Easy and Fast Dinner Ideas for Two

76 Dinner Ideas for Two That Won't Leave You with Leftovers

Sometimes cooking for just two people can be trickier than cooking for a crowd. We've got 76 dinner ideas for two that are easier than you think.

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Seasoned Tilapia Fillets

If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri

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Chicken Curry for Two

I love to try new recipes for my husband and me, and I actually have cookbooks and recipes from all over the world. When I find a recipe that's well-received, I make a copy and put it in a protective sleeve in a loose-leaf binder. I now have quite a few huge binders!

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Mexican Meat Loaf

Tasty taco ingredients makes this Mexican meat loaf extra special. Serve with sour cream and sliced fresh avocado. —Tena Huckleby, Greeneville, Tennessee

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Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

Cooked chicken strips and canned enchilada sauce hurry along this zesty entree. I came up with this spicy chicken enchiladas recipe shortly after I got married. It's a delicious dinner for two that's easy to double for company. &mdashAmy Dando, Apalachin, New York

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Spicy Turkey Stir Fry with Noodles

I created this ground turkey stir-fry recipe when I began my journey to get fit. Healthy eating always sounds so bland and boring, so I wanted to bring life to the world of healthy eating. I think I did it with this spicy dish. —Jermell Clark, Desert Hot Springs, California

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Steak and Fries Salad

This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania

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Stuffed Peppers for Two

My husband likes stuffed peppers, but my original recipe made too many servings. I cut it down to accommodate just the two of us. It helps to use a small casserole dish so the peppers won't tip over while they bake. For color, I serve steamed carrots to round out the meal perfectly. —Elaine Carpenter, Horseshoe Bay, Texas

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Lazy Lasagna for 2

One day when I craved lasagna, I devised this simple recipe and it worked out beautifully. Celebrate weeknights, too! —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

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Tropical BBQ Chicken

Here is my favorite slow-cooker recipe. The delicious, slightly spicy sauce will win you over, too! —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

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Little Cheddar Meat Loaves

These cheesy meat loaf minis are perfect when you're craving meat loaf but don't want to wait a long time for a full-size one to bake. My husband and I just love these served with au gratin or fried potatoes. —Paula Petersen, Granite City, Illinois

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Ground Beef Taco Salad

In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter; this salad is a great solution. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota

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Pork Chops with Rhubarb

A surprising rhubarb sauce makes these tender chops extra special. I like it on the tangy side, but you can always add more honey to sweeten up the fruity sauce a bit if it's too puckery for your family. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania

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Deviled Chicken Thighs

I make this dish when I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

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Stir-Fried Scallops

Scallops meet mild tomato in this sublime stovetop supper. Try serving the saucy mixture over rice or angel hair pasta, and garnish with cilantro if you like. —Stephany Gocobacki, San Rafael, California

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Cranberry Short Ribs

We live in the Yukon bush, so I pick wild cranberries for this incredibly tender comfort food. I sometimes substitute moose for the beef. —Cathy Wylie, Dawson City, Canada

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Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad

My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah

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Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops

These sweet, spicy chops can be thrown together in minutes, but definitely don't taste like it. Serve it with a side of jasmine rice and you'll feel like you're on a tropical vacation. —Allison Ulrich, Frisco, Texas

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Salmon Dill Soup

This is the best soup I have ever made, according to my husband, who loves salmon so much that he could eat it every day. It's a treat for both of us, so when I get some, I try to make it a very special dish like this one. —Hidemi Walsh, Plainfield, Indiana

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Slow-Cooked Beef 'n' Veggies

My husband and I came up with this soothing slow-cooker recipe. It's simple and satisfying.—LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

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Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops

One of my absolute favorite meals to eat anytime are Lamb Chops! My girls, Hanna and Amani, love watching me make my delicious chops, but they love eating them even more. —Nareman Dietz, Beverly Hills, Michigan

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Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls

This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients in a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas

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Ramen-Veggie Chicken Salad

Like a salad with plenty of crunch? Then this refreshing recipe is sure to please. Toasted ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds provide the crunchy topping. The chicken makes it a main dish. —Linda Gearhart, Greensboro, North Carolina

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Tender Beef over Noodles

I dress up stew meat with noodles and a slightly sweet red sauce for this satisfying main dish. It goes terrific with a salad and garlic bread. —Olivia Gust, Salem, Oregon

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Pepper and Salsa Cod

After tasting a similar dish at the grocery store, my husband figured out how to make this awesome cod topped with salsa and peppers. —Robyn Gallagher, Yorktown, Virginia

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Slow-Cooked Meat Loaf for 2

"My husband and I both work late, so it's great to come home to this classic dish with mashed potatoes and a veggie side," explains Ginger Cortese of Hollsopple, Pennsylvania. "It reminds me of supper at Mom's."

