21 easy dinners for two that won’t turn into tomorrows lunch

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When I’m cooking for two, the last thing I want is to end up with a fridge full of leftovers. These easy dinners are perfectly portioned to keep things simple, with just enough food for a great meal without spilling over into tomorrow. Whether you’re looking for something quick or a bit more special, these recipes are designed to make dinner stress-free and right-sized for two.

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak pizzaiola is a flavorful option that cooks up quickly and serves just enough for two, making it perfect for dinner without leftovers. The tender steak is simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making it a comforting yet manageable meal. Great for a weeknight when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Its portion size is ideal, preventing it from becoming tomorrow’s lunch. Perfect for a satisfying yet simple dinner for two.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Grilled shrimp skewers are light, easy to make, and perfectly portioned for two people. They cook in minutes, making them great for a quick dinner without extra food left behind. The shrimp takes on a nice char from the grill, adding depth without the need for a lot of ingredients. Perfect for those who want a seafood option that won’t linger into another meal. Ideal for warm nights when you want something quick and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate.
Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This panko-crusted chicken breast is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, making it an easy go-to for two. It cooks up quickly and offers just the right portion to avoid leftovers. The crunch from the panko adds texture without being heavy, making it a great choice for an uncomplicated dinner. Pair it with a simple side, and you’ve got a complete meal. Ideal for nights when you want something familiar but quick.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Shrimp Scampi

A plate with shrimp and bread on it.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for two. The shrimp is cooked in a garlic butter sauce, making it flavorful without being heavy. Since it’s portioned just right, there’s no need to worry about leftovers. Great for a dinner that feels special but doesn’t require much effort. A light, satisfying option for seafood lovers.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Crab Pasta

A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background.
Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crab pasta offers a rich, seafood-inspired dinner that’s perfect when you don’t want to make a large batch. It combines tender crab with a light sauce, making it a balanced and filling meal for two. Easy to prepare, this dish feels luxurious but won’t leave you with leftovers. Perfect for a cozy dinner without too much fuss. Ideal when you want something special but manageable.
Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a simple, set-it-and-forget-it dish that’s just right for two. The sweetness from the pineapple combined with tender chicken makes it a flavorful but not overwhelming dinner. Great for those who want an easy meal that’s ready when you are. With its perfectly portioned size, it won’t leave you with extra to pack away. Ideal for slow-cooked comfort without the leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow cooker pork chops with rice and sauce on a plate.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker pork chops are a tender, hearty option that’s perfect for two people. They cook low and slow, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat that’s portioned just right for dinner. Great for busy days, as the slow cooker does all the work for you. You can enjoy a satisfying meal without worrying about extra servings. Perfect for a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t create leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.
Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp macaroni salad is a light and refreshing meal that’s easy to prepare and serves just enough for two. The shrimp adds a nice protein boost to the pasta without making the dish too heavy. Great for a quick, no-cook dinner that’s perfect for warm days. With its ideal portion size, there’s no worry about leftovers. A simple, chilled meal that works well for a relaxed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Chicken Pot Pie

Small serving of chicken pot pie casserole on plate with fork.
Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken pot pie is a hearty option that’s perfect for two, offering all the comfort of a traditional dish without the extra servings. The flaky crust and savory filling make it a satisfying meal for a cozy evening in. Great for those who want a homemade dinner without worrying about leftovers. Easy to prepare and portioned just right for two. A warm and comforting choice for a small dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans.
Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked stuffed pork chops offer a flavorful meal that’s perfect for two, with just the right amount of food for dinner. The stuffing adds extra flavor, making it a satisfying option without leaving extra portions behind. Great for a special dinner that’s still easy to prepare. You can enjoy a hearty, comforting meal without any leftovers. Ideal for nights when you want something a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

A piece of air fried chicken thigh on a fork, with a caramelized exterior and garnished with a small leaf, in focus against a blurred background of more chicken pieces.
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer boneless chicken thighs cook up quickly and are perfectly portioned for two, making them a great dinner option. The air fryer ensures they come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside without the need for too much oil. Great for a simple weeknight meal that won’t leave you with extra food. Easy to pair with sides for a complete dinner. Perfect for when you want something quick but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is a comforting dish that’s portioned just right for two people. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, familiar meal without worrying about leftovers. Perfect for a cozy dinner that doesn’t take much effort. The meatloaf comes together easily and is ideal for a filling, no-fuss meal. Great for a classic comfort meal for two.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork stir fry is a quick, flavorful option that’s perfect for two people. It’s easy to make and customizable with your choice of vegetables, making it a great weeknight meal. The portion size is just right, so you won’t have to deal with extra servings. Great for when you want a stir fry but don’t want to make a large batch. Perfect for a quick and balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter shrimp pasta is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfectly sized for two. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the garlic butter sauce adds a rich flavor to the pasta. Ideal for those who want a seafood dinner without making too much food. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. A light yet satisfying meal that won’t leave you with leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfectly portioned for two. It’s easy to make and great for a weeknight when you want something warm and filling without extra servings. The cream cheese adds richness to the dish without making it too heavy. Ideal for a cozy dinner that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for when you want a comforting meal with no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Shrimp and tomato pasta is a light, easy meal that’s perfect for two, combining tender shrimp with fresh tomatoes. It cooks up quickly and is portioned just right, so you won’t have to deal with leftovers. Great for a quick weeknight dinner that feels a little special. The combination of shrimp and tomatoes keeps it fresh without being heavy. Ideal for a balanced, light dinner for two.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are a quick, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for two. The seasoned beef and melty cheese make it a satisfying dinner without requiring a lot of time or effort. Ideal for a weeknight meal that won’t leave you with leftovers. Great for when you want a familiar, comforting dish with minimal prep. Perfect for a casual dinner for two.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Panko Crusted Cod

Panko-crusted cod fish on a plate with green beans.
Panko Crusted Cod. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Panko-crusted cod is a light, crispy option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for two people. The cod fillets are coated in panko crumbs, giving them a nice crunch without being heavy. Great for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick but still feel like a proper meal. Portion-sized just right for two, so you won’t have leftovers. Ideal for a light yet satisfying seafood dinner.
Get the Recipe: Panko Crusted Cod

Carne Asada in the Oven

Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.
Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Oven-baked carne asada is a flavorful option that’s perfect for two, offering just the right amount of food for dinner. The meat is tender and well-seasoned, making it a great option for a special meal without extra portions. Easy to prepare, this dish cooks in the oven, saving you time at the grill. Ideal for a cozy dinner that feels a little indulgent. Perfect for a satisfying meal for two without leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Pork chops on a plate with rosemary sprigs.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Pan-fried pork chops are a simple and hearty meal that’s perfectly sized for two. The pork chops cook quickly, offering a flavorful, no-fuss dinner option. Great for a weeknight meal that’s filling but won’t leave you with leftovers. Easy to pair with your favorite sides for a balanced meal. Perfect for when you want a satisfying dinner without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

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