Cooking for two can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or just want to enjoy a meal with a friend, finding the right recipes can make all the difference.
These dinner ideas for two will help you create tasty meals without leaving you with too many leftovers.
From quick weeknight dinners to more special date night options, there are many choices to suit different tastes and cooking skills.
You’ll find dishes ranging from simple pasta meals to more elaborate meat and seafood options.
With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious home-cooked meals sized perfectly for two people.
1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Lemon herb grilled chicken is a quick and tasty meal for two. You can make it in about 20-25 minutes.
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in a mix of lemon juice and herbs.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetables for a complete dinner.
This dish is simple yet flavorful. The lemon and herbs give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something easy but delicious.
2. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Caprese salad is a quick and tasty dinner for two. You’ll need ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella. Arrange them on a plate, alternating layers. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
For the balsamic reduction, simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens. Drizzle it over your salad.
Add a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
This simple meal is ready in minutes and looks great on the plate.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a quick and tasty dinner for two. You can make it in just minutes using fresh or frozen shrimp.
Start by cooking your pasta.
While it’s boiling, melt butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Cook the shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Add some white wine to the pan and let it reduce. Then toss in the cooked pasta and shrimp. Mix everything together to coat with the garlicky sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.
This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or busy weeknight meal.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers make a tasty dinner for two. You can use green, red, yellow, or orange peppers based on your preference.
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
Mix ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, cheese, and spices for the filling. Stuff the mixture into the peppers.
Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish or slow cooker. Pour some extra sauce on top for moisture.
Cook until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
You can customize the filling to your tastes. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Add different spices or veggies to make it your own.
5. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty dinner for two. You’ll love this Italian-American dish with its rich flavors.
To make it, coat chicken breasts in flour and spices. Cook them in a pan until golden brown.
Next, create a sauce with mushrooms, Marsala wine, and broth. The wine gives it a deep, slightly sweet taste.
Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta or with veggies.
It’s quick to make but feels fancy. Perfect for a date night at home!
6. Beef Stir Fry with Broccoli
Beef stir fry with broccoli is a quick and tasty meal perfect for two. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces.
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tender results. Tip: Freeze the meat for 20 minutes first to make slicing easier.
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes until almost done. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Stir-fry onions and broccoli in the same pan until softened.
Add the beef back in and mix everything together.
For extra flavor, whisk up a simple sauce with stock, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch.
Pour it over your stir fry and enjoy!
7. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Lemon garlic butter salmon is a tasty and easy dinner for two. You can make this dish in about 20 minutes.
Start by placing lemon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Put salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices.
Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the salmon. Fold the foil to make a packet around the fish.
Bake the salmon for 15-17 minutes at 425°F. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Serve your salmon with roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a complete meal.
8. Vegetable Stir Fry with Cashews
A vegetable stir fry with cashews is a quick and tasty meal for two. You can make it in about 15 minutes.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast and healthy.
Start by heating oil in a large pan. Add garlic and stir for a minute.
Then toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cook them until they’re crisp-tender.
Mix soy sauce with a bit of maple syrup for a sweet and salty sauce.
Pour it over the veggies and bring to a boil. Add in some cashews at the end for crunch.
Serve your stir fry over rice or noodles if you like. Or eat it on its own for a low-carb option.
It’s a versatile dish that you can easily change up with different veggies.
9. Pesto Chicken and Veggies
Pesto chicken and veggies is a quick and tasty meal for two. You can make it in one pan in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking chicken pieces in a skillet. Add green beans and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Mix in some pesto sauce to coat everything.
You can use store-bought pesto or make your own. The pesto adds lots of flavor to the chicken and veggies.
This dish is high in protein and low in carbs. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
Serve it with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
You can also prep this ahead of time for easy lunches during the week.
10. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are a tasty and quick dinner option for two. You can have this meal ready in about 20-30 minutes.
Start by seasoning shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook the shrimp in a pan or on the grill until pink.
While the shrimp cooks, make a simple cabbage slaw. Mix shredded cabbage with lime juice and cilantro.
Warm up some tortillas and assemble your tacos.
Add the cooked shrimp and top with the cabbage slaw.
For extra flavor, you can add a creamy sauce made from sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro.
11. Risotto with Mushrooms
Risotto with mushrooms is a tasty dinner for two. It’s creamy, savory, and easy to make. You’ll need arborio rice, mushrooms, broth, and parmesan cheese.
Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms in a pan. Set them aside and cook the rice in the same pan.
Add broth slowly, stirring often. This helps the rice release its starch and get creamy.
When the rice is almost done, mix in the cooked mushrooms and cheese.
The result is a rich, comforting meal. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of parsley on top.
