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    Home / Roundups

    Cooking Dinner for Two Has Never Been This Easy

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Apr 6, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    I cook dinner for two most nights, so I know how easy it is to fall into a rut or feel like the effort just isn’t worth it. These recipes keep things simple without making the meal feel like an afterthought. Whether it's a regular weeknight or something a little more special, having the right ideas on hand makes all the difference.

    A plate of sliced carne asada with sides of white rice, black beans, and sliced avocado, garnished with a sprig of parsley.
    Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side.
    Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    These steak tips come together quickly in the air fryer, making them a smart option for a fast dinner that still feels like something special. They're cooked just right without much effort, which makes them ideal for nights when you're short on time but still want something warm and hearty. Great for two, they don’t leave a pile of dishes behind. Meals like this make it easy to keep things simple without giving up on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Chicken Roll Ups

    A wooden spoon holds a piece of cheesy lasagna above a glass baking dish, garnished with fresh parsley.
    Chicken Roll Ups. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    These chicken roll ups are perfect for two and come together with minimal prep. They're a smart way to serve something homemade that still feels put together after a long day. The portions are just right and cleanup is easy. Meals like this show that dinner for two doesn’t need to be complicated to be worth it.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    Sliced grilled chicken breast garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    These marinated chicken breasts work well when you're short on time but still want something that's not boring. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time without cutting corners. They’re an easy go-to when you want dinner ready without a long prep list. This is the kind of meal that keeps weeknights manageable.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Plate of sliced teriyaki chicken over white rice, topped with sesame seeds, served with snap peas and carrot slices.
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This teriyaki chicken comes out well-balanced and quick thanks to the air fryer. It's the kind of recipe that makes cooking for two feel effortless. With a short ingredient list and simple prep, it’s a strong option for evenings when takeout feels tempting. Recipes like this keep dinner interesting without dragging out the process.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it.
    Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This dish brings a lot of flavor in not a lot of time, which is a win when cooking for two. The steak cooks up fast and pairs well with the tangy sauce and mushrooms. It’s a smart pick when you want something a bit nicer without going overboard. Meals like this make dinnertime feel more manageable.
    Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    Steak Pizzaiola

    Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
    Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Steak pizzaiola has a bold, rich sauce but is still weeknight-friendly. It’s easy to make for two without a lot of chopping or long simmering. This recipe keeps dinner interesting without a long to-do list. It’s a practical way to mix things up during the week.
    Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

    Ground Pork Stir Fry

    A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
    Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Stir fry is always a strong option when dinner needs to be quick, and this version with ground pork is no exception. It’s easy to portion for two and comes together fast with pantry staples. You won’t need a long list of ingredients or extra time to make it work. Meals like this keep things running smoothly when dinner sneaks up on you.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
    Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Steak bites are a great way to get something warm and hearty on the table without turning dinner into a project. This garlic butter version is quick to make and doesn’t leave a pile of dishes. It’s easy to portion for two and doesn’t require a lot of prep. It’s a strong weeknight option when you're looking for something that just works.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Baked salmon fillet with asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers on a white plate, garnished with herbs.
    Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This sheet pan salmon is practical when you want dinner for two with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks at once, which helps get dinner on the table fast. It’s an efficient choice that still feels like a complete meal. This kind of recipe makes it easier to stick with home cooking during the week.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
    Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These pork chops look like they take more effort than they actually do, which makes them a great option for two. The filling comes together easily and the oven does the rest. It’s a nice way to break from the usual routine without adding stress. Recipes like this keep weeknight dinners on track.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    Panko Crusted Cod

    Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.
    Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This panko cod has a great texture and cooks fast in the oven, making it perfect for two. It doesn’t take much prep and goes well with just about any quick side. It’s a solid option for nights when you want to cook without a big fuss. Dishes like this make dinner easier to handle without losing out on flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    Carne Asada in the Oven

    Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.
    Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Oven-cooked carne asada gives you big flavor without the grill. It’s easy to portion for two and comes together with simple ingredients. This recipe helps keep things straightforward during the week. It’s a dependable way to get dinner done quickly.
    Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

    Seafood Pot Pie

    Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.
    Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This seafood pot pie has a comforting feel but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It’s scaled well for two and makes a good dinner when you want something warm and easy. You won’t need a long prep window or hard-to-find ingredients. Meals like this are helpful when you want something different without adding stress.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.
    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Stir fry is a great choice when you need dinner fast, and this one delivers without needing a long list of ingredients. The shrimp and broccoli combo cooks quickly and works well for two. It’s a strong weeknight choice when you want to keep things moving. This recipe helps keep home cooking simple and doable.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This pasta dish is quick to make and easy to portion for two. The shrimp and tomato sauce cook fast, which helps keep dinner moving on busy nights. It’s a nice change of pace from heavier meals but still feels complete. Recipes like this are helpful for keeping dinner from becoming a chore.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Panko Chicken Breast

    Panko chicken on a white plate.
    Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This chicken breast has great texture thanks to the panko coating and cooks fast enough for a weeknight. It’s easy to pair with simple sides and works well for two. There’s not much prep and the cleanup is quick. Meals like this make it easier to stay consistent with weeknight dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    Lemon Butter Sauce Salmon

    A plate of salmon on a white plate with lemon slices on it.
    Lemon Butter Sauce Salmon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This salmon dish is quick to pull together and makes a nice option for two without much effort. The lemon butter sauce is made with simple ingredients and works well with the fish. It’s light but still feels like a complete dinner. This kind of recipe helps take the guesswork out of dinnertime.
    Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce Salmon

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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