Finding new and exciting dinner recipes for two people is often harder than it sounds. I know I tend to fall into boring routines where I cook the exact same things every single week.
You have come to the right place if you are looking for simple meals to spice up your evening routine. These 26 recipes will hopefully bring a little excitement back to your dinner table tonight.
1. Marry Me Chicken
You might need to check your vision if this picture does not make you drool instantly. It really looks phenomenal.
I love how tender the chicken gets in this recipe. You mix sun dried tomatoes with garlic and red pepper flakes.
Toss in some oregano plus parmesan cheese for a creamy sauce that is completely irresistible. It smells just as amazing as it tastes.
2. Garlic Mushrooms
I know garlic mushrooms are usually a popular side dish next to a big steak. These are honestly so good that you will want to make them just to eat on their own.
Try to find mushrooms that are similar in size for the best results. That helps them cook evenly.
3. Baked Salmon
You can get this nutritious baked salmon on the table in under 30 minutes. I am obsessed with the perfect seasoning.
The fish is so soft that it practically melts in your mouth. It features a delightful lemon garlic flavor profile.
This is the ideal dish for keto couples since it has only one carb per serving.
4. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is basically the quickest way to turn seafood into a complete meal. I love that it takes just 25 minutes to prepare.
The ingredients are also quite common things you likely have on hand. All you need is linguine plus butter and shrimp.
Grab some parmesan cheese and white wine along with herbs to finish it off.
5. Tomato Parmesan
Nothing beats a bowl of hot soup on a long and cool night. This version is wonderfully thick and creamy.
It boasts a surprising mix of flavors thanks to the tomatoes and parmesan cheese. Carrots and garlic join onion for even more depth.
Serve this with thick slices of hearty bread for a full meal.
6. Roasted Vegetable Salad with Sauce
You have to try this roasted vegetable salad if you want a colorful vegetarian dish. I think it is beautiful.
You can easily tweak the recipe to include your favorite veggies. Stick with the potatoes and carrots if you want.
Cabbage and broccolini taste great with red bell peppers here. The green sauce uses avocados and parsley for a delicious finish.
7. Steak and Potatoes Skillet
I find that anything covered in garlic butter is usually delicious. This simple steak and potatoes meal is certainly no exception.
The potatoes turn out crispy and buttery. They are absolutely covered in garlic.
The steak is tender and juicy with a mouthful of flavor in every single bite. It is hard to beat this classic dish.
8. Lemon Pepper Chicken
Lemon pepper chicken might not be the most exotic recipe on the list. It is still an easy favorite though.
I think people like it because it is so incredibly convenient to make. You just need chicken plus lemon juice and olive oil.
Grab various seasonings and your prep takes five minutes tops. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes and serve it with a fresh salad.
9. Vegetable Pasta
This single pot pasta is a fabulous option for a vegetarian dinner. The final product is full of tomatoey goodness no matter what vegetables you use.
I love the cheesy yumminess here. Garlic and onions add flavor while pepper flakes provide a nice kick.
Do not forget the Italian seasoning. That is what gives this dish its fantastic smell.
10. Cinnamon Raisin Rice Pudding
No dinner for two is complete without a sweet dessert to finish the meal. This single pot rice pudding is a great choice because it tastes terrific.
It is also super easy to make. I never want to spend a ton of time making dessert after cooking dinner.
You just need milk and medium grain rice plus cinnamon. Add sugar and raisins with vanilla extract.
It comes together in about 20 minutes.
11. Tuscan Chicken
This Tuscan chicken is exploding with flavor. It only has seven carbs per serving.
The chicken breast turns out tender and juicy. I love the creamy and garlicky sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a sparkling moscato if you enjoy sweet wine.
12. Caprese Grilled Filet Mignon (Filet Mignon with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil)
These filet mignons are incredibly juicy and cheesy. They are perfectly seasoned.
You top them with tomato and basil leaves plus mozzarella for five star restaurant quality.
Drizzle the whole thing with some balsamic vinaigrette. It is ready to enjoy immediately.
