There’s something special about cooking a delicious meal for two. Maybe it’s the intimacy, maybe it’s the ease of enjoying a perfectly portioned plate without having to worry about leftovers. Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered with 20 cozy dinner recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From classic comfort food to international-inspired dishes, these simple yet satisfying meals are perfect for a quiet night in or a special occasion.
To start, let’s talk about protein-packed options like Garlic Butter Steak with Roasted Asparagus and Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Or, if you’re craving something seafood-focused, try Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles or Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce. Whatever your taste buds are craving, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to satisfy.
Garlic Butter Steak with Roasted Asparagus
A classic combination of tender steak smothered in rich garlic butter and paired with a deliciously roasted asparagus side dish. This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 lbs ribeye or strip steak
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season steak with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add white wine (if using) and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until slightly reduced.
5. Grill or pan-fry steak to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
6. Toss asparagus with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta
A bright and citrusy twist on classic pasta, this recipe combines the richness of parmesan with a tangy lemon sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in lemon juice and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly reduced.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine cooked pasta, lemon sauce, and mixed greens. Toss until well coated.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Sweet and tangy, these baked chicken thighs are a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the honey-mustard mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
A classic Italian-inspired dish gets a nutritious twist with zucchini noodles replacing traditional pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 medium zucchini
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. If using white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice, add to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly.
5. Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with butter and garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve shrimp on top of zucchini noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and veggies in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and broccoli. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return beef to the pan and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
This recipe combines the freshness of a Caprese salad with the richness of chicken breast, creating a delicious and elegant dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half lengthwise.
3. In a bowl, mix together diced tomato, mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the Caprese mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Garlic Herb Salmon and Potatoes
In this simple and flavorful recipe, salmon fillets are cooked with potatoes, garlic, and herbs in one pan, resulting in a moist and tender fish paired with crispy potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown.
4. Add the garlic, rosemary, and thyme; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
5. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
6. Place the salmon fillets on top of the potato mixture and transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed shells, this recipe combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the nutrient-packed goodness of spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish coated with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This sweet and savory teriyaki glaze elevates the flavor of pork tenderloin to new heights. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6 oz) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
3. Place pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the teriyaki glaze all over the pork, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
This hearty risotto combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the nutty taste of spinach, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
3. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. When rice is cooked, stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri
Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this refreshing combination of grilled lamb chops and zesty mint chimichurri sauce. Perfect for a summer evening, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb chops
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, mint, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the lamb chops with the chimichurri mixture on both sides.
4. Grill lamb for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Let lamb rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes total
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppers
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe adds a smoky and savory element with crispy bacon and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, followed by cooked rice and shredded cheese.
6. Wrap each pepper with bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
7. Place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Quinoa
A bright and citrusy twist on a classic shrimp dish, this recipe combines the simplicity of quinoa with the richness of lemon garlic butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir to combine.
6. Serve quinoa topped with shrimp, drizzled with lemon garlic sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the richness of balsamic glaze with the savory flavor of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red bell peppers)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the balsamic glaze mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Roast vegetables in a separate pan with a drizzle of olive oil until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Place chicken in the oven and roast for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines tender beef, aromatic basil, and spicy chilies with fragrant jasmine rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups jasmine rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped scallions and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add chopped basil, fish sauce, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add cooked beef back into the pan and stir to combine with the spicy basil mixture. Simmer for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve beef over jasmine rice and garnish with scallions and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Tortellini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This recipe combines the classic Italian dish of tortellini with the vibrant flavors of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. The result is a deliciously creamy and savory pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package cheese-filled tortellini
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Stir in the pesto until well combined with the sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat with the pesto mixture. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines tender scallops with a tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rinse scallops under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Add butter to the preheated pan and let melt. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add scallops to the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
6. In the same pan, add lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Serve scallops with the warm lemon butter sauce spooned over top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A twist on traditional pulled pork sandwiches, these sweet potatoes are filled with tender BBQ-pulled pork, creamy coleslaw, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a satisfying meal or game-day gathering!
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 head of coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked crispy
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and poke sweet potatoes; bake for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
3. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Shred pork with two forks; mix well to coat with remaining juices.
5. Split sweet potatoes lengthwise and fill with pulled pork, coleslaw, and crispy bacon.
6. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooking time for sweet potatoes)
Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple and delicious recipe that combines eggplant, cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together feta cheese, parsley, mint, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture on each eggplant slice, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll up the eggplant slices and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until eggplant is tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this unique twist on traditional stuffed shells. Tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce fill jumbo pasta shells for a comforting, satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken-Alfredo mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Top shells with additional grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get cozy with these 20 simple and delicious dinner recipes perfect for two. From Garlic Butter Steak with Roasted Asparagus to Pesto Tortellini with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, there’s something for everyone. Try Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta or Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles for a quick weeknight meal. For something more indulgent, opt for Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast or Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Peppers. With these easy and mouth-watering recipes, you’ll never have to settle for takeout again. Perfect for couples, singles, or anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine.
