. Crunchy maple baked sweet potatoes

If you have a little extra time on your hands and are interested in a decadent blend of flavors, try this pumped-up baked sweet potato recipe. For extra crispy sweet potatoes, place them directly on a wire rack above a baking sheet. Serve hot and top with real maple syrup.

Vegetarian dinner ideas for two

When it comes to recipes for two people, you don’t always need to include meat. There are a ton of delicious dinner ideas for two vegetarian diners. Put these vegetarian dinner ideas to the taste test.

19. Mediterranean quinoa bowls

Fill up on veggie quinoa bowls for a tasty and easy meal. Mix vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for a colorful dish. Combine your cooked quinoa with chickpeas and kalamata olives to complete your bowls with a Mediterranean twist.

20. 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.

21. 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. 

22. 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 dinner for two and combines it with seasonal vegetables and melted cheese.

23. Lemon and Parmesan asparagus risotto

Want to create a restaurant-quality dish that’s as elegant as it is satisfying? To cook a gourmet meal, you don’t need a lot of ingredients (or skills). The rich flavor and creamy texture of Parmesan asparagus risotto will make it a hit in any season. For an extra burst of flavor, roast the asparagus before adding it to the risotto.

24. Vegetarian enchiladas

Dig into this savory comfort food for a memorable dinner for two. This vegetarian enchilada recipe is flexible and customizable, allowing you to experiment with all your favorite sauces, fillings and toppings.

25. Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa

If you’re looking for a simple dinner for two with easy cleanup, you can’t go wrong with vegetarian stuffed bell peppers! They’re packed with protein and topped with tasty salsa and cheddar. Skip the cheese to make this a vegan-friendly meal.

26. Hot honey tofu and arugula

This tofu recipe is a vegetarian twist on 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.

27. Baked feta pasta

The infamous TikTok baked feta pasta is simple yet delicious. 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 to the mixture. One bite and your partner will be impressed with your creative dinner idea.

28. 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 or 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. This meal is also a classic Valentine’s dinner idea.

29. 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. 

30. Shrimp scampi pasta

Take your date night dinner to the next level by serving this shrimp scampi pasta recipe. After just half an hour, you’ll have a dish that will have your partner asking for seconds. Enjoy restaurant-level deliciousness during your cozy night in. 

31. Grilled pork souvlaki skewers

Making pork 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 pork to your skewers and alternate with cut-up vegetables of your choice. After you grill your skewers, dip them in your favorite sauce for a boost of flavor.

32. Pan-seared scallops

The recipe for these super scrumptious pan-seared scallops is perfect for impatient chefs, as it can be prepared in just 15 minutes! A delicate texture and subtle blend of flavors make this dish a great fit for your next date night dinner at home.

33. Caprese steak

Transform your kitchen into a piece of Italy and impress your partner along the way by serving Caprese steak on 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.

34. 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.

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 high-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, simple scallops or pork 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 sheet pan meal of potatoes, vegetables and a protein.

What should I make my significant other for dinner?

If you’re in search of some romantic dinner ideas for two at home, look no further. 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 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.