Ideas for an easy dinner for two that won’t break the bank. Make date night, your anniversary, or a cozy dinner on a crazy weeknight a meal to remember. What better way to say “I love you” than a delicious home-cooked meal? And you can do it in style without spending hundreds of dollars or waiting your turn at a busy restaurant.
As an all-around working girl, finding the energy to prepare something fancy at the end of the day is challenging. Luckily, these dinner-for-two recipes are effortlessly delicious. Any night becomes extra special with these dishes, and I’ll show you how to make yours memorable.
Recipes that fit any theme you have in mind are just a click away. Romantic dinner ideas create great bonding opportunities, from cooking to dining! Here’s a list of my favorite recipes that you can prepare for an intimate date night at home.
Seafood Dinners
Pan Seared Scallops
Let’s start our list with an easy seafood dinner. The rich, buttery umami complements the sauce’s lemony freshness. You can impress your significant other with this simple recipe any night of the week. It’s so quick and easy that my hubby cooks the scallops while I make the California spaghetti salad to serve on the side.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Bring on the heat for a lovely Valentine’s Day dinner with spicy shrimp and grits. The juicy shrimp and creamy, cheesy grits are a match made in heaven.
Don’t let the simplicity fool you. This flavor combination spells F-A-N-C-Y! Kind on the wallet and packed with flavor, this Southern dish is totally for you.
Broiled Lobster
Exotic broiled lobster delivers the natural taste of the sea. The homemade butter sauce provides extra personality. Enjoy fuss-free home cooking for those special occasions instead of forking out buku bucks at a fancy restaurant.
Broiled Salmon
An elegant offering, broiled salmon is quick and easy; just prep and pop in the oven. Vamp up the flavor with different herbs and spices. Then, infuse it with the zingy freshness of lemon.
Serve it with pesto pasta and finish it with a refreshing papaya fool for a memorable dinner.
Meaty Main Course
Steak Au Poivre
This classic French recipe is popular in fancy restaurants. Perfectly seared steak coated in crushed peppercorns and topped with a rich cream sauce is simple to make at home! The best thing? Simple and affordable ingredients have never tasted so awesome.
Tuscan Chicken
Up next on our list of the easiest dinners for two is creamy and chunky Tuscan chicken. The creamy, flavorful sauce with Italian seasonings, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese smothers tender chicken for an elegant yet affordable meal. Open a bottle of good Chardonnay for even more romance!
Beef Bourguignon
Julia Childs made this recipe famous. Flavorful, fall-off-the-bone beef slow-cooked in a wine-based sauce is everything you need for an exciting dinner. Hey, the French really know how to beef up the beef for date night. Yes, this recipe serves six, but it freezes great. Package this goodness in serving-size freezer bags, and your entree is ready to go.
Easy Hearty Side Dishes
Creamy Polenta
You can’t go wrong with a bowl of creamy polenta with steak, chicken, or seafood. This filling carb is delicious topped with any of the main dish recipes. Top it with a scoop of chili for a cozy dinner.
Tomato Basil Soup
This simple, hearty, and vibrant soup rich in flavor goes well with bread. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead of time. Enjoy it as a side, or turn it into a Meat-Free Monday dinner with a loaf of freshly baked bread and a salad.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Soup is perfect for alfresco dinners on the balcony. They warm your belly for a cozy evening and complement any entree. A handful of simple ingredients delivers a soul-satisfying side or vegetarian main course.
Fancy Desserts
Crepe Suzette
Finish off an intimate dinner for two with an easy and impressive dessert! Crepes drizzled with buttery orange syrup and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is incredible.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
No meal is truly complete without dessert. So whip up this guilt-free flourless chocolate cake for a fudgy treat that comes together with just seven ingredients. Dust it with powdered sugar and sweet berries for a gluten-free delicacy.
Lemon Tart
Sunshine on your plate with upbeat citrusy zing cleanses your palate from the saucy, savory dishes. Incredibly uncomplicated homemade lemon curd is the star of this dessert. Reduce stress by making it ahead and chilling it before dinner.
By Imma
This blog post was originally published in February 2021 and has been updated with additional tips and beautiful photos
Philip Dunn says
Made the broiled salmon with new potatoes and green salad. Result delicious
imma africanbites says
Thanks for the feedback, Philip.