Perfect at-home date night – easy dinner recipes for two

by John Griffith
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We are just 3 months into 2020, but it has already been named the strangest year ever. With so many things happening around the world and the need for many people to stay at home, we can forget some pretty basic things. One of these things is date nights. For every couple, date nights are a must-have, a key to a good relationship, if you will. So, with all this staying at home, it is sometimes easy to forget that at-home date night can be just as great. Which is why today, we have prepared a few easy dinner recipes for two, you can try right now. Spice things up for your significant other and put a smile on their face with our easy-to-follow ideas.

Chicken cordon bleu recipe

chicken cordon bleu, black plate with kale, placed on grey countertop, chicken garnished with sauce

Easy dinner ideas for two – chicken cordon bleu

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 100gr “KFM” bacon
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 100gr fresh baby spinach
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 6 slices ham
  • 6 slices emmental
  • flour
  • beaten eggs
  • breadcrumbs
  • spinach dressing for garnish

The necessary ingredients

two chicken breasts, garlic and bacon, ham and cheese, chicken cordon bleu, ingredients arranged on grey countertop

Heat the oil in a pan and add the garlic, bacon and onion

bacon onion and garlic, cooked in black sauce pan, chicken cordon bleu, stirred with wooden spatula

Add the spinach

spinach and bacon, garlic and onion, cooked in black sauce pan, chicken cordon bleu, stirred with wooden spatula

Pound the chicken breasts until even and season with salt and pepper

chicken breast pounded between foil, chicken cordon bleu recipe, grey countertop

Place the chicken breasts next to each other and cover with six slices of ham

six slices of ham arranged on top of chicken breast, placed on foil on grey countertop, chicken cordon bleu recipe

Cover with six slices of emmental and add the spinach and bacon mixture in the middle

spinach onion and bacon mixture, placed on top of cheese and ham on chicken breast, chicken cordon bleu

Roll up the chicken breasts and dip in flour until fully coated

rolled up chicken breast, dipped in flour, chicken cordon bleu recipe, black plate on grey countertop

Then dip in the beaten eggs

rolled up chicken breast, dipped in beaten eggs, chicken cordon bleu recipe, breadcrumbs in black plate

And finally cover with breadcrumbs – bake for 40 minutes at 190 degrees

rolled up chicken breast, held by woman with green nail polish, chicken cordon bleu recipe, black pan

Garnish with spinach dressing

chicken cordon bleu recipe, sliced garnished with sauce and kale, placed on black plate

Homemade pasta – tagliatelle recipe

homemade pasta, garnished with creamy mushroom sauce, parmesan cheese and basil leaves

Easy pasta recipe

Ingredients:

  • 150gr wheat flour
  • 150gr semolina
  • 3 eggs
  • mushroom-garlic sauce
  • parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil leaves

flour and eggs, chopped mushrooms and garlic, homemade pasta, ingredients arranged on black surface

In a bowl mix the flour and semolina and transfer onto a surface, add the eggs

two eggs in the middle of flour, homemade pasta, placed on black surface, formed with red spatula

Beat the eggs with a fork

two eggs beaten with fork, surrounded by flour, homemade pasta, black surface covered with flour

Start mixing the dry ingredients with the eggs

wet and dry ingredients, mixed together on black surface, covered with flour, homemade pasta

Knead the dough and let it sit for 30 minutes

tagliatele recipe, dough placed on black surface, covered with flour, basil leaves on the side

Cut into two pieces and roll out each piece on a floured surface

dough being rolled out, tagliatele recipe, black surface covered with flour

Roll in the dough and cut into thin strips

dough being cut into thin strips, placed on black surface covered with flour, tagliatele recipe

Trasnfer to a pan and cook for 2 minutes in boiling water

long strips of dough, hanging from sharp black knife, tagliatele recipe, black surface covered with flour

Add the creamy mushroom sauce and garnish with grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves

black surface, tagliatele recipe, white plates, garnish of creamy mushroom sauce, parmesan cheese and basil leaves

Poached pears in red wine – the perfect romantic dessert

wine and sugar reduction drizzled, poached pears in red wine, served with cream, white countertop

How to poach pears – poached pears in red wine

Ingredients:

