10+ Recipes for Two: Simple and Delicious Meals to Share

Cooking for two can be a delightful experience, especially when you want to enjoy a meal without dealing with excess leftovers. Finding the right recipes that cater to just two people can make mealtime easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for simple dinners, quick lunches, or cozy breakfasts, there are plenty of options that suit your needs.

You can explore various cooking styles and cuisines that make preparing meals for two fun and interesting. From savory stir-fries to hearty baked dishes, you can create delicious meals that bring flavor to your table while keeping portions manageable. Enjoy the benefits of cooking together or treating yourself and a loved one to a special meal any day of the week.

1) Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Lemon garlic shrimp is a quick and delicious dish perfect for two. The combination of garlic and lemon gives shrimp a zesty flavor that you will love. It’s great served on its own or with rice or pasta.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh shrimp, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Cooking is fast, so have all your ingredients ready.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp, and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!

2) Caprese Chicken Breast with Garlic Green Beans

This Caprese Chicken Breast with Garlic Green Beans is a delicious meal for two. The flavors of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make it a standout dish.

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can cook them in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown. In another pan, sauté green beans with garlic until tender.

To add freshness, top the chicken with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella. Allow it to cook until the cheese melts. Serve everything together for a colorful and tasty dish.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
4. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and green beans until tender.
5. Top chicken with tomatoes and mozzarella, then cover until cheese melts.
6. Serve with garlic green beans on the side.

3) Brown Sugar Salmon

Brown sugar salmon is a tasty and easy dish to prepare. The sweet glaze pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of salmon. This recipe is great for a cozy dinner for two.

To make it, start by preparing the glaze. You will mix brown sugar with ingredients like Dijon mustard and soy sauce for a delicious combination.

Once the glaze is ready, brush it over the salmon fillets. Bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 (6-ounce) boneless salmon fillets
• Salt and ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar and Dijon mustard.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze over the salmon.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

4) Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun-dried tomato pasta is a delightful dish that you can whip up quickly. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two. The rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes combined with creamy sauce make it a favorite.

You can prepare this meal in just one pot. This means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your food. Pair it with fresh spinach and chicken for a nutritious boost.

This dish also works well with a hint of garlic and herbs. They add extra flavor, making each bite enjoyable. It’s a simple way to impress your dinner partner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup chicken, diced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken and spinach; cook until chicken is done.
5. Pour in heavy cream; mix well.
6. Add cooked pasta; stir to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm.

5) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet pan chicken fajitas are an easy and colorful meal perfect for two. You can enjoy tender chicken and vibrant veggies, all made on one pan. This means less cleanup for you!

To start, gather bell peppers in various colors, onions, and chicken breast. The mix of flavors makes this dish tasty and fun. A simple seasoning blend can really enhance the taste.

Serve your fajitas in warm tortillas. Add toppings like Greek yogurt or salsa for extra flavor. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner you’ll love.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• ½ yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 warm flour tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chicken, bell peppers, and onion with olive oil and taco seasoning.
3. Spread everything evenly on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

6) Chili Garlic Noodles

Chili garlic noodles are a quick and tasty meal perfect for two. They are simple to prepare and full of flavor. You can enjoy them in just about 15 minutes!

To make these noodles, you will need basic ingredients like garlic, chili flakes, and your favorite noodles. They pair well with veggies or protein if you like.

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking. Just add more or less chili to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 7 oz (200g) noodles (like udon or Taiwanese knife-sliced)
• 10-15 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili flakes or sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Green onions, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and chili. Cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked noodles and soy sauce.
5. Toss everything together and heat thoroughly.
6. Serve with sliced green onions on top. Enjoy!

7) One-Pot Baked Risotto with Blistered Tomatoes

One-Pot Baked Risotto with Blistered Tomatoes is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. It brings together creamy risotto with sweet, roasted tomatoes for a delightful meal for two. The addition of burrata cheese gives it a rich, velvety finish that you’ll love.

Start by roasting cherry tomatoes until they are blistered. This enhances their sweetness and flavor. Then, mix in Arborio rice, broth, and herbs for a filling dish that cooks all in one pot.

You’ll enjoy how simple and delicious this risotto is. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 small bunch fresh oregano or thyme (5 to 8 sprigs)
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tsp red chile flakes
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 4 oz burrata cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and herbs.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
4. In a pot, sauté the shallot and rice for a few minutes.
5. Add broth gradually while stirring until the rice is creamy.
6. Fold in blistered tomatoes and top with burrata before serving.

8) Whole Tandoori Chicken

Whole tandoori chicken is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for two. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, making it tender and tasty.

To start, you will need a whole chicken. The marinade typically includes yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and garam masala. This mixture helps add depth to the chicken’s flavor.

When you roast it in the oven, aim for a temperature of 400°F (200°C). The chicken should cook for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

This dish is great served with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and spices in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken with the marinade, covering all parts.
3. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

9) Burritos or Quesadillas with Shrimp

Burritos and quesadillas with shrimp are quick and tasty meals that you can enjoy for two. You can easily customize these dishes with your favorite ingredients.

For burritos, fill a tortilla with seasoned shrimp, rice, beans, and cheese. Wrap it tightly and enjoy a flavorful meal.

With quesadillas, place shrimp, cheese, and vegetables between two tortillas. Cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Both meals are perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with salsa or guacamole to add a tasty twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tortillas
• Salsa or guacamole

Cooking Instructions

1. Season shrimp with your favorite spices.
2. For burritos, layer shrimp, rice, beans, and cheese in a tortilla and fold.
3. For quesadillas, place shrimp and cheese between two tortillas.
4. Cook burritos in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through.
5. Cook quesadillas for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.

10) Single ‘Shroom Pizza

Making a Single ‘Shroom Pizza is fun and easy. You can prepare a tasty meal just for two. This pizza features a delicious mushroom as the star ingredient.

You need simple ingredients like pizza dough, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The single mushroom adds a unique touch and flavor.

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

Next, roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet.

After that, spread the sauce on the dough, and sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Then, place the mushroom in the center.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Enjoy your delicious and simple pizza recipe!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces pre-made pizza dough
• ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce
• Few pinches of red pepper flakes
• 4 ounces sliced mozzarella
• 1 large mushroom

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Spread marinara sauce over the dough.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Place the mushroom in the center.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.