15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers

15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers

      There's nothing worse than preparing a complicated dinner only to end up with enough leftovers to fill your entire refrigerator. While it can be nice to have lunch ready for the next day, after several days of the same meal to avoid waste, it becomes tiresome. Personally, I need variety in my meals; otherwise, I start dreading dinner and often resort to impulsively ordering takeout. The best solution is to cook only what you will actually eat, preventing an overload of leftovers. However, finding dinner recipes intended for two people isn't as straightforward as it appears. It seems every recipe is designed to serve a large crowd rather than just a couple. So, whether you're cooking just for yourself and a partner, a roommate, or another loved one, I've gathered 15 easy dinner recipes for two that are perfectly sized for sharing.

      1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

      Source: The Cookie Rookie

      This simple recipe takes only 35 minutes and requires just one pan, streamlining your dinner preparation. The chicken is coated in Greek yogurt and fajita seasoning before baking, ensuring it comes out tender and flavorful. Once the chicken and veggies are cooked, load up your tortillas and enjoy!

      2. Chili Garlic Noodles

      Source: Everyday Elizabeth

      This Asian-inspired noodle dish is quick to make on busy weeknights. Ready in just over 20 minutes, it’s a tasty way to use leftover veggies from your fridge, and it’s perfectly portioned for two servings.

      3. Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad

      Source: Jar of Lemons

      This sun-dried tomato and arugula lentil salad is a favorite of mine when the weather warms up. With protein-rich lentils, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and a zesty turmeric ginger dressing, it’s a flavorful and filling option.

      4. Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups

      Source: Foodie Crush

      This lasagna roll-up recipe creates a smaller batch, letting you enjoy the comforting taste of lasagna without needing freezer space for extras. They’re cheesy, delicious, and perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal.

      5. Salmon Taco Bowls

      Source: Ambitious Kitchen

      I first discovered salmon bowls on Emily Mariko’s TikTok page years ago, and since then, I've tried many variations, with this one being a standout. It features taco-seasoned salmon, flavorful sofrito rice, and a blend of fresh toppings that bring everything together.

      6. Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Vegetables

      Source: How Sweet Eats

      This recipe makes cooking effortless by using shelf-stable gnocchi that doesn't require pre-cooking. Just toss the gnocchi with veggies on a sheet pan, bake, and you’re finished – easy, tasty, and minimal mess.

      7. Sausage and Peppers

      Source: Well Plated

      Sheet pan sausage and peppers is a true weeknight dinner hero—simple, healthy, and adaptable. This recipe allows you to adjust the serving size to fit your needs (just click on the number of servings and move the slider as needed), and any leftovers can easily be transformed into new meals. Enjoy it over rice or pasta, or in a toasted bun for a delicious sandwich.

      8. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

      Source: Cooking Classy

      Chicken lettuce wraps are a regular takeout choice for me, but now that I've learned how easy they are to make at home, I've paused my DoorDash orders. They work well as either an appetizer or main dish, and while the standard recipe serves four, it can be easily adjusted for two.

      9. Ginger Bone Broth Noodle Bowl

      Source: Rachel Mansfield

      I love a cozy soup year-round, but if spring allergies are bothering you, this recipe is a great remedy. Filled with nutrients from the vegetables and bone broth, it's both soothing and incredibly flavorful.

      10. Green Goddess Bowls

      Source: Well Plated

      These green goddess bowls are so satisfying that even with adjusted servings, you might find yourself wanting more. The dressing is truly divine, and I make these bowls repeatedly for a fresh and wholesome meal.

      11. Peanut Chicken Stir Fry

      Source: A Saucy Kitchen

      Although this peanut chicken stir fry recipe technically serves four, as a stir fry lover, I can assure you it's easy to consume more than one serving. You can enjoy it on its own to clear out any leftovers right away or serve it with rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

      12. Spicy Maple Glazed Salmon

      Source: Ambitious Kitchen

      This spicy maple glazed salmon is quick to prepare, taking only 20 minutes with a few ingredients. It’s versatile enough to be served in a bowl, on a salad, or alongside rice for a complete dish.

      13. Strawberry and Mango Salsa Chicken

      Source: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

      The vibrant, fresh flavors of this dish will have you longing for warmer weather. The lean chicken breasts paired with

15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers 15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers

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15 Simple Dinner Recipes for Two to Try if You Don't Like Leftovers

If you're preparing a meal for yourself and someone else, I've compiled 15 simple dinner recipes for two that are just the right size for sharing.