13 Easy Dinners for Two to Enjoy Cozy Nights In

Finding time to prepare a delicious meal for two can be a challenge, especially after a busy day. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner date or just a relaxed evening with a loved one, having a selection of easy and delightful recipes up your sleeve can make all the difference.

These recipes are perfect for couples looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, let’s explore some simple yet tasty dishes that are sure to impress and satisfy!

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

This dish is a quick, 30-minute wonder that feels like a fancy restaurant meal. The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and decadent. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque.
4. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture until well coated.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Serve with: A side of garlic bread.

Drink with: A chilled glass of Chardonnay.

2. Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo is a classic comfort dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, tossed with fettuccine pasta. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic and Parmesan, coats each strand of pasta, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz fettuccine
• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
6. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

Serve with: A fresh Caesar salad.

Drink with: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

3. Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon

Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon is a delightful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer. The salmon is marinated in a blend of lemon juice, herbs, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. The result is a moist, flaky fish with a bright, zesty flavor. This healthy and delicious dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate salmon fillets in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the salmon for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with lemon slices and serve hot.

Serve with: Steamed asparagus or a mixed green salad.

Drink with: A glass of Pinot Grigio.

4. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a vegetarian delight, combining the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the meaty texture of portobello mushrooms. Each mushroom cap is filled with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, then baked until bubbly and delicious. It’s a light and healthy dish that’s perfect as a starter or a main course.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove stems from mushrooms and brush caps with olive oil. Place on a baking sheet.
3. Fill each mushroom cap with tomatoes and mozzarella.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Serve with: A side of arugula salad.

Drink with: A glass of Chianti.

5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a quick and elegant dish that brings together succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic in a buttery sauce. Served over pasta or with crusty bread, this meal is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or a romantic meal for two.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque.
3. Pour in white wine (if using) and lemon juice, simmering for a few minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread, garnished with parsley.

Serve with: A side of steamed broccoli.

Drink with: A glass of Pinot Noir.

6. Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of pesto with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. This creamy pasta dish is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pot, combine pesto sauce and heavy cream, heating until warm.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil.

Serve with: A side of garlic bread.

Drink with: A glass of Chardonnay.

7. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this stir-fry is both nutritious and delicious, making it a family favorite.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and chicken broth.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
4. Add broccoli and stir-fry for a few minutes.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli, stirring until everything is well coated and the sauce thickens.

Serve with: Steamed rice.

Drink with: A glass of Riesling.

8. Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner. The salmon is baked to perfection and topped with a refreshing lemon dill sauce that enhances its natural flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and fresh dill.
5. Drizzle the lemon dill sauce over the baked salmon.
6. Garnish with lemon slices and serve hot.

Serve with: Roasted asparagus.

Drink with: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

9. One-Pot Chicken Fried Rice

One-Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a quick and easy meal that combines chicken, vegetables, and rice in a flavorful soy sauce mixture. This all-in-one dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite veggies and protein.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until no longer pink.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and scramble the eggs on the other side.
4. Mix in cooked rice, peas, and carrots, and stir to combine.
5. Add soy sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything is well mixed and heated through.

Serve with: A side of egg rolls.

Drink with: A glass of iced green tea.

10. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Sausage

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the spiciness of sausage and the freshness of spinach. This pasta dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned and cooked through.
3. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and sausage mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil.

Serve with: A side of garlic bread.

Drink with: A glass of Merlot.

11. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun lunch. These quesadillas are packed with shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of spices, all grilled to crispy perfection. They’re a family favorite and can be served with a variety of toppings and dips.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese, chicken, green onions, and salsa.
3. Top with another tortilla and cook until the bottom is golden and crispy.
4. Flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
6. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

Serve with: Guacamole and sour cream.

Drink with: A cold beer or a glass of margarita.

12. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together perfectly grilled salmon, fluffy rice, and a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sugar, ginger, and garlic to make the teriyaki sauce.
2. Marinate salmon fillets in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon until it is cooked through.
4. In a pot, heat the remaining sauce until it thickens.
5. Serve the salmon over a bed of rice, drizzled with teriyaki sauce and garnished with green onions.

Serve with: Steamed edamame.

Drink with: Green tea.

13. Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy and flavorful dish that brings together the fresh tastes of the Mediterranean. Zucchini halves are filled with a mixture of quinoa, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, then baked until tender. This dish is perfect for a light dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis, halved lengthwise
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Scoop out the center of each zucchini half to create boats.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, tomatoes, feta, olives, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each zucchini boat with the quinoa mixture.
5. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until zucchini is tender.

Serve with: A side of Greek salad.

Drink with: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

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