Quick & Easy Two-Serving Meals for Busy Married Couples

Cooking for two can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it doesn’t always have to be complicated. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or something cozy to enjoy together on the weekend, these easy two-serving meals are perfect for busy married couples. No need for leftovers or complicated recipes—just simple, delicious dishes that you can whip up in no time! 

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta 

This creamy, flavorful pasta dish is packed with garlic butter shrimp and just the right amount of seasoning. Perfect for a quick date night dinner or a cozy evening in. 

Ingredients: 

• 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta 

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 

• 4 tbsp butter 

• 3 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1/2 cup heavy cream 

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

• Fresh parsley for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain and set aside. 

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. 

3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes per side. 

4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. 

5. Add the cooked pasta, parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. 

2. Chicken Caprese Skillet 

A fresh take on the classic Caprese salad, but with chicken! This dish is light, flavorful, and quick to prepare. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

• 1 tbsp olive oil 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 

• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced 

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. 

3. Once the chicken is done, add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. 

4. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and tomatoes, then top with slices of fresh mozzarella. 

5. Let the mozzarella melt slightly, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. 

6. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad. 

3. Beef Stir-Fry with Veggies 

A colorful stir-fry is an easy and healthy dinner option that you can customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced 

• 1 tbsp soy sauce 

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce 

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 

• 1 tbsp sesame oil 

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 

• 1 cup broccoli florets 

• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 

• 2 cloves garlic, minced 

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated 

• Cooked rice for serving 

Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. 

2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. 

3. In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, broccoli, and onion. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. 

4. Add the beef back into the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 

5. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and enjoy! 

4. Mini Chicken Parmesan 

If you love Italian food but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen, this mini chicken parmesan recipe is perfect for you. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan 

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano 

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder 

• 1 egg, beaten 

• 1 cup marinara sauce 

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded 

• Olive oil for frying 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 

2. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. 

3. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. 

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. 

5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. 

6. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

7. Serve with a side of pasta or garlic bread for a complete meal. 

5. Vegetarian Tacos 

These veggie-packed tacos are a healthy and tasty option for those who prefer a plant-based meal. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 

• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) 

• 1 avocado, diced 

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 

• 1 tbsp lime juice 

• 4 small flour tortillas 

• Salsa or hot sauce for topping 

Instructions: 

1. In a skillet, heat the black beans and corn over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. 

2. In a small bowl, toss the diced avocado with lime juice and chopped cilantro. 

3. Warm the tortillas in the skillet for 1 minute on each side. 

4. Assemble the tacos by layering the black beans, corn, avocado mixture, and red onion on each tortilla. 

5. Top with salsa or hot sauce, and serve with a side of chips or a simple salad. 

Cooking meals for two doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy a variety of delicious, healthy meals that are perfect for a busy couple. Whether you’re craving seafood, chicken, or something vegetarian, these recipes have you covered for a fun and easy date night dinner or a quick weeknight meal at home.