  • 2 pears
  • 500ml red wine
  • 150gr fine cane sugar
  • 2 star anise
  • 3 cinnamon sticks

Perfect five-ingredient date night dessert

two pears and red wine, cinnamon sticks and star anise, poached pears, ingredients spread out on white countertop

Peel the pears

poached pears, pear being peeled with black julienne peeler, white cutting board

Scoop out the bottoms

two peeled pears, bottoms scooped out, placed on white cutting board, poached pears in red wine

In a sauce pan, add the wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks and star anise

poached pears in red wine, red wine simmering in metal sauce pan, cinnamon sticks on the side

Add the pears, let boil and simmer for 30 minutes

cinnamon sticks and star anise in red wine, simmering in metal sauce pan, two pears inside, poached pears

Serve the poached pears with cream

poached pears in red wine, served with cream on white plates, placed on white countertop

Drizzle wine and sugar reduction on top

wine and sugar reduction drizzled, poached pears in red wine, served with cream on white plate

Delicious dessert recipe – poached pears in red wine

wine and sugar reduction drizzled, poached pears, served with cream on white plate

Oven baked chicken parmesan

easy dinner recipes for two, chicken parmesan recipe, chicken breast on white plate, fork on the side

Easy dinner recipes for two – Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breats
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp minced parsley

The necessary ingredients to prepare this delicious meal

chicken breasts on white cutting board, eggs and breadcrumbs in glass bowls, easy dinner recipes for two, chicken parmesan recipe

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Cut the chicken brests in half and pound to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a dish mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt and pepper, oregano and garlic powder.
  4. In another dish beat the egg.
  5. Dip the chicken breast first in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs mixture and place them on a foil lined, oiled baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Flip the chicken and pour 1/4 cup of marinara on each chicken breast, then put cheese on top. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Super delicious option for a quick dinner

chicken parmesan recipe, easy dinner recipes for two, four chicken breasts, placed on white plate, garnished with parsley

Source: foxandbriar. com

Salmon with wild rice

smoked salmon, brown rice on white plate, easy dinner recipes for two, lime slice on the side

Dinner ideas for tonight – pan seared salmon

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1-inch piece of ginger
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 14oz. can coconut milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • salt
  • 2 limes
  • 2 6oz. salmon fillets
  • black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter

Healthy and delicious

brown rice on white plate, smoked salmon, lime slice on the side, easy dinner recipes for two, fork on the side

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice per directions on the package.
  2. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil. Add the galic, ginger and shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the curry paste. Then add the chicken broth and coconut milk, along with 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer to a blender, add 2 tbsp lime juice and blend.
  4. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 2 tbsp of olive oil and the butter. Add the fillets skin side down. Sear on each side until fully cooked.
  6. Serve in a bowl with 1/2 cup coconut curry broth, top with rice and a salmon fillet. Garnish with lime zest and a lime wedge on the side.

Such a healthy dinner option

smoked salmon, dinner ideas for tonight, brown rice on white plate, lime slice on the side

Source: hapanom. com

Creamy butternut squash soup with broiled fontina toasts

butternut squash soup, garnished with pomegranate seeds, dinner ideas for tonight, poured in black bowl

Easy weeknight dinners – butternut squash soup

Ingredients:

For the soup:

  • 1 lb butternut squash, cubed
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup half & half
  • fresh thyme

For the toasts:

  • 5 oz. french baguette, sliced
  • olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese

Light dinner idea

dinner ideas for tonight, butternut squash soup, poured in two black bowls, garnished with pomegranate seeds

Instructions:

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet and add the butternut squash, cinnamon and brown sugar. Stir well and saute for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Mash the butternut squash and add the vegetable broth, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Simme for 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour it back to the skillet and add the cream.
  4. Pre-heat oven to broil.
  5. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 2-3 minutes then add the fontina cheese and broil again until the cheese is melted.

You can garnish with thyme, pomegranate seeds and cream

butternut squash soup, poured in black bowls, dinner ideas for tonight, garnished with pomegranate seeds

Source: wrytoasteats. com

Spicy penne recipe

spicy penne, grated parmesan on top, dinner ideas for tonight, placed on white plate, garlic cloves on the side

What to cook for dinner tonight? How about some Italian?