13. Tomato Pasta with Butter Sauce
This pasta is terrific whether you use toasted bread crumbles or not. It is simple and flavorful.
It tastes like something you would eat in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. It might be a little drier than you are used to.
That is especially true with the bread crumbles. I promise that does not diminish the yumminess in the least.
14. Roasted Vegetables
These roasted vegetables are a great choice if you need the perfect side dish. They take a little time to prepare.
I think they are totally worth it though. You can use whatever veggies you like.
I tend to stick pretty closely to the recipe. The dressing is incredible because it is more zesty than sweet.
It is not so tart that it distracts from the earthiness of the vegetables.
15. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Let’s not forget about this superb garlic butter shrimp while we are praising garlic butter. It is just as tasty as steak and potatoes.
I love that it has fewer carbs and calories.
16. Alfredo Pasta Sauce
This sauce is rich and creamy. It is full of butter plus milk and cheese.
This is honestly one of the best homemade alfredo recipes I have ever used. It is bound to be delicious no matter what pasta you pair with it.
17. Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta
This is a great option if you are looking for a healthy pasta dish. It is absolutely delicious.
You pair grilled chicken and spaghetti noodles with asparagus. Red peppers and plenty of seasonings join the mix.
It is a light but flavorful meal. I think it is perfect for recreating that iconic spaghetti moment from Lady and the Tramp without the mess.
18. Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken Salad
This dish is gorgeous and full of flavor. My only problem is that it looks almost too lovely to eat.
It takes a little work to pull everything together. I promise it is 100% worth the effort.
It is perfect if you want to make a good impression. The recipe says you can use store bought tzatziki.
I think the homemade version has a better and fuller flavor though.
19. Grilled Flank Steak
Flank steak is arguably the juiciest cut of steak there is. It is also one of the easiest to make when cooked this way.
The hardest part is the marinade. Even that is super easy.
Make it with olive oil and Kosher salt. Add pepper and red pepper flakes plus garlic.
Mix in balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce with brown sugar and rosemary. Let the steak marinate for a few hours.
Toss it on the grill for about 10 minutes.
20. Shrimp Alfredo
I love pasta because it is so flavorful. It is also so easy to make.
This shrimp alfredo takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You only need eight ingredients.
The alfredo sauce turns out rich and thick. It is incredibly creamy.
The shrimp has just enough crunch to be enjoyable. This recipe will blow your mind if you like the version from Olive Garden.
21. Caprese Chicken Skillet
I think this skillet meal elevates Caprese salad to a whole new level. It features boneless chicken breasts and red onions.
Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls join fresh basil for the perfect summer dinner. Be sure not to skimp on the sauce.
The balsamic vinegar and honey mixture adds a tremendous amount of flavor.
22. Tomato Bocconcini Flatbread
This flatbread takes a while to rise. Make sure you have at least an hour to let it do its thing.
It takes approximately 35 minutes to make aside from the resting time. It is so beautiful.
The red sauce and white mozzarella look lovely with the green leaves. Slice it up and serve it with white wine.
23. Smoked Salmon Pasta
This pasta contains everything you could want in a hearty dinner. It features salmon and pasta.
Cherry tomatoes and artichoke hearts round out the dish. You will love the overall smoky and garlicky flavor.
I really enjoy the creaminess of the sauce.
24. Browned Butter Lemon Pasta
This pasta is light and zesty. It is absolutely lovely if you take the time to make the pretty almond flowers on top.
It is different than most pasta you are probably used to eating. The flavor is hard to describe.
Suffice it to say that it is wonderful. You can make it in less than half an hour.
25. Garlic Butter Rice
This mild side dish goes well with most proteins. I think it works best with baked chicken or fish.
It takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You should have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
26. Pasta With Meatballs And Tomato Sauce
The secret to this wonderful pasta lies in the homemade meatballs. They are thick and well seasoned.
They are mouth watering. The sauce isn’t bad either.
You can pair the sauce and meatballs with whatever pasta you like best. I am a traditionalist so I use spaghetti.