Easy Dinner Recipes for Two

Why You’re About to Fall in Love With Cooking Again

Let’s be real—cooking for two shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. You want something delicious, fast, and with minimal cleanup. No Michelin-star skills required.

These recipes are the cheat code to impressing your partner (or yourself, no judgment) without spending hours in the kitchen. Who knew adulthood could be this easy?

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This isn’t just another “dump and stir” meal. It’s flavor-packed, quick to make, and uses ingredients you probably already have.

Plus, it’s scalable—so if you suddenly decide to eat like a hungry teenager, no problem. The best part? You’ll spend less time cooking than you would waiting for delivery.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you’re feeling rebellious)
1 tbsp olive oil (the fancy stuff, not the dust-covered bottle in the back)
1 tsp garlic powder (because fresh garlic is for overachievers)
1 tsp paprika (for that “I know what I’m doing” vibe)
Salt and pepper (to taste, or just shake aggressively until the universe approves)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, unless you enjoy tomato explosions)
1/2 cup mozzarella pearls (or shredded if you’re in a hurry)
Fresh basil (for garnish, or just eat it straight—we won’t tell)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your pan over medium heat.
Add olive oil. If it sizzles when you flick water at it, you’re golden.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub it in like you’re giving it a mini massage.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side.
Cut into it to check—no pink means you’re winning.
Add tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. They should soften but not turn into mush.
Sprinkle mozzarella over everything. Cover the pan for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Congrats, you’ve achieved gooey perfection.
Garnish with basil and serve immediately. Bonus points if you plate it like you’re on Instagram.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a pan—just don’t nuke it into rubber.

FYI, the cheese won’t look as pretty, but it’ll still taste amazing.

Benefits of This Recipe

This dish is high in protein, low in carbs (if that’s your thing), and packed with flavor. It’s also a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash. IMO, that’s the real victory here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken.
Dry chicken is a crime. Use a meat thermometer if you’re paranoid—165°F is the magic number.
Adding cheese too early. Wait until the end, or you’ll end up with a cheesy mess (which, okay, isn’t the worst thing).
Skipping the garnish.
Fresh basil makes it look fancy. Without it, it’s just chicken and cheese—still good, but not chef’s kiss.

Alternatives

Not feeling chicken? Swap it for shrimp (cook for 2–3 minutes per side) or tofu (press it first, or it’ll taste like a sponge).

Hate tomatoes? Use roasted red peppers. Cheese averse? …Are you okay?

FAQ

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Sure, but it’s like replacing a high-five with a handshake—technically fine, but way less exciting.

Use 1/3 the amount if substituting dried.

What sides go well with this?

Keep it simple: arugula salad, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes. Or eat it straight from the pan. We support life choices.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes, but store components separately and assemble before eating.

Reheated mozzarella gets weirdly rubbery, and nobody wants that.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yep. Unless you’re eating it with a side of garlic bread (which, honestly, you should).

Final Thoughts

This recipe proves that dinner for two doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof—even if your cooking skills peak at microwaving leftovers.

So grab a pan, channel your inner Gordon Ramsay (minus the yelling), and enjoy. You’ve earned this.