better homes and gardens cooking for two recipes

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Whether you're looking for a healthy weeknight dinner for two or planning a special meal for two, our yummy recipe ideas will help you get dinner on the table and save you from an overload of leftovers. With appetizers, salads, lunch, dinner, and dessert ideas, this collection features plenty of recipes to make cooking for two easy, healthy, and enjoyable. Dig in!

Chicken Pot Pie for Two

Credit: Blaine Moats

At just over 350 calories and nearly 30 grams protein, this yummy dinner for two is not only hearty and cozy, but healthy, too! A generous portion of veggies, chicken breast, and a whole-wheat crust transform this individually-portioned pot pie into quite the good-for-you one-dish dinner.

Scallop and Asparagus Alfredo

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This dinner recipe is a great example of a healthy pasta dinner for two. Not only is it a lighter (and still creamy) take on Alfredo, but the dish has a sophisticated addition thanks to protein-packed scallops and crisp-tender asparagus.

Risotto with Chicken and Spring Peas

Credit: Books Wiley

Infuse comforting and naturally creamy risotto with a healthy punch via veggies and lean protein for a healthy, yummy dinner for two. Even better, this two-person dinner comes together in 30 minutes or less.

Southern Style "Fried" Catfish and Green Beans

Credit: Greg DuPree

If you like Southern food, this healthy dinner idea for two is for you. It delivers all of the yummy Southern-inspired flavor you'd expect but gets a healthy twist thanks to the air fryer. Although this meal is light on calories, it will keep you feeling full thanks to a healthy punch of protein and fiber.

Buy It: Ninja Air Fryer ($69, Walmart)

Rosemary-Grapefruit Gin Cocktail

Credit: Blaine Moats

This cocktail recipe for two is beautiful to look at and refreshing to drink. Pair this with your next celebratory meal for an extra special home-cooked meal for two. A homemade herb simple syrup and a sprig of fresh rosemary lend a grown-up, garden-fresh spin to this healthier take on gin and juice.

Greek Feta Burgers

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This delicious, healthy burger dinner recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes total (even less time is spent actively cooking). Both the core ingredient choices, plus the add-ins, keep this recipe lower in calories and brimming with healthy-for-you protein, potassium, and key vitamins.

Italian Turkey Salad

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Loads of veggies (hello, leafy greens, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes) and lean turkey come together for a yummy nutrient-rich dinner for two that's also low in calories and carbs. Add a slice or two of crusty whole wheat bread to round out this healthy dinner and bump up the healthy carbs.

Crispy Almond Fish with Potato Crisps

Credit: Blaine Moats

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, this healthier dinner for two mimics the traditional fish and chips, yet with far fewer calories. Less grease too: To get the potato slices nice and crispy, only a spritz of cooking spray is needed.

Related: Quick and Easy Seafood Recipes Just as Good as Your Restaurant Faves

Salmon Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

Credit: Jason Donnelly

The DIY strawberry vinaigrette definitely contributes to this healthy recipe's five-star rating. We also love how it's bright, slightly sweet, and lower in added sugars than most of what you'd find on store shelves.

Mediterranean Tabbouleh Salad with Chicken

Credit: Books Wiley

Mediterranean eating has become synonymous with healthy, and this recipe delivers on that. Streamline this healthy dinner for two even more by soaking the bulgur in water for half an hour instead of cooking it like you would pasta or rice.

Related: More Healthy Mediterranean Diet Dinner Recipes

Apple Creme Brûlées

Apple Crème Brulees

Credit: Kritsada Panichgul

Instead of fussing with a brûlée torch or broiling, try drizzling crème brûlée with a caramelized sugar topping. These yogurt-based custards can be made a day in advance, leaving you plenty of time to focus on the entrée (and your dining companion).

Grilled Flank Steak Salad

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Fire up the grill, because that's pretty much the only tool you need for this filling salad dinner for two. Chock-full of brightly-colored veggies and dressed with an herb-rich dressing, this healthy dinner salad is brimming with good-for-you nutrients.

