These easy date night dinner ideas for two are perfect for a cozy night in. Simple recipes that feel special and can be scaled down or enjoyed as leftovers.
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Date night at home can be just as special as going out, especially when dinner is simple and stress free. With four kids, finding time for a long night out is not always easy, which is why Deric and I love planning cozy date nights at home with an easy, home cooked meal.
Many of these date night dinner ideas serve more than two, but they work perfectly for a night in because they are easy to scale down or make once and enjoy as leftovers the next day. Each recipe feels a little special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Cooking for Two Without the Guesswork
- Scale down my recipes using the serving slider in the recipe card (see photo below).
- Make the full recipe and have an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
- Many recipes are easy to halve when the ingredients are straightforward.
- Check storage information and freeze leftovers for another cozy night in.
Easy Dinner Ideas for Two
Chicken Piccata Recipe
Chicken piccata made with bright lemon, briny capers, and a silky pan sauce make every bite feel elegant, yet the technique is easy and forgiving. Because it’s so straightforward, this recipe halves beautifully, just cook two cutlets, and save the rest for another meal.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
This chicken Alfredo lasagna is creamy, comforting, and easy to make with rotisserie chicken and a rich white sauce. Baked in an 8×8 dish, it’s perfect for two with just enough leftover for lunch the next day.
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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French Onion Soup Recipe
Rich, savory broth, caramelized onions, and melty cheese make French onion soup a cozy starter for a special date night at home. Serve it as a recipe for two by topping just two bowls with bread and cheese, then save the remaining soup and bread pieces for lunch the next day.
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi is easy to halve with simple ingredients but so flavorful. Juicy shrimp cooked in garlic, lemon, and butter make every bite feel special, and it’s delicious served over linguine. Perfect for a date night dinner for two with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
End date night with dessert! This chocolate lava cake is rich, gooey, and indulgent. It's easy to scale to two servings. It’s the perfect sweet finish to a cozy dinner at home.
Total Time: 27 minutes
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How to Cook Steak in the Oven
This oven-cooked steak is simple, satisfying, and easy to make just one steak for two. Seasoned and roasted to your liking, it’s a hands-off way to get a juicy, flavorful steak on the table. Serve it with your favorite sides for a cozy date night dinner without the fuss.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Baked Chicken Parmesan
This baked chicken Parmesan is classic comfort food with a crispy, cheesy top and juicy chicken underneath. Halving the recipe still gives you plenty to enjoy tonight and leftovers for the next day, making it great for an easy date night dinner with a little extra for lunch later.
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Easy Chocolate Mousse
Make the whole chocolate mousse recipe but serve just two for date night. It is rich, silky, and elegant, and having extra in the fridge is a bonus for a sweet treat later.
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
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Steak Salad Recipe
This hearty steak salad is packed with fresh greens, bold flavor, and tender strips of steak. For ease, cook the steak in the oven first and slice it over the salad for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a light yet satisfying option that’s easy to scale for two.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Lemon Butter Baked Salmon
Perfectly baked lemon butter salmon is tender, flaky, and full of flavor. Simply cut the recipe in half for the perfect two servings, making it an easy and elegant option for date night at home.
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Marry Me Chicken
What’s better for date night than this creamy, dreamy marry me chicken? It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to halve, so you can make just enough for two without leftovers you don’t need. Serve it with pasta or crusty bread for an effortless, indulgent dinner at home.
Total Time: 1 hour
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Mini Cheesecakes with Vanilla Wafers
These mini cheesecakes are easy and scalable, and they can be topped in many ways to suit your taste. Perfect for date night or dessert anytime, they’re simple to make and fun to customize with your favorite toppings.
Total Time: 1 hour
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