10 Delicious and Easy Dinner Recipes for Two
Cooking a delicious dinner for two doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here are 10 easy and delicious dinner recipes for two that will make the perfect romantic evening. Whether you’re looking for a classic comfort food like mac and cheese, or something a bit more adventurous like a steak dinner, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Baked Mac and Cheese
Nothing says comfort food quite like a classic mac and cheese. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit. Boil a box of your favorite pasta, such as elbow macaroni, in a pot of salted water. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until combined. Slowly add in 2 cups of milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Add in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and stir to combine. Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
2. Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
This lasagna is a delicious vegetarian meal that’s sure to please. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit. Start by roasting the vegetables. Toss 1 large diced eggplant, 1 large diced zucchini, 1 large diced yellow squash, 1 diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in 2 boxes of lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside. In a large bowl, combine 1 container of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped basil, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the noodles, vegetables, ricotta cheese mixture, and 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Grilled Steak with Garlic Butter
For a gourmet dinner for two, try this steak dinner. Start by preheating your grill to high heat. Rub 2 steaks, such as ribeye or sirloin, with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for about 8 minutes per side, or until the steaks reach your desired doneness. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Once the steaks are done cooking, top with the garlic butter and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
4. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
This comforting tomato soup is the perfect meal for a rainy day. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. To make the grilled cheese croutons, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit. Cut 4 slices of your favorite bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Serve the soup with the grilled cheese croutons on top.
5. Sheet Pan Salmon with Roasted Vegetables
This sheet pan dinner is sure to be a hit. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Farenheit. On a large baking sheet, toss together 2 cups of diced potatoes, 1 diced red bell pepper, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, season 2 salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on top of the vegetables and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad.
6. Chicken Parmesan
This classic Italian dish is sure to please. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together 2 eggs. Dip 2 chicken breasts in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture, coating them evenly on both sides. Place the chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. To assemble the chicken parmesan, top the chicken with the tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. One-Pot Shrimp Pasta
For a quick and easy pasta dinner, try this one-pot shrimp pasta. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add in 1 pound of uncooked shrimp and cook until the shrimp is just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add in 2 cups of uncooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, and cook for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir in 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve with a side of garlic bread.
8. Baked Fish Tacos
These fish tacos are a delicious twist on a classic Mexican dish. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit. Place 2 tilapia fillets on a greased baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in 1 can of black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. To assemble the tacos, fill warm corn tortillas with the fish, black bean mixture, and your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Serve with a side of Spanish rice.
9. Baked Ziti
This cheesy baked ziti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Farenheit. In a large pot, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in 1 box of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside. Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Chicken Fajitas
These chicken fajitas make a great weeknight meal. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 1 diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add in 1 diced red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes more. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add in 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the chicken is done cooking, add the sauce to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve the chicken and vegetables in warm flour tortillas with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Serve with a side of Spanish rice.
Planning a Romantic Dinner for Two: Tips and Recipes to Make it Special
Planning a special romantic dinner for two can be a daunting task. You want it to be special, memorable, and delicious. But where do you start?
First, you'll need to decide on the menu. Think of the tastes, flavors, and textures you want to incorporate. Choose dishes that are both beautiful and tasty. You can opt for a classic three-course meal of appetizer, main course, and dessert, or stick to just one or two dishes.
It's also important to create an ambiance that will make your dinner memorable. Setting the table with candles, flowers, and other decorations will make it feel special. Soft music and a cozy atmosphere will make your evening even more romantic.
Now, let’s get to the food. Here are some delicious recipes that are perfect for a romantic dinner for two.
Starter: Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
This simple salad is a great way to start your meal. It's light, flavorful, and full of color.
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella, cubed
In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. Add the basil and mozzarella, and toss again. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour.
Main Course: Grilled Salmon with Dill Sauce
This easy grilled salmon dish is sure to impress your date. It's full of flavor and relatively simple to make.
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the salmon is cooked through.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the white wine, garlic, and dill, and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
Serve the grilled salmon with the dill sauce. Enjoy!
Dessert: Chocolate Fondue
This decadent dessert is sure to be a hit. You can serve it with an assortment of dippers, such as strawberries, bananas, pretzels, and marshmallows.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Assorted dippers (strawberries, bananas, pretzels, marshmallows, etc.)
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and pour into a fondue pot or bowl. Serve with an assortment of dippers. Enjoy!
Planning a romantic dinner for two doesn't have to be complicated. With these tips and recipes, you can easily create an evening to remember. Bon appetit!