Ingredients:

  • 200gr penne pasta
  • 1 onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • a few salami slices
  • 400gr diced tomato
  • 1/2 zucchini
  • fresh basil leaves
  • salt and black pepper
  • grated Parmesan cheese
  • ground chili flakes

You can do no wrong with Italian

easy weeknight dinners, spicy penne, grated parmesan cheese on top, placed in white plate, sauce pan on the side

Instructions:

  1. Boil salted water and add the penne pasta, cooking according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, preheat 1 tbsp olive oil, then add the onion and fry. Add the garlic and diced salami and fry for about 2 minutes. Then, add the grated zucchini, canned tomato and bring to a boil. Season with salt and black pepper and chili flakes. Once it is ready, add the basil leaves.
  3. Once your pasta is cooked add it to the pan with the tomato sauce and add a splash of pasta water. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

So yummy!

spicy penne, easy weeknight dinners, grated parmesan cheese on top, placed in white plate, fork on the side

Source: vibrantplate. com

Healthy stuffed bell peppers

stuffed bell peppers, cut in half and filled with quinoa and cheese, easy weeknight dinners, garnished with dill

Super quick dinner ideas – stuffed peppers

Ingredients:

  • 2 bell peppers
  • 1/2lb lean ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup artichokes
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tomato
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • 1-2 tsp fresh dill
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Healthy option for your next dinner

red bell peppers cut in half, bowls and plates with different ingredients, easy weeknight dinners, stuffed bell peppers

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Slice the bell peppers in half, place them on a baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. In a skillet heat olive oil, add the ground chicken and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, add the rest of the ingredients except for the mozzarella cheese, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. To the baking dish with the peppers add shallow layer of water. Fill the peppers with the filling and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for additional 20 minutes.

Greek-style dinner

stuffed bell peppers, cut in half, filled with quinoa and cheese, garnished with dill, easy weeknight dinners

Source: wrytoasteats. com

Braised short rib

braised short rib, baked in ceramic bowl, dinner ideas for two, placed on wooden table, garnished with parsley

Easy dinner recipes for two – a meaty option

Ingredients:

  • 2 beef short ribs
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 14.5oz. can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup dried figs
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup marcona almonds
  • 1/4 cup green olives
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves

For the quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp salt

You won’t regret trying this recipe

wooden table, braised short rib, placed in ceramic bowl with white rice, dinner ideas for two

Instructions:

  1. Combine all 9 spices.
  2. Cover the short ribs with the herbs mixture and let them marinate for 30 minutes – 1 hour.
  3. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  4. In a clay pot heat 1 tbsp oil, heat until hot and brown ribs on all 3 meaty sides for about 1 minute per side. Transfer meat to a plate.
  5. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, ginger and garlic to the clay pot and saute for 1 minute.
  6. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, figs, chickpeas, tomato paste and the remaintin spices mixture. Place the rib in the middle of the pot and bring to a boil.
  7. Spoon some of the sauce over the ribs and add the almonds. Cover the pot and braise the meat in the oven for about 2 and a half hours.
  8. In a pan melt the butter, add quinoa and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  9. Add the chicken broth and salt and bbring to a boil, Reduce heat and cover for 15 minutes.
  10. Serve the short rib over cooked quinoa and top with olives and parsley.

This looks so delicious

dinner ideas for two, braised short rib, placed in ceramic bowl with white rice, garnished with parsley

Source: snixykitchen. com

Famous all over the world – Fillet Mignon with balsamic tomatoes

fillet mignon recipe, green salad, placed on black surface, dinner ideas for two, roasted potatoes

Easy dinner recipes for beginners – fillet mignon

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. fillet mignons
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the balsamic tomatoes:

  • 1 pint grape tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp sugar

fillet mignon recipe, balsamic tomatoes, dinner ideas for two, green salad underneath, placed on black surface

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 475°F.
  2. Season the fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Heat oil in an iron skillet and add the fillets. Sprinkle the rosemary, thyme and garlic and cook the fillets for 3 minutes on each side, adding 1 tbsp of butter to each fillet after you turn.
  4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for additional 3-5 minutes.
  5. In a pan, heat olive oil. Add the tomatoes, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and sugar. Cook until tomatoes are soft, then add the vinegar. Reduce heat to medium, add the vinegar and cook for about 5 minutes.

