A hearty, homemade dinner doesn’t have to require hours of cooking and a long list of ingredients. When you’re looking for a quick and easy flavorful meal for two, these recipes will satisfy without a lot of fuss.
Pasta is always a good option for a simple dinner. Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, parmesan cheese, fresh basil and halved cherry tomatoes. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. A lemony vinaigrette dresses up this light and summery dish.
Fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time. Slice chicken breasts and bell peppers and cook them in chili-lime marinade. Warm tortillas, set out the toppings and let everyone assemble their own fajitas.
Sheet pan meals are ideal for fast, flavorful dinners. Place chicken thighs, quartered potatoes, broccoli florets and lemon slices on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400 F until the chicken is cooked through.
For breakfast for dinner, make omelets or scramble a few eggs. Fill them with cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Serve with toast to soak up the flavorful eggs.
Pan-seared pork chops are a comforting choice for a quick meal. Season the chops with salt and pepper, then sear them in olive oil about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable like asparagus.
Quesadillas take just minutes to prepare and are endlessly adaptable. Fill large flour tortillas with a mixture of cheese, black beans, corn and spices. Cook the quesadillas in a hot skillet with some oil until the cheese is melted. Serve with salsa, guacamole, cilantro and lime wedges.
For a lighter option, make a grain bowl with farro or brown rice, sautéed or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, a fried or poached egg and a flavorful sauce like chili garlic or sesame vinaigrette. Toss everything together for a healthy, balanced meal.
Pan-seared fish fillets pair well with a fresh lemon butter sauce. Sear the fish in oil for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Make a quick lemon butter sauce with butter, lemon juice, capers and parsley. Pour the sauce over the fish and serve with rice and asparagus.