You can use different mushroom types for varied flavors. Try button, shiitake, or porcini mushrooms. Pair your risotto with a glass of white wine for a perfect dinner for two.
12. Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti carbonara is a quick and tasty meal for two. You only need a few ingredients to make this classic Italian dish.
Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
While it cooks, mix egg yolks with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Fry diced pancetta or bacon until crispy. Drain the pasta and toss it with the egg mixture and crispy pork.
Add some pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Season with black pepper and extra cheese if you like.
This simple yet delicious meal comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
13. Tuscan Garlic Chicken
Tuscan Garlic Chicken is a tasty meal for two. You can make it in about 30 minutes. The dish has tender chicken in a creamy sauce.
To make it, cook chicken breasts in a pan. Then add cream, broth, garlic, and Italian spices. Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach give it color and flavor.
The sauce is rich and goes well with pasta or bread.
You can also serve it with veggies for a lower-carb option.
This recipe is easy to adjust. You can add more garlic if you like it stronger. Or use less cream to make it lighter.
14. Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a tasty and quick meal for two. You can make it in about 30 minutes with just a few ingredients.
The chicken is seasoned with lime juice, cilantro, and garlic. This gives it a bright, fresh flavor. You can grill or bake the chicken, depending on what you prefer.
The avocado salsa is easy to make. Mix diced avocado with cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of salt. It adds a cool, creamy topping to the chicken.
This dish is both healthy and satisfying. It’s great for a light dinner or a fun date night meal at home.
15. Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage
Gnocchi with brown butter and sage is a simple yet elegant dinner for two. You can make this dish in under 30 minutes.
Start by boiling salted water and cooking the gnocchi until they float.
While they cook, melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add sage leaves to the melted butter and cook until the butter browns and the sage crisps. This takes about 1-2 minutes.
Transfer the cooked gnocchi to the pan with brown butter and sage. Toss them gently to coat. The gnocchi will pick up flecks of browned butter.
Serve hot, topped with grated cheese if you like. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy night in.
16. Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a tasty and simple meal for two. Start by coating chicken breasts in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
Bake the chicken in the oven until golden brown. Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Broil for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Serve your Chicken Parmesan with pasta or a side salad.
This dish is quick to make and perfect for a date night at home. You can have a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
17. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Teriyaki chicken and rice is a tasty and simple dinner for two. You can whip up this dish in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking rice according to package instructions.
While the rice cooks, prepare the chicken. Cut boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the chicken in a pan with a bit of oil. Add teriyaki sauce and let it simmer.
You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Serve the teriyaki chicken over the cooked rice.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a complete meal. This dish is filling and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
18. Baked Lemon Herb Cod
Baked lemon herb cod is a quick and tasty dinner for two.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs like parsley and dill in a small bowl.
Place cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the mixture over them.
Bake the cod for about 15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
The fish will come out flaky and moist with a zesty lemon herb flavor.
Serve your baked cod with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light yet satisfying.
19. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Stuffed portobello mushrooms make a great dinner for two. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized to your tastes.
Start by cleaning large portobello caps. Remove the stems and gills.
Brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
For the filling, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs. Spoon this mixture into the mushroom caps. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the stuffed mushrooms in a preheated oven until they’re tender and the cheese is melted.
Serve them hot as a main dish with a side salad.
You can also try different fillings like crab meat, sausage, or vegetables. These mushrooms are versatile and sure to impress your dinner companion.
20. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a tasty meal you can make for two in about 20 minutes. You can use frozen popcorn chicken to save time.
Mix pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar to make the sauce. Heat it until the sugar dissolves.
Cook the chicken and add chopped red pepper and pineapple chunks. Pour the sauce over everything.
Serve with rice for a quick and easy dinner.
You can even freeze leftovers for later.
This dish gives you crispy chicken covered in a tangy sauce.
It’s perfect when you want a fast, flavorful meal without much fuss.
21. Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a quick and tasty dinner for two. You can make it in about 30 minutes.
Cook fettuccine pasta while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
For the sauce, melt butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute.
Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Cook sliced chicken breast in a separate pan until no longer pink. Add it to the sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken mixture.
Serve your homemade Chicken Alfredo hot. You can add some chopped parsley on top for color.
This dish is filling and satisfying for a cozy dinner at home.
22. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zucchini noodles with pesto make a quick and tasty meal for two.
Start by spiralizing fresh zucchini into noodle-like strands.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic briefly, then toss in your zucchini noodles.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Remove the skillet from heat and add your favorite pesto sauce. Gently toss the noodles to coat them evenly.
Serve your zucchini noodles hot or cold.
This light, low-carb dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
23. Savory Crepes with Spinach and Feta
Savory crepes make a tasty dinner for two. You can whip up a simple batter with flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the crepes in a non-stick pan until golden.
For the filling, sauté fresh spinach with garlic and olive oil.