Soba Noodles with Chicken and Spring Vegetables

Soba Noodles with Spring Vegetables

Credit: Blaine Moats

Skip takeout and make this cozy noodle bowl for two at home. Packed with fresh flavor and crunchy, bright vegetables, it's far healthier than your typical restaurant noodle bowl, clocking in under 400 calories and delivering a healthy dose of fiber.

Avocado and Tomatillo Sandwiches with Pesto

Credit: Blaine Moats

This healthy recipe for two pulls double duty: Serve it as a lunch or dinner, at home or on-the-go. These delicious vegetarian sandwiches get loads of flavor from home-pickled onions and an herb pesto.

Related: Quick and Easy Vegetarian Dinners to Try Tonight

Tiramisu Bites

Credit: Blaine Moats

We give this classic Italian dessert a delicious twist that can be made in less than 15 minutes. Better yet, it clocks in at under 200 calories and just over one carbohydrate per serving. Step up this healthy treat for two with fresh raspberries and white chocolate curls for a bakery-worthy presentation.

Avocado Egg Bake

avocado egg bake

Credit: Hannah Bigot

Four ingredients, low-calorie, and low-carb, this easy dinner for two is oh-so-healthy, too. Pull this healthy recipe together for you and your plus one in under 30 minutes. It also doubles as a light yet satisfying breakfast or brunch.

Ham and Spinach Two-Cheese Pasta

Ham Spinach Two-Cheese Pasta

Credit: Blaine Moats

This dinner idea for two is straight-up cute. Served in individual ramekins, it not only is adorable, but also delivers built-in portion control for a healthy cheesy pasta dinner for you and a plus one. Hearty ham and spinach meet cheesy pasta infused with tangy mustard, and featuring a bubbly golden Parmesan topping—yum!

Buy It: BIA 10-Ounce Ramekin ($4, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Golden Squash Bisque

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This healthy, hearty squash soup is bursting with bright, savory flavor. It's also packed with fiber and offers a healthy dose of protein. To streamline the recipe and keep hands-on time quick, use precooked squash. Serve alongside whole grain crackers for dunking—it's a healthy, easy side for two.

Related: Butternut Squash Recipes You'll Want to Make All Season

Slow-Cooked Beef and Vegetables for Two

Slow-Cooked Beef Vegetables Two

Credit: Scott Little

If you think you can't make dinner for two in a slow cooker, guess again. You just need to use a smaller slow cooker. Better yet, this one is a healthy dinner and an Irish classic. This low-calorie version of beef pot roast simmers in the slow cooker alongside carrots and cabbage for the ultimate simple healthy dinner for two.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 2-Quart Slow Cooker ($20, Target)

Cheesy Panini with White Fish and Apple-Carrot Slaw

Cheesy Tilapia Panini with Apple-Carrot Slaw

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This cheesy panini is both low in calories and protein-packed. It also comes together in 20 minutes, which is pretty ideal when you're cooking for two. Whatever you do, don't skip the slaw: It's bright and punchy and a delicious crisp pairing for an ooey-gooey panini.

Chicken Chili

Credit: Andy Lyons

Talk about a healthy dinner for two. Loaded with chicken, beans, and veggies, this chili packs an amazing 11 grams of fiber and a whopping 40 grams of protein! It also clocks in at under 300 calories, for those counting their calories.

Sweet and Fiery Polenta Fries

Credit: Erik Rank

This healthy, low-calorie side dish for two calls for purchased polenta to streamline prep and keep the recipe easy and quick. That said, thanks to a combo of salt, cumin, sugar, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, this healthy side dish for two delivers immense flavor.

Mocha Cream Shake

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Some of the simplest desserts start in a blender, and this yummy recipe for two fills the bill. Vanilla frozen yogurt, chocolate syrup, and a strong splash of coffee create the ultimate grown-up shake. Take this dessert recipe for two to the next level and sprinkle on a few shavings of grated dark chocolate for a tasty and pretty garnish.

Buy It: Oster Blender ($40, Target)

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