Whether you’re planning a date night, roommate dinner or just cooking for someone you love, these dinner ideas for two prove that two cooks in the kitchen can be a very good thing.
Italian Dinner Ideas for Two
When you think of Italian dinners for two, pasta certainly comes to mind, but there’s more to this popular cuisine than a bowl of noodles.
Italian Fish Stew
This quick stew recipe topped with halibut serves four, but it’s easy to cut all ingredients in half! Or, just make four servings for simple leftovers for two more dinners. Get the recipe.
Cacio e Pepe
The perfect pasta recipe for two, once you master this peppery, cheesy spaghetti recipe, you’ve found a new Italian staple. Make sure your pasta is al dente and you’re ready to eat as soon as you’re done mixing all the ingredients together, because cacio e pepe tastes best when it’s fresh. Get the recipe.
Neapolitan Style Margherita Pizza
Making personal pizzas side by side is the perfect Italian-inflected at-home night for a duo of cooks. Get creative with toppings or stick with the classic mozzarella and basil. Get the recipe.
Tortellini with Broccoli Pesto
Like most hearty Italian dishes, this big batch of tortellini will serve more than two people, so reserve some pesto to use in another batch of tortellini or with other pasta. You can also make it all and enjoy the rest cold as a pasta salad the next day. Get the recipe.
Healthy Dinner Ideas for Two
Fill your body with nutritious superfoods such as quinoa and sunflower seeds, courtesy of these healthy dinner ideas for two.
Nicoise-Inspired Summer Salad
This composed salad looks beautiful and is as simple as laying out prepped ingredients on a plate. Swap in any type of cured fish you like for protein, or make this healthy salad vegetarian using seitan instead. Get the recipe.
Skillet Quinoa with Olives and Crispy Tofu
A one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, this unexpected combo of olives and crisp tofu is a total winner. If you don’t want to share, we don’t blame you! Get the recipe.
Superfood Lentil Salad
Quick charred zucchini and a sunflower seed vinaigrette are just two powerhouses that give this salad depth, texture, and of course, plenty of healthy benefits. Get the recipe.
Easy Dinner Ideas for Two
Who doesn’t love an easy meal? The below dinner ideas for two each require 30 minutes or less of hands-on work but are filled with bold flavors and varying textures.
Peanut Butter Ramen
Easy enough to make from pantry staples, these instant noodles with peanut sauce are super easy to whip up and fully open to interpretation. Add protein or fresh veggies, make them spicy, or add some crunch on top. Get the recipe.
Lobster Tails With Cilantro Butter
It’s just butter and two lobster tails for each person with this easy yet decadent dinner for two. Add some rolls to dip the butter into and you’re golden. Get the recipe.
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
Bold and rich in flavor, this slowly braised chicken comes together slowly but easily for a special dinner for two, plus leftovers that will taste even better after being reheated in the sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or a baguette. Get the recipe.
Cheesy Chicken Nachos
Fill a sheet pan with chips and the toppings of your choice and voila, dinner for two! Have some fun and eat them right off the tray, or be a little more proper and plate your nachos. Your call. Get the recipe.
Vegetarian Dinner Ideas for Two
Don’t eat meat? We’ve got you (and your plus-one) covered with these meat-free meals that taste delicious.
Cheese Soufflé
Whip up a decadent and fluffy soufflé for two that’s as impressive as it is tasty. Dig in with two spoons for a special night. Get the recipe.
Grilled Halloumi Salad
Grilled cheese takes on a whole new meaning when it’s the cheese that hits the heat. This salad full of protein makes for the perfect meal and is even good leftover too. Get the recipe.
Egg Salad Toast With Fresh Herbs and Capers
This elegant toast is perfect for lunch or dinner and totally vegetarian. The herbs add a level of freshness, and the tanginess from the capers makes this restaurant-worthy. Get the recipe.
Lemony Lentil Soup
A batch of this bright and healthy plant-based soup is perfect for a cozy dinner—and you may even have leftovers for another meal. Add some pita on the side to dip. Get the recipe.
Japanese Dinner Ideas for Two
Skip takeout and whip up a Japanese-inspired meal on your own. Think tempura, nigiri, and more.
Shrimp and Broccoli Tempura
Soft soba and crisp homemade tempura unite as the perfect pair in this refined dinner for two. Delegate one diner to throw together the dipping sauce and the other to fry the goodies for the perfect meal. Get the recipe.
Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad
This quick and healthy meal comes together in 15 minutes and is packed with rich, tangy, and spicy flavors. Purchase pre-cooked shrimp to make the prep even shorter. Get the recipe.
Salmon Nigiri
Sushi night at home is the best night! Make it date night with this nigiri recipe, which can be supplemented with edamame. Get the recipe.
