10+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Two That Make Weeknights Simple and Delicious

Finding easy dinner recipes for two really takes the stress out of mealtime. Whether you’re cooking for a partner, a friend, or just yourself and a guest, simple meals with a short ingredient list help you eat well without a lot of hassle.

The key to quick and easy dinners for two is choosing recipes that are tasty, straightforward, and just the right size—no piles of leftovers or wasted food.

You don’t have to be a chef to make good dinners that fit your schedule and mood. With easy recipes, you can use common ingredients and simple steps, turning cooking at home into something enjoyable.

This guide will help you find dishes that work for smaller portions and busy nights. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time actually enjoying your meal.

1) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are a no-fuss dinner for two. Toss chicken, peppers, and onions on one pan, and you’re set.

Less cleanup, more time to chill—what’s not to love? Use a quick marinade of lime juice, olive oil, and taco seasoning for extra flavor.

The dish cooks fast at a high temp, so it’s great when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait. Serve the fajitas in warm tortillas with toppings like salsa, cheese, or sour cream.

It’s super easy to tweak to your taste.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning.
3. Spread everything on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas and serve with fajita filling.

2) Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potato

This one’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two. You cook chicken breasts and potatoes in a creamy garlic sauce that’s surprisingly easy.

The garlic gives it a good kick but doesn’t overpower. You only need one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

The potatoes soak up all that sauce—so good. It’s a warm, filling meal you can get on the table in about 30 minutes.

Add broccoli or green beans on the side if you want some color and a veggie boost.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 small to medium potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown chicken on both sides.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Add butter and garlic to the pan; cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan; stir until smooth.
7. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
8. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
9. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

3) Chicken Alfredo for Two

Chicken Alfredo is one of those simple, satisfying meals that always hits the spot. Start by cooking some tender chicken while making a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce.

The sauce is just butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan—rich and smooth. Add cooked pasta like fettuccine or penne, and you’re good to go.

This one cooks fast, so it’s ideal for nights when you want something good but don’t want to fuss. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken and toss in veggies like broccoli.

It makes the meal more balanced and colorful.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in a pan over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce thickens.
7. Slice chicken and add back to the sauce.
8. Toss pasta with sauce and chicken. Serve warm.

For more details, try this Chicken Alfredo Recipe For Two.

4) Taco Spaghetti

Taco spaghetti mixes two favorites—tacos and pasta—in one easy dinner. You get all the seasoned beef and cheesy goodness of tacos, but with spaghetti noodles.

It’s a fun, one-pan meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Just cook your beef with taco spices, add tomato sauce or salsa, then mix in the spaghetti.

Top with cheese and let it melt for a warm, comforting dish. This one’s great for two people and uses stuff you probably already have.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chunky tomato salsa or sauce
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
3. Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well.
4. Pour in salsa or tomato sauce and heat through.
5. Mix cooked spaghetti into the beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

For a simple and tasty recipe check out this one pan taco spaghetti.

5) Skillet Sausage ‘N’ Rice

This skillet sausage and rice dish is perfect when you want a quick, filling meal for two. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is super easy.

Start by browning the sausage to get that flavor going. Then add peppers and onions for some color.

Stir in rice and garlic, and let it all cook together. The sausage juices soak into the rice, making each bite tasty.

Smoked sausage adds extra flavor if you’ve got it. This recipe works well for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 1/4 cups uncooked white rice
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown sausage slices, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and bell peppers. Cook 3 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and rice; cook 2 minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until rice is tender.
7. Fluff rice with a fork and serve.

For more details, check out this Sausage and Rice Skillet recipe.

6) Blackened Shrimp Rice Bowls

Blackened shrimp rice bowls are quick and full of flavor. You get spicy shrimp over warm rice—hard to beat.

Coconut rice adds a little sweetness that balances the spice. Top with fresh veggies like bell peppers or avocado for color and crunch.

A simple cilantro lime dressing ties it all together. This meal only takes about 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy night.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning
• 1 cup rice (white, brown, or coconut rice)
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Toss shrimp with blackening seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Toss bell peppers in skillet for 1-2 minutes to soften slightly.
6. Mix cilantro and lime juice for dressing.
7. Serve shrimp and peppers over rice, top with avocado and drizzle dressing.

7) Roast Chicken Quarters with Veggies

Roasting chicken quarters with vegetables is a classic, low-effort way to make a good dinner for two. You can cook everything in the same pan to save time and dishes.

Season the chicken with your favorite herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions around the chicken.

The veggies roast and get all soft and caramelized while the chicken crisps up. If you want, add a little maple syrup or Dijon mustard to the chicken for extra flavor.

Roast at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken leg quarters
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: maple syrup or Dijon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a baking pan.
3. Rub chicken with salt, pepper, and optional maple syrup or mustard.
4. Place chicken on top of the vegetables.
5. Roast for 40-45 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
6. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

For a simple recipe idea, check this maple roasted chicken quarters dinner.

8) Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are just the thing when you want something warm and cheesy for two. They cook fast and use simple ingredients you probably have on hand.

You’ll get crispy tortillas stuffed with seasoned chicken and gooey cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some green peppers or onions.

Serve with salsa or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. It’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Ingredients

• 2 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• 1/4 cup diced green peppers (optional)
• Cooking spray or a little oil
• Salsa or sour cream for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and give it a quick spray or a drizzle of oil.

2. Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet.

3. Sprinkle the chicken, cheese, and green peppers evenly over the tortilla.

4. Place the second tortilla on top.

5. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until the bottom turns golden and crisp.

6. Flip it gently (it can get messy, but that’s part of the fun) and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

7. Slice it into wedges and serve right away with salsa or a dollop of sour cream.

You can find more tips on making easy chicken quesadillas.

9) Chili Garlic Noodles

Chili garlic noodles make a quick, spicy dinner for two. You can whip them up in about 15 minutes, and they’ve got a kick you can dial up or down.

The sauce is all about garlic and chili—bold, simple, and surprisingly flexible. Rice noodles work great, but honestly, whatever pasta you have will do.

If you want, toss in veggies or tofu to bulk it up. Use gluten-free noodles and you’ve got a vegan-friendly meal that’s actually satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz rice noodles
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp oil for cooking
• Green onions, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil the noodles according to the package, then drain them.

2. Heat oil in a pan over medium.

3. Add garlic and chili flakes, stir them around for about a minute.

4. Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.

5. Toss the noodles into the pan and mix until everything’s coated.

6. Top with green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm.

10) Chicken Parmesan Pizza

Chicken Parmesan Pizza brings a playful twist to the usual chicken parm. Grab some pizza dough and pile on sauce, cheese, and crispy chicken—dinner for two sorted.

You can use marinara or pizza sauce. Top with mozzarella, parmesan, and breaded, cooked chicken.

Bake it until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles up.

This pizza’s got that crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and a rich, tangy sauce. Simple, but honestly, it feels like a treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1 cooked chicken breast, breaded and sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Roll out the pizza dough right on a baking sheet.

3. Spoon marinara sauce all over the dough.

4. Toss on mozzarella, parmesan, and some chicken slices.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the crust golden and the cheese melted—keep an eye on it.

Try this easy chicken parmesan pizza for a seriously tasty dinner.

Learn more about chicken parmesan pizza here.