Cooking for two doesn’t have to be a challenge. These six nutritionist-approved recipes are designed for two servings, perfect for you and your dining partner. Not only are they quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes, but they also deliver restaurant-quality flavor and presentation without the hefty price tag, calories, or time commitment.
Recipe for Two #1: Curry Chickpea–Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
This meatless dish is a hearty and comforting option. Packed with flavors from sweet potatoes, spinach, chickpeas, and Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
2 sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (16 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 bag (5 ounces) baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, cilantro
2 lime wedges
Instructions:
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Roast or microwave sweet potatoes until tender.
Make Chickpea Filling: Sauté chickpeas with curry powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Assemble: Fill sweet potatoes with chickpea-spinach mixture. Top with desired toppings and serve with lime wedges.
Recipe for Two #2: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
This easy-to-make recipe yields two servings and fits perfectly on a sheet pan without overcrowding. It's a delicious and hassle-free option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 medium bell peppers, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon each onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt
Black pepper and red pepper flakes to taste
4 small whole wheat tortillas
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce
Instructions:
Prepare Fajita Mixture: Toss chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, and spices on a sheet pan.
Bake: Spread mixture on a lined sheet pan and bake until chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Heat tortillas and serve with fajita mixture and desired toppings.
Recipe for Two #3: One-Skillet Not-So-Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables cooked in one skillet for easy cleanup. A satisfying dish without the fuss of traditional stuffed peppers.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon oil
½ yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
½ pound lean ground beef
⅓ cup uncooked rice
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1 cup canned pinto beans
½ cup chicken broth
Spices: paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
Optional toppings: jalapeno slices, avocado, cheese, tomatoes
Instructions:
Sauté: Cook onion, garlic, bell pepper, and beef in a skillet.
Add Ingredients: Stir in rice, tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices.
Simmer: Cover and simmer until rice is cooked and flavors melded.
Serve: Top with optional toppings as desired.
Recipe for Two #4: Teriyaki Tofu Sheet Pan Dinner
A simple and delicious dinner featuring tofu and vegetables baked with teriyaki sauce. Quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
1 package (14 ounces) firm tofu, cut into pieces
1 small head broccoli, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1½ cups thinly sliced purple cabbage
2 teaspoons olive oil
⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
Optional toppings: green onion, sesame seeds, cilantro
Instructions:
Bake Tofu and Vegetables: Spread tofu and vegetables on a sheet pan, drizzle with oil, and bake.
Add Teriyaki Sauce: Drizzle with teriyaki sauce and bake until heated through.
Serve: Top with optional toppings and enjoy.
Recipe for Two #5: Halibut en Papillote with Cherry Tomatoes, Capers, and Garlic
A French-inspired dish where fish is steamed with vegetables in parchment paper, resulting in tender and flavorful fish.
Ingredients:
2 fresh Alaskan halibut fillets
Salt, pepper
Cherry tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, capers, balsamic vinegar
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Season Fish: Season halibut with salt and pepper.
Prepare Vegetable Mixture: Mix tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, capers, vinegar, and pepper.
Wrap and Bake: Wrap fish and vegetables in parchment paper and bake until done.
Serve: Garnish with basil and lemon wedges.
Recipe for Two #6: Curried Broccoli and Chickpea Sauté
A quick stovetop meal featuring broccoli and chickpeas in a flavorful curry sauce. Perfect for a meatless dinner option.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium head broccoli, chopped
1 can (16 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
½ medium onion, grated
Dry white wine or broth
Curry powder, liquid amino acids, lemon zest
Optional topping: sliced almonds
Instructions:
Sauté: Cook broccoli, chickpeas, and onion in oil.
Add Flavors: Add wine or broth, curry powder, amino acids, lemon zest, and simmer.
Serve: Top with sliced almonds if desired.
Cooking dinner for two can be a delightful experience with these easy and flavorful recipes. From stuffed sweet potatoes to teriyaki tofu, there’s something for every palate. Impress your dining partner with these restaurant-quality meals that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes!
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