10+ Recipes for Two People: Delicious Meals to Share Together

Cooking for two can be a delightful experience that helps you connect with someone special over a shared meal. Finding recipes that are easy to prepare and tailored for two people can save time and reduce food waste. By focusing on smaller portions, you can enjoy fresh ingredients and diverse flavors without the burden of leftovers.

With a variety of recipes available, there is something for every palate. Whether you prefer quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, you can create satisfying meals that are simple to manage. Embracing the joys of cooking for two can transform your dining experience and make meals more meaningful.

1) One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken is a simple and tasty meal for two. It features tender chicken thighs marinated in garlic and lemon juice. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare!

Start by mixing garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and mustard for the marinade. Let the chicken soak in this mixture for great flavor.

You’ll then place the chicken on a baking sheet with potatoes. Roasting everything together makes cleanup a breeze. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Ingredients

• 2 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and mustard.
3. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
4. Place the chicken and diced potatoes on a baking sheet.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

2) Brown Sugar Salmon

Brown sugar salmon is a tasty and simple dish perfect for two. The sweet glaze combines perfectly with the rich flavor of the salmon. This meal is easy to prepare and cook in under 30 minutes.

To start, you’ll need fresh salmon fillets. The glaze uses brown sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. As the salmon cooks, the sweetness of the brown sugar caramelizes, adding a delicious touch.

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice. You can serve it for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and Dijon mustard.
3. Place salmon on a baking sheet.
4. Spread the brown sugar mixture over the salmon.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

3) Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pesto chicken pasta is a quick and tasty dish perfect for two. You will enjoy the blend of flavors from the chicken, pesto, and pasta all in one meal.

Start by cooking your favorite type of pasta according to package instructions. While that’s boiling, sauté diced chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, mix in some pesto for a burst of flavor.

Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and more pesto if you’d like. For extra taste, add some grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (such as bow tie or penne)
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté the diced chicken until golden brown.
3. Stir in the pesto and mix well.
4. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and pesto mixture.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if using.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a delicious and quick meal that’s perfect for two people. You can have them ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. With tender chicken and colorful veggies, they are not only tasty but also visually appealing.

To make them, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onions. A bit of lime juice adds refreshing flavor. You can serve them with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole.

Ingredients

• 1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion
• 1-2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 lime (for juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the chicken, onion, and bell peppers into strips.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 180°C).
3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until done.
4. Add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until soft.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add salt and pepper.
6. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

5) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a quick and delicious dish perfect for two people. The garlic and butter sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp. This easy recipe can be ready in just 15 minutes!

You will need to cook some pasta to serve as a base. The shrimp cooks quickly, so make sure to have your ingredients prepared. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2/3 pound large shrimp, deveined and shelled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Cooked pasta for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking until shrimp is pink.
5. Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter.
6. Serve over pasta and garnish with parsley.

6) Mini Chicken Casserole

Mini Chicken Casserole is a perfect dish for two. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can use leftover chicken, which makes it quick to prepare.

To start, mix cooked chicken with cream of chicken soup, frozen vegetables, and cooked noodles. Pour this mixture into a small baking dish. Then, top it with crushed crackers for a nice crunch.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown. Serve it warm and enjoy a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup cooked egg noodles
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, soup, vegetables, and noodles.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased small baking dish.
4. Top with crushed crackers and drizzle melted butter over the top.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

7) Caprese Salad and Grilled Chicken

Caprese Salad and grilled chicken make a tasty and healthy meal for two. The fresh flavors of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella pair well with juicy, grilled chicken. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy nights.

For the salad, you can slice fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. Add basil leaves for that delicious herb flavor. Drizzle balsamic glaze for a sweet touch.

For the grilled chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Grill it until it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Serve the chicken alongside the salad for a balanced plate. This meal is colorful, satisfying, and easy to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
4. Arrange mozzarella and tomatoes on a plate.
5. Top with basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Serve grilled chicken with the salad. Enjoy!

8) Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken stir fry is a quick and tasty dish perfect for two people. You can use fresh vegetables and a savory sauce to bring it all together. It’s colorful and healthy, making it a great choice for dinner.

Start by sautéing sliced chicken in hot oil until it’s golden brown. Add in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers and broccoli. Cook until they are tender. Season everything with soy sauce and a bit of honey for sweetness.

This dish cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
• Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C).
2. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden brown.
3. Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
4. Add soy sauce and honey; stir to combine well.
5. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

9) Pork Chops for Two

Making pork chops for two is quick and easy. You can use different methods like baking, pan-searing, or using a slow cooker. Each method brings out the delicious flavors of the pork.

One simple recipe is to use a Crock Pot for tender pork chops. Just season the meat and let it cook slowly. In about 4 hours on low, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to serve.

Another option is to make creamy smothered ranch pork chops in a skillet. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes and tastes amazing with rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless pork chops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup ranch dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add pork chops and cook for about 5 minutes on each side.
4. Pour ranch dressing over the chops and simmer for 10 minutes.

10) Beef and Noodles

Beef and noodles is a hearty dish that’s perfect for two. It combines tender beef with soft noodles in a comforting sauce.

This simple recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

For this dish, you will need stewing beef, egg noodles, and a few pantry staples. It cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (8 ounces) lean boneless stewing beef, cut into cubes
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and beef. Cook until the beef is browned.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the egg noodles and simmer for about 10-12 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!