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Tacos in a Bowl

This easy skillet dish offers a delicious use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

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BLT Skillet

This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado

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Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

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Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

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Classic Egg Salad

Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, Michigan

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Saucy Beef with Broccoli

When I'm looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri

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Herbed Lemon Pork Chops

Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

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Slow-Cooked Sunday Chicken

Here's a hearty dish for two that satisfies the biggest appetites. It's loaded with good old-fashioned flavor. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio

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Parmesan Chicken Sandwiches

Coat tender chicken breasts with seasoned bread crumbs and smother in marinara sauce. Served on a hoagie, it's a real treat! —Sue Bosek, Whittier, California

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Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair

We've all heard that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It's easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

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Broiled Cod

This is the easiest and tastiest fish you'll serve. Even finicky eaters who think they don't like fish will love it because it lacks a fishy taste and is beautiful and flakey. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania

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Turkey Guacamole Wraps

Tuck smoked turkey and a creamy avocado spread into tortilla wraps and add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington

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Weeknight Chicken Fajitas for Two

My family loves fajitas and asks for them at least once a week. This quick and easy version gets as close to the version our local taqueria serves.—Tanya Cook, West Salem, Wisconsin

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Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches

Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection...it makes a delicious meatless meal. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California

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Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

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Chicken Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Dressing

I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina

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Barley Beef Burgers

Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan

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Shrimp & Sweet Potato Skewers

These skewers make romantic picnic food. I perfected them for a date with my wife. We like them with couscous and a glass of chilled wine. —Paul Wargaski, Chicago, Illinois

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Chicken Gyros

This yummy chicken gyro recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just take tender chicken, coat it in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, then tuck it into pita pockets. Some folks like lettuce and diced tomato on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Breaded Sea Scallops

I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he's ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania

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Greek-Style Ravioli

Here's a flavorful Greek twist on an Italian classic. It's an easy weekday meal that's become one of our favorites. My husband and I enjoy it with garlic cheese toast. —Hetti Williams, Rapid City, South Dakota

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Honey-Pecan Chicken Breasts

We love to entertain, this is one of my favorite 'special' recipes to welcome dinner guests. The nuts add an elegant touch, and it fills the house with a great aroma. —Penny Davis, Newman Lake, Washington

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Baked Saucy Pork Chops

Baked pork chop recipes are always handy to feed my hungry family. This entree brightens up the usual routine of roasted pork chops and rice. I reach for this recipe when our appetites are hearty and I feel like baking pork chops. —Dorothy Toben, Blackwell, Oklahoma

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Southwestern Fish Tacos

These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Tangy Glazed Chicken

A flavorful sauce with a hint of orange and sweet apple jelly is perfect over bone-in chicken breasts. Serve with potatoes or rice and a salad. —Barbara Haney, St Louis, Missouri

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Simple Sweet 'n' Tangy Pork Chops

Just five ingredients are all that's needed for these tender chops. Whenever I serve these to company, they get rave reviews and recipe requests. —Jami Ouellette, Houston, Texas.

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Sea Scallops and Fettuccine

This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming

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Beef Burgundy Over Noodles

I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa

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Skillet Ham & Rice

Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan

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Portobello-Gouda Grilled Sandwiches

Take a simple grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with the earthy, rustic flavors of portobello mushrooms and gouda cheese. —Sheryl Bergman, Shady Side, Maryland

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Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef

Bacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California.

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Spicy Turkey Quesadillas

A bit of spice livens up cranberries and turkey while fat-free cream cheese rounds out the bold flavors in this easy dish. You'll love this recipe from our Test Kitchen!

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Vegetable Meat Loaf

I'm not big on leftovers, so I've pared down my recipes to serve two. This meat loaf is simple and quick to prepare, plus it helps you eat your veggies. It's great served with cheddar-topped baked potatoes. —Judi Brinegar, Liberty, North Carolina

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Turkey Saltimbocca

I kept prosciutto and sage in this Italian classic, but instead of veal I added turkey. This saltimbocca is so divine, you won't believe how quick and easy it is. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

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Maple Sausage Skillet

Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas

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Veggie Salmon Chowder

This salmon chowder recipe came about as a way to use up odds and ends in my fridge. I thought other readers might enjoy a soup that began as an experiment but became a mainstay for me. —Liv Vors, Peterborough, Ontario

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Sourdough Turkey Melts

When days feel rushed, these sandwiches with turkey and green chiles are one of my favorite standbys. They stack up in about 10 minutes, honestly. —Leah Carter, San Pedro, California

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Grilled Steaks with Greek Relish

My ribeye steak showcases the flavors of Greece my husband and I were introduced to while on a cruise. We like it with pita bread and hummus. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon

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Sauteed Scallops & Shrimp Pasta

I created this tempting seafood pasta for my wife. It's a terrific meal served with crusty sourdough. If you don't like spice, skip the red pepper flakes. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California

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Buffalo Sloppy Joes for Two

Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts

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Grilled Veggie Tortillas for Two

Put your garden vegetables to good use in this delightful entree, which resembles a pizza. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Mushroom Pork Ragout

Savory slow-cooked pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It's a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

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Cranberry-Apple Pork Chops

These colorful, sweet-tart chops deliver seasonal flavors in each bite! —Katie Shireman, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Beef Orange Stir-Fry

This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Quick Crab Melts

Two types of cheese on top of a savory crab mixture make these open-faced sandwiches ooey-gooey good! I usually serve them for dinner, but they also make a great app when cut in half. —Donna Bennett, Bramalea, Ontario

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Chicken Creole for Two

I ladle this vegetable-packed chicken dish over jasmine rice. It's a long-grain rice that's not as sticky as most, but any cooked rice, including brown, works here. —Virginia Crowell, Lyons, Oregon

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Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches

I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey

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Chicken Reuben Roll-Ups

My Nebraska-native husband loves Reuben sandwiches and anything with chicken, so I combined his two favorites in a fun roll-up. —Ashli Kottwitz, Hermitage, Tennessee

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Couscous & Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

If you have a tiny apartment, zero counter space and only two people to feed, hefty meals are out. This acorn squash with couscous is just the right size. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York

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Sweet and Spicy Pork Chops

My husband used to get home from work before me, and one evening, he cooked this for dinner. We've used the same recipe ever since. It's delicious. —Kathy Kirkland, Denham Springs, Louisiana

Originally Published: January 06, 2020

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/dinner-for-two-recipes/

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