21 Dinner Recipes That Are Just Right for One or Two People

Cooking for one or two people can be a challenge, especially when you're tired of the same old meals. That's why I've gathered a collection of dinner recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for small gatherings or cozy nights. With these dishes, you can enjoy flavorful meals without the hassle of cooking for a crowd making weeknight dinners something to look forward to!

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

A grilled chicken thight with barbecue sauce and a side of green beans on a white plate, garnished with chopped parsley. — Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

This dish features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful BBQ sauce, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for one or two. The grilling adds a nice smoky touch, and it cooks quickly, allowing for more time to enjoy your meal. Whether served with a side salad or some grilled veggies, it’s sure to please. Enjoy this easy recipe any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These crispy chicken tenders are a fantastic option for a light dinner that won't leave you with leftovers. The air fryer makes them quick to prepare while achieving that golden crunch. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh side for a complete meal. This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Panko Crusted Cod

Light and flaky, this panko-crusted cod offers a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It cooks up in no time, making it a wonderful choice for dinner without the hassle. The flavors are mild yet satisfying, perfect for a light meal just for one or two. Enjoy the ease of preparation without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

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

This bright and zesty lemon butter sauce transforms a simple salmon fillet into a delightful dinner for one or two. Quick to prepare, it enhances the fish with fresh flavors that complement any side dish. Serve it alongside rice or steamed asparagus for a well-rounded meal. This recipe showcases how a few ingredients can create a memorable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce for Salmon

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking this sweet Hawaiian chicken in a crockpot makes for an effortless dinner option that’s full of flavor. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the delicious sweet and savory sauce, perfect for enjoying with rice or noodles. This dish is ideal for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. Enjoy a taste of the islands right at home with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops slow-cooked in a savory sauce result in a comforting meal that's easy to prepare for one or two. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that dinner is ready when you are. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh veggie side for a satisfying dinner. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

A spoon lifting chicken and stuffing casserole from a cast iron skillet, with a striped towel in the background. — Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This comforting casserole combines chicken with stuffing for a hearty dinner meal that’s just right for one or two servings. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal clean-up, making it a practical choice for busy nights. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for those who enjoy home-cooked comfort food without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Dish

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This colorful stir fry features crisp broccoli and tender tofu, making it a wonderful option for a quick and healthy dinner for one or two. It’s a quick-cooking dish that allows for flexibility with your favorite sauces or spices. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and filling. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

This shrimp and tomato pasta dish is light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for a romantic dinner or a cozy meal for one. It cooks quickly, allowing you to enjoy a delightful homemade dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of shrimp and fresh tomatoes creates a fresh and satisfying flavor. Pair it with a side salad for a complete dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish brings bold flavors to the table with its spicy black pepper sauce, making it a fantastic choice for a quick dinner for one or two. It cooks up quickly and pairs well with rice or noodles, making meal prep a breeze. The combination of tender chicken and vibrant veggies ensures a fulfilling meal. Enjoy a taste of takeout at home with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner meal that’s ideal for one or two servings. The combination of shrimp and pasta creates a satisfying dish that comes together in no time. Toss in some fresh herbs or veggies for added flavor and nutrition. Enjoy the simple yet comforting experience of homemade pasta with this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Mexican Steak Pizza

Enjoy a flavorful twist on pizza with this Mexican steak pizza. Featuring tender steak, spicy salsa, and vibrant peppers atop a crispy crust, it's a fun choice for a downsized dinner. Quick to prepare, it makes for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot chili for two is a cozy homemade dinner meal that beats any frozen alternative. Perfectly sized for smaller servings, it ensures fresh flavors with every batch. The slow cooker makes preparation simple, making it easy to enjoy a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

A sandwich with avocado, chicken and cheese on a plate. — Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the taste of your favorite fast-food sandwich with this copycat Chipotle chicken avocado melt. This recipe is perfect for intimate dinners and is easy to prepare with accessible ingredients. Quick to make, it pairs well with chips or a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate. — Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are a speedy and flavorful dinner choice that makes frozen meals seem dull. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, they are perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and rice for a satisfying spread.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

Two tacos on a plate with a bowl of guacamole. — Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker chicken tacos offer a flavorful and hassle-free dinner choice. Juicy shredded chicken simmers with Mexican spices and salsa in the crock pot, creating a delicious taco filling. With minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos in Crock Pot

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.

Sheet pan salmon and vegetables brings together the sweet and savory flavors of a complete meal on one tray. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for intimate dinners, allowing you to enjoy tender salmon alongside roasted vegetables. Cooking everything together simplifies cleanup. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a balanced meal without much fuss. Serve it with a light sauce for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes offer a nutritious option for smaller dinners. The roasted sweet potatoes are filled with a mix of black beans, corn, and spices, creating a fulfilling and colorful meal. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for those seeking a meatless option during the week. It's a great way to enjoy bold flavors in a simple format. Pair with a light salad for a refreshing touch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked lemon butter fish provides a light and flavorful dinner that stands apart from frozen fish options. The lemon butter sauce enhances the fish’s natural taste and is easy to prepare. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's a quick choice for a weeknight meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a quinoa salad for a well-rounded dinner. Enjoy the freshness of the flavors without extensive preparation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice. — Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Korean beef and broccoli is a vibrant stir-fry that surpasses any frozen meal. This dish features tender beef and crisp broccoli coated in a savory sauce, making it an appealing choice for small dinners. Quick to prepare, it can be ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice to complete the meal. It's a great way to enjoy Asian flavors at home with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Bacon wrapped salmon bites are a simple yet impressive dish perfect for intimate dinners or gatherings. The rich combination of bacon and salmon creates a savory flavor that’s hard to resist. They cook quickly, making them a fantastic choice when time is short. This recipe allows you to serve a gourmet dish without much effort, ensuring your meal is both enjoyable and memorable. Great for impressing guests!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites