18 Impressive Dinner Ideas for Two

Switch up your routine with these fun dinner recipes for two.

a close up view of a filet mignon topped with a balsamic glaze, plated with roasted asparagus and potatoes
Photo:

Jasmine Comer/Allrecipes

Whether you're looking for recipes for a romantic evening in, or you simply want to switch up your weeknight meal routine, these dinners for two are sure to satisfy. Impressive dishes like Filet Mignon or Crab Legs with Garlic Butter are an option. You can also keep date night casual by cooking up Chorizo Street Tacos or Cheesy-Crust Skillet Pizza. Once you add these recipes to your repertoire of recipes for two, you'll wonder why you ever ordered out at all.

01 of 18

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta

One Pan Orecchiette Pasta
Linda T

You won't have to sully your dinner with dishes afterwards thanks to this one-pot pasta recipe. Creamy orecchiette combines with spicy sausage and peppery arugula for an irresistible dish.

02 of 18

Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet

Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushroom Skillet
Chef V

This Italian-inspired chicken dinner for two is perfect for serving over pasta or rice. "This dish was delicious with just the right amount of seasoning to keep it light," says user Jackie D.

03 of 18

Easy Chorizo Street Tacos

Easy Chorizo Street Tacos
Easy Chorizo Street Tacos | Photo by Yoly. Yoly

Five ingredients are all you need to make these street tacos that can rival your neighborhood food truck.

04 of 18

Miso-Glazed Black Cod

Miso-Glazed Black Cod
Bobby Musgrave

This impressive seafood dish will have your partner thinking you've been in the kitchen for hours. In reality, this fish recipe for two is a very quick recipe to make. (But let them be impressed. We won't tell.)

05 of 18

Bucatini All'Amatriciana

A bowl of hollow spaghetti noodles topped with tomato sauce and fresh basil
Buckwheat Queen

Switch up your usual spaghetti dinner with this delicious pasta recipe for two. Guanciale (cured pork cheek) adds extra depth of salty, savory flavor to the final dish. User Howard says, "I love the serving size for two, it was perfect."

06 of 18

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Spicy Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)

Hang up the phone, and put down the takeout menu. Instead of ordering out, whip up this Thai Basil Chicken for two that's ready in 25 minutes or less. "I've always been so intimidated to try cooking Thai cuisine but Chef John made this so easy," says user Heidi.

07 of 18

Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce

Crab Legs with Garlic Butter Sauce
Bren

These crab legs are infused with flavor because they are cooked directly in a garlicky butter sauce. Is crab a bit out of your date night budget? This recipe also works well with shrimp.

08 of 18

Pork, Apple, and Ginger Stir-Fry with Hoisin Sauce

Pork, Apple, and Ginger Stir-Fry with Hoisin Sauce
SunnyByrd

A sweet and salty sauce upgrades your everyday stir-fry into something amazing — and much better than anything you can get from takeout. Serve over a bed of rice or lo mein.

09 of 18

Cheesy-Crust Skillet Pizza

Cheesy-Crust Skillet Pizza
The Gruntled Gourmand

Only four ingredients are needed for this ultra-cheesy pizza for two. Shredded mozzarella creates a crispy crust, while fresh bocconcini creates a creamy topping. As a bonus, this recipe is totally gluten-free!

10 of 18

Surf and Turf

Surf and Turf for Two
bd.weld

Get the best of both worlds with this surf and turf plate. Marinated shrimp combines with seasoned and grilled steak for an unforgettable evening in.

Keep Reading: 20 Best Side Dishes for Steak

11 of 18

Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa

Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Kim's Cooking Now

Marinated tilapia is combined with a sweet and savory mango salsa that elevates the whole dish. User ILoveFruit says, "Very easy and very tasty! My husband and I both cleared our plates."

12 of 18

Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon

Pork Chops Stuffed with Smoked Gouda and Bacon
abapplez

A protein stuffed with cheese and bacon? Sign us up! If you're buying your pork from a butcher, ask them to cut the pocket in the chops for you.

13 of 18

Crab-Stuffed Lobster Tail

Crab-Stuffed Lobster Tail
Dany

Get a double dose of seafood deliciousness with these crab-stuffed lobster tails for two. Several reviewers have written that they used canned crab and it turned out just as tasty.

14 of 18

Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze

Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze

A classic choice for romantic dinners, this filet mignon recipe only requires five ingredients. Pair with a side of potatoes and steamed veggies for a complete meal.

15 of 18

Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce

Chicken with Lemon-Caper Sauce
kmcclos1

Tender chicken breasts are paired with a tangy and buttery sauce, perfect for pouring over pasta or potato wedges. User Angela Renee says, "This was perfect!!! Easy but restaurant-quality."

16 of 18

Avocado Carbonara for Two

Avocado Carbonara for Two
Photo by Buckwheat Queen.

Here's a traditional spaghetti carbonara with a creamy avocado twist. "This recipe is a complete meal for 2 people, which can be made for brunch, lunch, or dinner," says Buckwheat Queen.

17 of 18

"Pantry Find" Pasta for Two

"Pantry Find" Pasta for Two
Buckwheat Queen

This quick Italian-accented pasta dinner starts with canned tuna, plus olives, chopped tomatoes, and capers. "I came up with this pasta dish when cleaning out my pantry," says Buckwheat Queen. "It's savory, delightful, and doesn't require a lot of savvy and is quick to get on the table."

18 of 18

Spicy Beans and Franks for Two

Spicy Beans and Franks for Two

Nothing fancy, folks, just franks and beans in a delectable homemade sauce! "A tasty, quick-and-easy weeknight meal for two," says lutzflcat.

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