17 Easy Dinners for Two That Take the Stress Out of Cooking

Cooking for two doesn’t have to mean leftovers for days or complicated meals that take forever. These easy dinners keep things simple while making sure you still get a great meal without the extra hassle. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back evening, these recipes help you get dinner on the table fast with minimal effort.

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

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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.

This chicken comes out juicy with minimal effort, making it perfect for a no-fuss dinner for two. The marinade infuses deep flavor, and the air fryer ensures an even cook in a fraction of the time. There's no need to stand over a stove, and cleanup is minimal. Serve it with a simple side, and dinner is ready without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

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 roll-ups turn basic ingredients into a meal that feels a little more special without requiring extra effort. They bake up quickly and come together with minimal prep, making them great for a weeknight meal for two. The filling keeps the chicken moist, so there's no worrying about dryness. Pair them with a vegetable or salad for a simple, well-rounded dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

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 cook in minutes while staying tender and full of flavor. The air fryer does all the work, so there's no need for complicated cooking methods. Perfect for busy evenings, this meal keeps things easy while still feeling like a treat. Serve with roasted vegetables or a quick salad to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

This dish packs in flavor while keeping things simple, making it a great option when cooking for two. The air fryer caramelizes the sauce while keeping the chicken tender. With just a few ingredients, you get a well-balanced meal without the extra steps. Pair it with rice or steamed vegetables for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

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.

This meal brings bold flavors to the table without requiring a grill or long prep time. Cooking it in the oven makes it hands-off while still getting a great sear. It's a great way to enjoy a steak dinner without complicated steps. Serve it with tortillas, rice, or roasted vegetables for a stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Panko Crusted Cod

A crispy coating makes this cod a great alternative to heavier fried fish, and it bakes up quickly in the oven. It's a simple yet satisfying option when cooking for two without spending too much time in the kitchen. The panko adds a crunch that pairs well with a squeeze of lemon or a simple sauce. Serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Steak Pizzaiola

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

This dish brings together steak and a flavorful tomato sauce, making for a meal that feels hearty without being complicated. It simmers on the stove, allowing the flavors to blend while you prepare a simple side. Perfect for nights when you want something different but still easy to put together. Serve it over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
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.

Quick to cook and packed with flavor, this stir fry is a great way to get dinner on the table fast. The ingredients come together in one pan, cutting down on dishes and effort. It’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Serve it over rice or noodles for a meal that’s both easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Panko Chicken Breast

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

A crispy coating gives this baked chicken extra texture without frying, making it a great way to switch up dinner. The oven does all the work while you prepare a simple side. It’s an easy option for nights when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking. Serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

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 feel like a restaurant-style meal but are easy enough for a weeknight. The stuffing keeps the meat moist while baking, so there’s no risk of dryness. They cook in the oven, allowing time to prep a simple side while they bake. Great for a no-stress dinner when cooking for two.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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

This meal cooks up quickly in a skillet, making it perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. The garlic butter adds rich flavor without requiring extra ingredients or effort. Steak bites are easy to pair with vegetables, rice, or even a quick side salad. A great way to enjoy steak without the hassle of grilling.
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.

Everything cooks together on one pan, keeping both prep and cleanup simple. The salmon stays tender while the vegetables roast to perfection. This is a great option when you want a balanced meal without extra steps. Perfect for nights when you need dinner to be quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

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.

The lemon butter sauce brings out the best in the salmon without requiring extra time or effort. It’s a great choice when you want something light but still full of flavor. The salmon stays tender while the sauce adds just the right touch. Serve with a simple side for an easy meal that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Sauce Salmon

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 together steak and mushrooms in a rich balsamic sauce that feels fancy without being complicated. The sauce simmers while the steak cooks, making it easy to prepare everything at once. It’s perfect for a dinner that feels a little more special without extra work. Serve it with a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Seafood Pot Pie

A comforting meal that’s simple to put together, this pot pie is perfect for two. The creamy filling pairs well with a flaky crust, making it a great choice for nights when you want something warm and hearty. It bakes in the oven while you take care of other things. Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

This pasta dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a stress-free dinner. The shrimp cook fast, and the sauce is light yet flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy a seafood dish without too much effort. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a great way to get a balanced meal on the table without much prep. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the sauce brings everything together. It’s easy to throw together with pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry