10+ Dinner Recipes for Two: Easy and Delicious Ideas to Share Tonight

Finding dinner recipes for two can be a little tricky. You want meals that are just the right size, easy to make, and genuinely tasty.

Choosing the right recipes helps you avoid waste and saves you time in the kitchen.

Maybe you’re cooking for a partner, a friend, or just yourself and a guest. Having a go-to list of simple dinners can take the stress out of mealtime.

You want dishes that fit your schedule and taste—without too many leftovers or complicated steps.

1) Chicken Alfredo for Two

Chicken Alfredo always feels a little special, but it’s surprisingly easy to throw together. You cook up some tender chicken and mix it with a creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.

It’s the kind of dish that comforts you without demanding much time. You can use fettuccine or penne—whatever you’ve got.

The sauce is garlicky and rich, but doesn’t go overboard. Adding freshly grated Parmesan gives it a fresh, cheesy bite.

If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a splash of white wine for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
• 1/2 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain.
2. Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add white wine if you’re using it and let it cook for a minute or two.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan and pepper until the sauce thickens.
6. Toss in the cooked chicken and pasta.
7. Mix it all together and heat through for a couple of minutes.
8. Serve warm.

2) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas keep things simple. Just slice up some chicken, bell peppers, and onions, toss them with seasoning, and spread everything on one pan.

You bake it all at 425°F (220°C). The chicken cooks through, and the veggies stay a bit crisp.

Serve in warm tortillas with whatever toppings you love—salsa, sour cream, avocado, go wild.

This meal uses basic ingredients and comes together fast. It’s a weeknight winner when you want something good without hovering over the stove.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 4 small flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix chicken, peppers, onion, olive oil, and taco seasoning in a bowl.
3. Spread everything on a sheet pan.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is done and veggies are tender.
5. Warm tortillas and fill them up.
6. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!

3) Braised Tofu with Coconut and Lemongrass

Braised tofu with coconut and lemongrass is cozy and perfect for two. The tofu soaks up all the coconut milk and lemongrass flavors, making for a warm, comforting meal.

Start by browning the tofu. Add coconut milk, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, then let it all simmer gently.

Serve with rice or your favorite veggies. The flavors are simple but satisfying, and you don’t need to fuss over it.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into cubes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 stalk lemongrass, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium.
2. Brown tofu cubes on all sides, then set aside.
3. Sauté garlic, ginger, and lemongrass in the same pan for 30 seconds.
4. Add coconut milk, broth, and soy sauce. Stir.
5. Return tofu to the pan, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Pull out the lemongrass before serving. Enjoy while it’s warm.

Check out a similar recipe for braised tofu with coconut and lemongrass here.

4) Taco Spaghetti

Taco Spaghetti is a fun, quick dinner for two. It brings together the spicy flavors of tacos and the comfort of pasta in one pot.

You cook seasoned ground beef, toss in tomatoes and noodles, and let it all come together. The cheddar cheese on top melts into everything, making it extra satisfying.

Use store-bought taco seasoning or whip up your own. Onions and tomatoes keep it fresh and flavorful.

It’s a playful twist—who says you can’t have both tacos and pasta at once?

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ cup taco seasoning
• 10 oz canned diced tomatoes (Rotel works well)
• 6 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium.
2. Cook onions until soft.
3. Add ground beef and brown it up.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and some salt.
5. Break spaghetti in half, add to the pan, and pour in enough water to cover.
6. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt. Serve right away.

Find more tips in this one pot taco spaghetti recipe.

5) Roast Chicken Quarters with Vegetables

Roast chicken quarters make for an easy, hearty dinner for two. You cook them right on top of your favorite vegetables, so cleanup is a breeze.

Season the chicken with herbs and spices. Place it over potatoes and carrots, and let the oven do the rest.

The flavors come together as everything roasts. Try a mustard or maple glaze if you want to mix things up.

For a detailed recipe, check out this roasted chicken quarters dinner for two.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken leg quarters
• 2 medium potatoes, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss potatoes and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
3. Set chicken quarters on top of the veggies.
4. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes, until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

6) Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun-dried tomato pasta is speedy and full of flavor. You can make it all in one pot for minimal cleanup.

The sun-dried tomatoes bring a bold, tangy kick that works well with garlic and cream. If you want, add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.

It’s a great option for busy nights when you don’t want to fuss. Pantry staples like pasta, garlic, and parmesan make this easy to pull off.

You’ll notice the flavors come together fast, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 6 oz angel hair or your favorite pasta
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup spinach or mushrooms (optional)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta, then drain it.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté garlic.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a couple of minutes.
4. Pour in cream or milk, toss in spinach or mushrooms if you want.
5. Add the cooked pasta and parmesan. Mix it all together.
6. Season and serve while it’s warm.

7) White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is creamy, cozy, and just right for two. It’s made with white beans, chicken, and green chiles for a mild but flavorful bowl.

You can whip it up in about half an hour, which is honestly a relief on busy nights. Adjust it to your taste—add sour cream for richness or keep it brothy and simple.

Browning the chicken first gives it a nice texture and deeper flavor. You end up with a warm, filling bowl that doesn’t feel too heavy.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced green chiles
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium-high.
2. Brown the chicken breast on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Set the chicken aside.
4. Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until soft.
5. Add beans, green chiles, broth, and cumin. Stir it up.
6. Return chicken to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
8. Shred the chicken and put it back in the chili.
9. Stir in sour cream if you like. Heat through gently.
10. Season and serve warm.

For more details, visit this white chicken chili for two.

8) Chili Garlic Noodles

Chili garlic noodles make an awesome, quick dinner for two. You can whip them up in about 15 minutes, and they come with a spicy kick and a bold garlic punch.

These noodles usually use rice noodles tossed in a savory chili garlic sauce. If you want, toss in some veggies or tofu for extra texture.

The dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free if you pick the right noodles. Adjust the chili to make it as fiery (or mild) as you like.

Ingredients

• 6 oz rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to the package. Drain, then set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Toss in garlic and chili flakes. Stir for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl.
5. Add the noodles to the pan, pour the sauce over, and toss to coat.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
7. Serve hot, topped with green onions if that sounds good.

For more details about this easy recipe, check out spicy chili garlic noodles.

9) Steamed Mussels with Garlic Butter

Steamed mussels with garlic butter make a simple, tasty dinner for two. The mussels cook fast in a broth loaded with butter, garlic, and white wine.

Start by melting butter and sautéing garlic and shallots. Add white wine and lemon juice next.

Toss in the cleaned mussels, cover the pot, and let them steam until they open up. Serve them with fresh parsley and some crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 dozen fresh mussels, cleaned
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and shallots, cook until soft.
3. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, bring it to a simmer.
4. Add mussels, cover, and steam for 5-7 minutes until they open.
5. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

10) Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo is a cozy, tasty dish that’s perfect for two. You cook chicken and rice together in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze.

The chicken gets seasoned with spices, and the rice soaks up all those flavors. Add veggies like peas, bell peppers, and tomatoes if you want to brighten things up.

It’s a great pick for a warm meal that just feels like home. You only need a handful of basic ingredients for this Latin American classic.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Grab your chicken and sprinkle on paprika, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken on both sides, then set it aside.

3. Toss onion, garlic, and bell pepper into the same pan. Let them sauté until they turn soft and smell amazing.

4. Add rice and keep stirring for about 2 minutes.

5. Pour in chicken broth. Add tomato and peas.

6. Put the chicken back in the pan. Cover it up and let everything simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken’s done.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Serve it up hot.

Craving more details? Check out the Arroz Con Pollo recipe.