Are you a small-scale cook? Here's a roundup of easy, delicious recipes for two that won't leave you stuck with leftovers.
36 Delicious Recipes for Two
Seasoned Tilapia Fillets
If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you’re likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
Sometimes cooking for just two people can be trickier than cooking for a crowd. We have a bunch of dinner ideas for two that are easier than you think.
1/35
2/35
Pork Chops ‘n’ Pierogi
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 730 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 1207mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.
3/35
Chicken Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 369 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
4/35
Walnut and Oat-Crusted Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I think this recipe gives you the most omega-3 fatty acid bang for your buck! —Cristen Dutcher, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 484 calories, 37g fat (6g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
5/35
Goat Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spinach-stuffed chicken breast recipe is special to me because it has so much flavor, yet not too many calories. I love Italian food, but most of the time it is too heavy. This is a healthy twist on an Italian dish! —Nicole Stevens, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast: 347 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 7 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/35
Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet, spicy chops can be thrown together in minutes, but they definitely don't taste like it. Serve them with a side of jasmine rice and you'll feel as if you're on a tropical vacation. —Allison Ulrich, Frisco, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 470 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1190mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
7/35
Classic Crab Boil
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dig in to Dungeness crab boiled in a special mix of spices. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 crab: 245 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 956mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 50g protein.
8/35
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
9/35
Taco Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 415 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
10/35
Ground Beef Wellington
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Trying new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s also the most gratifying. What could beat the smiles and compliments of the ones you love? This recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet fancy enough to serve for special occasions. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 578 calories, 37g fat (16g saturated fat), 207mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
11/35
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
12/35
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
13/35
Spinach & Gouda Stuffed Pork Cutlets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This started as a restaurant copycat dish at home. Cheese just oozes out of the center, and mustard lends a lot of flavor. —Joan Oakland, Troy, Montanta
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed cutlet: 299 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
14/35
Chicken Cacciatore
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 517 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
15/35
Naked Fish Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's all-time favorite meals. I've even converted some friends to fish after they've eaten this. I serve the dish with fresh melon when it's in season to balance the subtle heat of the cabbage mixture. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 fat, 1 vegetable.
16/35
Maple Pork Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A luscious maple-mustard sauce will take your next plate of ribs to a new level. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 428 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 272mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
17/35
Stuffed Peppers for Two
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband likes stuffed peppers, but my original recipe made too many servings. I cut it down to accommodate just the two of us. It helps to use a small casserole dish so the peppers won’t tip over while they bake. For color, I serve steamed carrots to round out the meal perfectly. —Elaine Carpenter, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 405 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 1277mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
18/35
Sheet-Pan Tilapia and Vegetable Medley
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Unlike some one-pan dinners that require precooking in a skillet or pot, this one uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 555 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 41g protein.
19/35
Beef Orange Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with 1/2 cup rice: 390 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/35
Chicken Creole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like food that has a little zip to it, and this Creole chicken recipe hits the spot every time. It’s especially good served over rice. —Dolly Hall, Wheelwright, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 265 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
21/35
Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 279 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
22/35
Maple Sausage Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 472 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
23/35
Homemade Fish Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 278 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
24/35
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
25/35
Apricot-Orange Salsa Chicken
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet oranges and apricots blend perfectly with zippy salsa in this five-ingredient entree. Keep the heat to your liking with mild, medium or hot salsa. Served over rice, it's a dinner we've enjoyed time and again. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup rice: 427 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
26/35
Southwest Tortilla-Turkey Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to cut back on red meat, but my husband thinks ground turkey can be dry. I think the taco seasoning and jalapeno juice in this recipe give the turkey added flavor and moistness, and he agrees! —Lindsay Ludden, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 496 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1502mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
27/35
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken roll-up with 2 tablespoons sauce: 253 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
28/35
Couscous & Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have a tiny apartment, zero counter space and only two people to feed, hefty meals are out. This acorn squash with couscous is just the right size. —Jessica Levinson, Nyack, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 521 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 979mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein.
29/35
Pork Chops with Mushroom Bourbon Sauce
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The golden crusted pork chops are accompanied with a rich mushroom sauce. This scrumptious entree is loved by my family and makes a terrific company dish. This is wonderful served with mashed potatoes. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup sauce: 646 calories, 42g fat (16g saturated fat), 202mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
30/35
Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My go-to meal after an evening run is this satisfying turkey wrap with jicama, a potato-like root veggie used in Mexican cooking. —Christie Arp, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3 wraps: 212 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
31/35
Lemon Basil Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came up with this easy foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 274 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
32/35
Chicken Reuben Roll-Ups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Nebraska-native husband loves Reuben sandwiches and anything with chicken, so I combined his two favorites in a fun roll-up. —Ashli Kottwitz, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up (calculated without additional dressing): 326 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
33/35
Turkey Saltimbocca
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I kept prosciutto and sage in this Italian classic, but instead of veal I added turkey. This saltimbocca is so divine, you won't believe how quick and easy it is. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 300 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
34/35
Pork Chops with Rhubarb
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A surprising rhubarb sauce makes these tender chops extra special. I like this fruity sauce on the tangy side, but you can always add more honey to sweeten it up a bit if it’s too puckery for your family. —Bonnie Bufford, Nicholson, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 30g fat (14g saturated fat), 142mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
35/35
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It’s real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 428 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