Crumble feta cheese over the spinach mixture. Spoon this onto each crepe and fold or roll them up.
You can serve these crepes with a side salad for a complete meal.
The combination of creamy feta and earthy spinach creates a delicious flavor profile.
24. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a tasty and filling meal for two. You can make this dish in about an hour.
Start by cooking jumbo pasta shells until they’re al dente.
While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, and Parmesan in a bowl. Add an egg to help bind the filling.
Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts and the shells are hot.
Serve your stuffed shells with a side salad for a complete dinner.
This recipe is easy to adjust for leftovers or larger groups.
25. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty meal for two. You can make it easily at home.
Start by slicing eggplant into rounds. Coat them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Bake the slices until crispy.
Layer the eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese in a baking dish. Bake again until the cheese melts and bubbles.
This dish is great for a date night. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread.
You’ll have a filling meal without much fuss.
26. Asian Lettuce Wraps
Asian lettuce wraps make a tasty and light dinner for two. You can use ground pork or chicken as the main protein.
Mix it with chopped veggies like carrots, cucumber, and water chestnuts for crunch.
Season the filling with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for flavor.
Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. Butter lettuce or iceberg work well as wraps.
Add toppings like shredded carrots or sliced green onions. A drizzle of spicy mayo or hoisin sauce gives extra zest.
This meal is fun to assemble and eat together.
27. Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos
Quinoa and black bean tacos offer a tasty, protein-packed meal for two. You’ll love this plant-based twist on a classic dish.
Start by cooking quinoa according to package directions.
While it cooks, sauté diced onions and garlic in a pan.
Add cooked quinoa, black beans, and your favorite taco seasonings to the pan. Mix well and heat through.
Warm up some taco shells or tortillas. Fill them with the quinoa-bean mixture.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
These tacos are customizable. Try adding corn, bell peppers, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor and nutrition.
28. Steak with Garlic Butter
Steak with garlic butter is a classic dinner for two. Pick a good cut like ribeye or New York strip. Season the steaks with salt and pepper.
Cook them in a hot pan or on the grill to your desired doneness.
While the steaks rest, make garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and herbs.
Top the steaks with a dollop of garlic butter before serving. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
Pair your steak with simple sides like roasted potatoes and a green salad for a complete meal.
This easy yet impressive dish is perfect for date night at home.
29. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a tasty and quick meal for two. You can make them in just one skillet in about 25 minutes.
Start by slicing chicken breasts into thin strips. Chop onions and bell peppers. Mix your own fajita seasoning or use store-bought.
Cook the chicken first until golden brown. Then add the veggies and cook until tender-crisp. Warm some tortillas on the side.
Serve your fajitas with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
This easy dish is perfect for a fun dinner at home.
30. Asian Glazed Salmon
Asian glazed salmon is a tasty and quick meal for two. You can make it in about 10 minutes.
The dish combines sweet and spicy flavors with a hint of garlic.
The glaze uses honey, lime juice, soy sauce, and sriracha. This mix creates a delicious coating for the fish.
Cook the salmon in a pan or on a sheet in the oven.
Serve your Asian glazed salmon with rice or vegetables.
It’s a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The meal is both healthy and full of flavor.
31. Vegetable Pad Thai
Whip up a tasty vegetable pad thai for two in just 30 minutes.
Start by soaking rice noodles in warm water while you prep the veggies.
Stir-fry carrots and bell peppers in a hot pan until crisp-tender. Add garlic and green onions for extra flavor.
Push the veggies aside and scramble an egg in the pan.
Mix in the drained noodles and a quick sauce made of lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Top your pad thai with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and cilantro.
This veggie-packed dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
32. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty meal for two. You can make it in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or date nights at home.
The dish uses simple ingredients like shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine.
You can serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
To make shrimp scampi, cook garlic in butter and olive oil. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
Pour in white wine and lemon juice, then simmer. Toss with parsley and red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
33. Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is a classic choice for a romantic dinner for two. You can make it at home in about 15 minutes.
Start with fresh ingredients: mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves. Slice the cheese and tomatoes, then arrange them on a prepared pizza crust.
Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with olive oil and add a touch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese melts.
This simple yet delicious pizza is perfect for a cozy night in with your partner.
34. Chicken Teriyaki Skewers
Chicken teriyaki skewers are a tasty and easy dinner for two. You can make them quickly with just a few ingredients.
Start by cutting chicken into chunks. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for the marinade. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for about 30 minutes.
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill them for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush on extra sauce while cooking for more flavor.
Serve your skewers with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
They’re perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a fun backyard cookout.
35. Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas
Spinach and mushroom quesadillas make a tasty dinner for two. You’ll need flour tortillas, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.
