Coming up with dinner ideas for two (or four, or more) is often the most challenging part of cooking. Even seasoned professionals find themselves asking “what should I cook for dinner tonight?”
Whether you’re looking for ideas for healthy weeknight meals or a something a little more elegant for a special occasion, these easy date night recipes are all either perfect for two or can be easily divided. Or if you’re a fan of leftovers, make the full recipe and you’ll be all set for dinner another day.
If you want fun things you can cook together on a date or just recipes to get a 30-minute meal on the table for you and your BFF, we’ve got you covered. Whether a hearty pork ragu pasta or a grilled chicken with a take-me-to-the-tropics coconut lime slaw, this selection of recipes can get you out of the dinnertime rut or transform a normal night into something special. You might even have time to whip up an impressive dessert!
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
1
Strip Steak With Hasselback Potatoes and Garlicky Spinach
Dinner ideas for two don't get any better than this show-stopping steakhouse-style meal. It won't take you more than an hour (really!) and is so much more special when you make it yourself.
Get the recipe for New York Strip »
Get the recipe for Hasselback Potatoes »
Get the recipe for Garlicky Spinach »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
2
Roasted Feta Shrimp and Polenta
This shrimp and polenta recipe with oregano, garlic, red peppers, capers and white wine looks elegant but is easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Get the recipe for Roasted Feta Shrimp and Polenta »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
3
Creamy Broccolini Pasta With Chile Breadcrumbs
An easy vegetarian weeknight dinner that combines crispy breadcrumbs with a creamy sauce for double the texture. Even if you make half the recipe, you may want to make all the breadcrumbs!
Get the recipe for Creamy Broccolini Pasta With Chile Breadcrumbs »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Pan-Fried Chicken With Lemony Roasted Broccoli
This lemony chicken dinner for you and your plus one combines simple ingredients with complex flavor for a healthy option you’ll both crave.
Get the recipe for Pan-Fried Chicken With Lemony Roasted Broccoli »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
5
Mini Meatballs With Garlicky Tomatoes
Spaghetti who? This low-carb dinner for two remixes a classic combo that's sure to be a hit.
Get the recipe for Mini Meatballs With Garlicky Tomatoes »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
6
Salmon With Grilled Eggplant and Chickpea Croutons
A special recipe for that special someone — toasty croutons and zesty yogurt dressing is the best way to win them over.
Get the recipe for Salmon With Grilled Eggplant and Chickpea Croutons »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Steak With Grilled Green Beans, Fennel & Farro
Nothing caps off a steak dinner for two like a fresh take on a green salad with smoky, spiced veg.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
8
Pork Tenderloin With Quinoa Pilaf
Pork tenderloin is lean and luscious — especially with a sweet and savory mustard-marmalade glaze.
Get the recipe for Pork Tenderloin With Quinoa Pilaf »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
9
Radicchio Salad With Roasted Fennel and Shrimp
Bright colors and bold flavors (did we mention the bacon?) create this knockout that comes together fast.
Get the recipe for Radicchio Salad With Roasted Fennel and Shrimp »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Grilled Tequila Steak Tacos
Consider this dinner and drinks all in one. Taco party for two, anyone?
Get the recipe for Grilled Tequila Steak Tacos »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
11
Grilled Chicken With Coconut-Lime Slaw
A quick weeknight dinner for you plus one, this sweet and zesty chicken recipe will fill you up and save you time.
Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken With Coconut-Lime Slaw »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
12
Charred Shrimp, Leek, and Asparagus Skewers
Stacked skewers with a spicy sauce? The perfect weeknight dinner for two because, trust us, you want to share it with someone special.
Get the recipe for Charred Shrimp, Leek, and Asparagus Skewers »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Warm Wild Mushroom and Lentil Salad
A fast dinner that doubles as a power lunch later in the week. Topped with creamy blue cheese, it’s a not-too-virtuous weeknight meal option.
Get the recipe for Warm Wild Mushroom and Lentil Salad »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
14
Pork Chops With Bloody Mary Tomato Salad
Share a pork chop with your plus one - this easy dinner is just the thing to spice things up on a weeknight.
Get the recipe for Pork Chops With Bloody Mary Tomato Salad »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
15
Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl
For when you and yours want a healthy-ish weeknight dinner that’s not chicken. Roasted sausage, crispy broccoli, and a dollop of lemony yogurt isn’t your typical health-food fare.
Get the recipe for Sausage and Broccoli Quinoa Bowl »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Supercarb Loaded Sweet Potatoes
For a fast vegetarian dinner that’s perfect for two, we loaded these baked sweet potatoes with black beans, veggies, and of course, plenty of cheese.
Get the recipe for Supercarb Loaded Sweet Potatoes »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
17
Creamy Chicken Potpies
This classic comfort food recipe from actress Tiffani Thiessen combines a creamy, gooey filling with a flaky, buttery crust — all in personal pie servings. This recipe makes enough for 6, and while you can cut the filling down to make only 2 pies, we suggest you make the full recipe for the crust and freeze the remaining to have on hand.
Get the recipe for Creamy Chicken Potpies »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
18
Pork Ragu Rigatoni
If ever there was an official date night pasta — this would be it. A luxurious sauce spiked with white wine and capped with creamy ricotta salata is the best way to say I love you.
Get the recipe for Pork Ragu Rigatoni »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Cheesy Tex-Mex Stuffed Chicken
A weeknight dinner for two that turns up the heat! The spicy jalapeño cheese stuffing brings fire and flavor to a simple chicken breast.
Get the recipe for Cheesy Tex-Mex Stuffed Chicken »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
20
Mushroom-Quinoa Burger
This healthy vegetarian recipe reimagines what’s best between buns. Hearty mushroom patties topped with creamy rosemary mayo stand up to beef any day.
Get the recipe for Mushroom-Quinoa Burger »