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    Home / Resources

    15 Shockingly Simple Dinner Recipes for Two Anyone Can Make

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Mar 22, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Cooking for two doesn’t have to mean endless leftovers or complicated recipes. These meals are quick to make, use simple ingredients, and don’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back evening, these easy dinners keep things stress-free while still feeling like a real meal.

    Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Cooking for two doesn’t have to mean endless leftovers or complicated recipes. These meals are quick to make, use simple ingredients, and don’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back evening, these easy dinners keep things stress-free while still feeling like a real meal.

    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 quickly in the air fryer, making them a great option for a no-fuss dinner. With a well-seasoned crust and juicy center, they bring plenty of flavor without much effort. This is a simple way to serve steak without needing a grill or stovetop mess. Pair them with a quick side, and dinner for two is ready in minutes.
    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 take basic ingredients and turn them into a comforting meal without much prep. They bake in the oven, making cleanup easy and keeping hands-on time low. The filling adds a creamy, hearty touch, making them perfect when you need something warm and effortless. This is a great option when you want a homemade meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Roll Ups

    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.

    Cooking teriyaki chicken in the air fryer gives you tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. The sauce thickens perfectly as it cooks, coating each piece with a rich, sweet glaze. This is an easy way to bring bold flavors to a simple weeknight meal for two. Serve it over rice or with vegetables for a well-rounded dinner that comes together fast.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    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.

    Marinated chicken breasts cook up quickly in the air fryer, keeping them juicy without extra work. The marinade does the heavy lifting, adding deep flavor without requiring extra ingredients at mealtime. This method keeps cleanup simple while delivering a well-seasoned protein in minutes. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Breasts

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Grilled shrimp served over spaghetti with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A light yet filling option, this shrimp and tomato pasta is perfect when you need a quick dinner that still feels special. The shrimp cook fast, and the sauce comes together in the same pan, keeping things simple. The balance of bright tomatoes and tender shrimp makes this a great option when you want something easy but not boring. With minimal prep, this meal is ready in under 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    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 baked stuffed pork chops add extra flavor without extra work, making them a great choice for an easy meal. The stuffing keeps them moist while baking, so there’s no worry about drying them out. Everything cooks in the oven, freeing you up to take care of other tasks while dinner finishes. This is a great way to switch up a weeknight routine without adding extra steps.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

    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 one-pan meal makes dinner easy by cooking everything together at the same time. The salmon stays tender while the vegetables roast, bringing out their natural sweetness. With little prep and even less cleanup, this is an ideal way to get a balanced meal on the table quickly. It’s a simple, reliable choice for nights when you want something healthy without extra effort.
    Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables

    Panko Crusted Cod

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

    A crispy coating gives this cod a satisfying texture without the hassle of deep frying. Baking it keeps things light while still delivering plenty of crunch. This is a great option for a quick seafood dinner that doesn’t require a complicated batter or extra steps. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for an easy meal that comes together fast.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

    Seafood Pot Pie

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

    This seafood pot pie is a warm, comforting option that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The filling is rich without being heavy, and the crust bakes up golden and flaky. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a heartier form without spending too much time cooking. Since it bakes in one dish, cleanup is simple, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

    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 brings together bold flavors in a dish that feels special but doesn’t take much work. The steak simmers in a tomato-based sauce, keeping it tender while infusing it with flavor. It’s a great way to switch up how you cook steak without adding extra steps. Pair it with a simple side for a well-balanced meal that comes together easily.
    Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

    Panko Chicken Breast

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

    A crisp, golden crust makes this baked chicken breast feel like something from a restaurant, but it’s incredibly easy to make. The panko coating keeps it light while adding plenty of texture. Baking it instead of frying means less mess without losing the crispness. This is a simple way to make a basic protein more interesting with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

    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 rich steak and earthy mushrooms with a tangy balsamic sauce for a meal that feels more complex than it is. Everything cooks in one pan, keeping cleanup easy. The sauce reduces quickly, adding plenty of depth without requiring extra steps. It’s an effortless way to make a simple steak dinner feel a little more special.
    Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

    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.

    Cooking carne asada in the oven makes it easier to get tender, flavorful meat without a grill. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the steak with bold seasoning before it even hits the heat. This is a simple way to bring a classic dish to the table without standing over the stove. Serve it with warm tortillas or a fresh salad for a meal that comes together quickly.
    Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

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

    Stir-fries are a great option when you need something fast, and this shrimp and broccoli version is no exception. Everything cooks quickly in one pan, making cleanup just as simple as the prep. The shrimp stay tender, while the broccoli soaks up the sauce, adding plenty of flavor. This is a great way to put together a fresh, homemade meal without spending a lot of time cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    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.

    A simple lemon butter sauce gives this salmon plenty of flavor without extra effort. The sauce comes together quickly while the fish cooks, making this an easy option for a busy night. Everything is done in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect when you need something quick but well-balanced. Serve it with a light side for a meal that’s both effortless and satisfying.
    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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