Start by cooking sliced mushrooms until soft. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
Spread the mixture on half of each tortilla.
Top with shredded cheese like cheddar or brie. Fold the tortillas in half.
Cook in a skillet or on a griddle until golden and crispy.
Slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve with guacamole and sour cream on the side for dipping.
This quick meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
36. Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is a tasty and easy dinner for two. You’ll love the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
To make it, coat chicken pieces in flour and spices. Then cook them until golden brown.
For the sauce, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Pour this over the chicken and let it simmer.
The result is juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve it with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer.
37. Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are a tasty Mexican dinner option perfect for two people. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by cooking ground beef with taco seasoning. Then roll the seasoned beef in tortillas with cheese. Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle on more cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly.
Serve your enchiladas with toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
This meal is filling and flavorful without making too many leftovers.
38. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Roasted red pepper pasta is a quick and tasty dinner option for two. You can make it in about 15 minutes using simple ingredients.
The sauce is the star of this dish. Blend roasted red peppers from a jar with pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar or lemon juice. This creates a smooth, flavorful base.
Cook your favorite pasta while preparing the sauce. Rigatoni or penne work well, but any shape will do.
Mix the cooked pasta with the red pepper sauce. Add some cream for richness if you like. Sprinkle with grated cheese like Pecorino Romano or Parmesan before serving.
This meal is easy to customize. Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Fresh basil on top adds a nice touch too.
39. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Stuffed cabbage rolls make a cozy dinner for two. You’ll need cabbage leaves, ground beef, rice, and onions for the filling.
Mix the beef, cooked rice, and diced onions. Add an egg to bind it together. Boil the cabbage leaves to soften them.
Place some filling on each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Put the rolls in a baking dish.
Pour tomato sauce over the rolls. Some recipes add a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness. Cover and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes.
Serve hot with extra sauce on top. These rolls are filling and flavorful, perfect for a special meal at home.
40. Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
You’ll love this easy and tasty salad for two. Roast sweet potato cubes in the oven until tender. Cook green or brown lentils until soft.
Mix the sweet potatoes and lentils in a bowl. Add chopped fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Toss with a zesty mustard dressing.
This salad is great warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. You can make extra and enjoy leftovers for a few days.
The combo of sweet potatoes and lentils gives you lots of fiber and nutrients. It’s filling and good for you too.
41. Greek Chicken Gyros
Greek chicken gyros make a tasty dinner for two. Start by marinating chicken in lemon juice, oil, garlic, and oregano. This gives the meat a zesty flavor.
Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Sear it for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked through.
Serve the chicken in warm pita bread. Add tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, and onions for extra flavor. You can also include fries as a side dish.
This meal is quick to make but packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for a casual date night at home.
Benefits of Cooking Dinner for Two
Cooking dinner for two can be a rewarding experience. It brings people closer and helps cut down on waste in the kitchen.
Enhancing Relationships
Preparing meals together strengthens bonds. You get to spend quality time talking and working as a team.
Cooking lets you be creative and try new things side by side. It’s a chance to unplug from technology and focus on each other.
You can chat about your day while chopping veggies or stirring a sauce. Sharing a homemade meal feels special. It shows you care enough to put in effort for the other person.
The act of cooking and eating together can spark deeper conversations.
Reducing Food Waste
Cooking for two helps you use ingredients more efficiently. You can buy smaller amounts and use them up before they go bad. This saves money and cuts down on wasted food.
Leftovers are easier to manage with smaller portions. You’re less likely to throw out extra food.
If you do have leftovers, they’re perfect for lunch the next day.
Many recipes can be easily halved for two people. This means less food sitting in the fridge uneaten. You can also freeze extra portions for quick meals later on.
Tips for Preparing Easy Dinners
Making easy dinners for two can be simple with the right approach. These tips will help you save time and choose ingredients wisely.
Time Management in the Kitchen
Plan your meals ahead of time. This lets you shop for ingredients and prep some items in advance.
Use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to make meals while you’re busy with other tasks.
Cook extra portions of proteins or grains. You can use the leftovers in different meals later in the week. This saves time on busy nights.
Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end. Keep a trash bowl nearby while prepping ingredients. Wash dishes or load the dishwasher during cooking downtime.
Choosing Versatile Ingredients
Pick ingredients that work in many dishes.
Chicken, eggs, and ground beef are protein options that fit lots of recipes.
Keep pasta, rice, and potatoes on hand as easy side dishes.
Stock your pantry with canned beans, tomatoes, and broths.
These add flavor and substance to meals quickly.
Frozen veggies are great for quick side dishes or adding to soups and stir-fries.
Buy pre-cut veggies or meats to save prep time.
Look for seasoning blends to add flavor without buying lots of separate spices.
Keep lemons, garlic, and onions around to boost flavors in many dishes.