60 Best Dinner Ideas for Two That Are Perfect for Date Night
Celebrate Valentine's Day at home with one of these dishes.
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After years of cooking up big-batch family meals, Ree and Ladd Drummond are embracing a new chapter as empty nesters (and proud grandparents!). And while that might take some getting used to, it also means more time to enjoy cozy dinners for two. Ree has no shortage of ideas for at-home date nights, whether it's a regular weeknight or a special occasion. (Having spent almost 30 years with her favorite cowboy, Ree knows a thing or two about planning the perfect Valentine's Day dinner!)
If you and your partner love a good steak dinner, you'll love Ree and Ladd's favorite date night dinner menu. From bacon-wrapped filets with cowboy butter to classic ribeye with a side of crispy potatoes, there's no better way to make dinner for two feel extra special. Looking for something different? Try the buttery chicken stroganoff, homemade crab cakes, or quick air-fryer salmon that comes together in just ten minutes.
All the recipes on this list are either perfectly portioned, easily halved, or make excellent leftovers for the next day, so you won't find yourself with too many helpings for just the two of you. Then, of course, to make your night complete, we've also made sure to include a few easy sides and small-batch desserts, like adorable mug cakes, that are perfect for serving with two spoons. The best part of all: You won't have to worry about cleanup.
Chicken Stroganoff
This is a twist on the utterly delicious beef stroganoff recipe Ree has made for years. While that recipe has sirloin steak, this version calls for chicken thighs—and it does not disappoint.
Get Ree's Chicken Stroganoff recipe.
Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad
These crispy, golden crab cakes are packed with lump crabmeat and just the right amount of Old Bay seasoning. Serve 'em alongside a bright arugula salad with parmesan for a dish that's light yet satisfying—perfect for a date night!
Get Ree's Crab Cakes with Arugula Salad recipe.
Cracker-Crusted Cod with Green Beans
Tender cod fillets are topped with a buttery cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. Pair them with garlicky green beans and a squeeze of lemon, and prepare to impress your dinner date!
Get Ree's Cracker-Crusted Cod with Green Beans recipe.
Instant Pot French Onion Soup
Say hello to your new favorite soup recipe! It's everything you love about classic French onion soup, made even easier in an Instant Pot.
Get the Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe.
White Lasagna
Ree loves lasagna in all its forms, but this white lasagna is one of her favorites. It's packed with layers of pasta, ricotta, parmesan, and shredded mozzarella, plus a creamy béchamel sauce. Finish it off with pesto and artichoke hearts—chef's kiss!
Get Ree's White Lasagna recipe.
Steak with Onion Cream Sauce
This steak recipe is one of Ree's favorite special occasion meals. The steaks are seared in a skillet, finished in the oven, and topped with a rich, creamy sauce made right in the same pan.
Get Ree's Steak with Onion Cream Sauce recipe.
Kale Caesar Salad with Steak
Steak and caesar salad are the perfect marriage, if there ever was one. Toss in some homemade parmesan croutons and you've got yourself an irresistible dinner for two!
Get Ree's Kale Caesar Salad with Steak recipe.
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
This one-pot French onion pasta turns the classic soup into a rich, cheesy comfort meal. Caramelized onions, melty cream cheese, and garlicky broth make every bite better than the last. And don't even get us started on that golden, toasty topping!
Get Ree's One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.
Garlic Butter Steak with Warm Spinach Salad
If you're looking to serve your own Marlboro Man something fancy, this garlic butter steak is just the thing. Pair it with a warm spinach salad or follow Ree's suggestion: "Make a double batch of the garlic butter and use it for garlic bread!"
Get Ree's Garlic Butter Steak with Warm Spinach Salad recipe.
Steak Diane
Ree calls this dish "pure, unadulterated bliss." While the pan-fried steak is delectable, the real star here is the creamy, savory steak sauce. It's made of garlic, onion, thyme, cream, balsamic reduction, and a big spoonful of grainy mustard.
Get Ree's Steak Diane recipe.
Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta
If you love mushrooms, this pasta is a dream come true. With three kinds of mushrooms, plenty of garlic, and a kick of black pepper, it's rich, cozy, and ridiculously good.
Get Ree's Mushroom and Black Pepper Pasta recipe.
Caprese Chicken
This chicken recipe takes everything you know and love about Caprese salad but makes it far more filling! The cutlets are layered in fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, jarred pesto, and store-bought balsamic reduction. Since it serves more than two, you'll even have leftovers!
Get Ree's Caprese Chicken recipe.
Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto
Boil less pasta to make this recipe fit for you and your partner. The linguine is then combined with fresh shrimp and tossed in a homemade pesto sauce made from spinach, parsley, and pistachios.
Get Ree's Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto recipe.
Steak au Poivre
Both of you will really adore this classic French dish that starts with a peppercorn-crusted pan-seared filet. It's smothered in the most utterly delicious brandy sauce that's cooked in a skillet with all the leftover flavorful bits from the meat.
Get Ree's Steak au Poivre recipe.
Pasta Puttanesca
Pasta is always a great idea because it's easy to reduce the amount you cook if you're feeding less people. Try this classic that contains olives, anchovies, and tomatoes and only takes five minutes of prep.
Get Ree's Pasta Puttanesca recipe.
Chicken Teriyaki
Sure, takeout can be satisfying. But you know what's better? Making the same dish from scratch. It's so much more delicious and only takes 30 minutes to make. That's faster than delivery!
Get the Chicken Teriyaki recipe.
Surf and Turf
Impressive yet surprisingly easy to make, the combination of savory steak and flavorful shrimp can't be beat! Plus, you can basically make any veggie side you want.
Get the Surf and Turf recipe.
Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi
So many hacks, so little time! Not only does this recipe save on dishes by only using one pot, but it also uses pre-packaged gnocchi to save on prep. Bonus: This recipe is easy to halve if you want.
Air Fryer Salmon
Got ten minutes? Good, then you can make this delicious and healthy meal. Salmon only needs a few seasonings and a splash of lemon, and it goes well with practically any side dish.
Get the Air Fryer Salmon recipe.
Mini Bundt Cakes
One recipe, three flavor options: That's what these little baby Bundts have to offer. It's the ultimate flexibility for you and your fellow dessert lover, so you don't have to commit to one big cake.
Get the Mini Bundt Cakes recipes.
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