fillet mignon recipe, whats for dinner tonight, balsamic tomatoes, green salad underneath, placed on black surface

Source: whatshouldimakefor. com

Quick and easy dinner recipes

three chicken breasts, baked in a sheet pan, whats for dinner tonight, roasted potatoes next to them

two baked chicken breasts, creamy cheese sauce and tomatoes on top, whats for dinner tonight, garnished with fresh basil leaves

whats for dinner tonight, cajun jambalaya with andouille sausage, shrimp chicken, cooked in white pan

ceaser chicken, four chicken breats with creamy cheese sauce, baked in ceramic pan, whats for dinner tonight

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baked chicken breast with lemon slices, placed over asparagus on white plate, what to cook for dinner tonight easy

chicken breast with kale, onion corn and cucumbers, what to cook for dinner tonight easy, cooked in black skillet

sliced chicken breast, baked in a sheet pan, what to cook for dinner tonight easy, vegetables between the slices

chicken enchiladas, cheese and parsrley on top, what to cook for dinner tonight easy, baked in white casserole

chicken marsala with mushrooms, easy dinner recipes for beginners, cooked in sauce pan wih wooden spoon

Chicken parmesan gnocci

chicken pamresan gnocchi skillet bake, easy dinner recipes for beginners, garnished with fresh basil leaves

chicken thigh with green herbs, sweet potato wedges on the side, fork on the side of the plate, easy dinner recipes for beginners

crusty pork chops, easy dinner recipes for beginners, roasted zucchini and white rice on the side

easy dinner recipes for beginners, chicken thighs baked in iron skillet, fresh basil leaves for garnish

good home cooked meals, tacos with cauliflower balls, cabbage and parsley, creamy sauce on top

pasta with caramelized sweet potatoes, kale and onion, good home cooked meals, cooked in white skillet

vegetable stir fry with white rice, garnished with sesame seeds, good home cooked meals, poured in two black bowls

shakshuka with eggs, tomato sauce and crumbled feta cheese, good home cooked meals, garnished with parsley

fettucine alfredo, garnished with parsley, cooked in sauce pan and stirred with tongs, good home cooked meals

gnocchi with peas and bacon, grated parmesan cheese on top, quick and easy dinner recipes, cooked in an iron skillet

Good home cooked meals

stealk with broccoli and sweet potatoes, quick and easy dinner recipes, placed on white plate with fork on the side

hoisin glazed pork tendeloin, asian rice salad, garnished with sesame seeds, quick and easy dinner recipes

quick and easy dinner recipes, lamb with crust, placed on blue plate on wooden table, garnished with rosemary

lentil sop with carrots and potatoes, poured in two ceramic bowls, quick and easy dinner recipes, placed on grey table

Easy dinner recipes for two

green salad wit avocado and tomatoes, different ingredients for tacos on marble table, easy dinners for two

pasta with chicken parmesan, easy dinners for two, covered with cheese, garnished with parsley

pesto chicken pasta, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes, easy dinners for two, cooked in metal sauce pan

Delicious and easy dinners for two

easy dinners for two, photo collage of different meals, cooked in a sheet pan, four side by side photos

pita bread with chicken and vegetables inside, easy dinners for two, placed on white plate on white surface

easy dinner ideas for two, ramen noodles with vegetables, cooked in metal sauce pan, stirred with tongs

beans and meat rice, shredded cheese on top, garnished with parsley, easy dinner ideas for two, placed in yellow ceramic bowl

risotto with creame sauce, placed in white plate, easy dinner ideas for two, brass spoon on the side

shrimp risotto, easy dinner ideas for two, garnished with parslye, placed in white plates

smoked salmon with green beans and corn on the side, easy dinner ideas for two, creamy sauce on top

What’s for dinner tonight

super quick dinner ideas, steak with roasted potatoes, creamy spinach salad on the side, white plates

steak with roasted potatoes, super quick dinner ideas, white plate with brass fork and knife on the side

summer squash mint and pecorino pasta, super quick dinner ideas, cooked in metal sauce pan, blue table with blue cloth

chicken breasts, baked with vegetables on top, super quick dinner ideas, cooked in white casserole

chicken with different vegetables, cooked in black sauce pan, super quick dinner ideas, placed on blue surface

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.