The A - Z Of 5 Simple Dinner Recipes For Two
Cooking dinner for two can be both an intimate and enjoyable experience, allowing you to experiment with flavors while keeping preparation time manageable. Here are five simple yet delicious dinner recipes that are perfect for a cozy evening at home.
1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
2. Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and chicken slices. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the bell pepper, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve over cooked rice.
3. Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Stuff each pocket with tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves.
4. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
4. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 2 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, spinach, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the quinoa mixture.
4. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
5. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb flank steak, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the flank steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 5 minutes, until tender.
5. Stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Mix well.
6. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve over cooked rice.
These five recipes are perfect for creating a delightful dinner for two, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients to keep your meals interesting and enjoyable.