30 Cheap Dinner Recipes for Two That Will Blow Your Mind (You Won’t Believe #17!)
Cooking for two doesn’t have to break the bank! Here’s a collection of 30 cheap dinner recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also deliciously satisfying.
From hearty pasta dishes to vibrant stir-fries, each recipe is crafted to make your taste buds dance while keeping costs low. Get ready to impress your dinner companion with these easy recipes that are full of flavor and creativity!
1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus
This quick and easy dish combines juicy chicken thighs with tender asparagus, all cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
Simply season the chicken with salt and pepper, sauté in a skillet, add asparagus, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delightful meal.
2. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Comfort food at its finest! This cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is creamy, filling, and oh-so-easy to make.
Combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly for a dish that both of you will love.
3. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table with these spicy shrimp tacos topped with a refreshing mango salsa.
Quickly sauté shrimp with chili powder and garlic, serve in soft tortillas, and finish off with a vibrant mango, cilantro, and lime salsa.
4. Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple yet elegant dish, tomato basil pasta can be whipped up in just 20 minutes!
Toss al dente spaghetti in a sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and fresh meal.
5. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Asian dish is packed with flavor and nutrition!
Quickly stir-fry tender beef slices with broccoli in a savory soy sauce mixture, served over rice or noodles for a budget-friendly dinner.
6. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These hearty mushrooms are filled with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, creating a delicious and filling dish that’s also vegetarian.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze before baking for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Quinoa
Light and refreshing, this dish features grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, served alongside fluffy quinoa.
The combination of protein and whole grains makes it a nutritious choice that’s also easy on the wallet.
8. Vegetable Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a tasty and colorful fried rice dish packed with vegetables.
Simply toss in mixed veggies, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs for a comforting meal that feels hearty yet light.
9. Baked Ziti with Spinach
This baked ziti dish is cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a perfect dinner for two.
Layer pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh spinach, then bake until golden and bubbly.
10. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!
Roast sweet potatoes, combine with black beans, and serve in corn tortillas topped with avocado and salsa for a filling meal.
11. Easy Chicken Fajitas
Whip up a fiesta with these easy chicken fajitas!
Sauté sliced chicken with bell peppers and onions, serve in warm tortillas, and finish with your favorite toppings like salsa and guacamole.
12. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto is rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Stir arborio rice with broth, sautéed mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese for a luxurious yet budget-friendly meal.
13. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach and feta cheese make for a wholesome dinner.
Bake until golden and serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
14. Thai Peanut Noodles
These Thai peanut noodles are a quick and satisfying meal, bursting with flavor!
Toss cooked noodles with a creamy peanut sauce, fresh veggies, and your choice of protein for a delicious dinner for two.
15. Eggplant Parmesan
A classic Italian dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, eggplant Parmesan is a great option for a cozy dinner.
Layer sliced eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese, bake until golden, and serve with a side salad.
16. Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients.
Simmer lentils with vegetables and seasonings for a comforting bowl of goodness that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
17. (You Won’t Believe This) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Sometimes the simplest meals are the best! This classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is a nostalgic comfort food.
Use quality bread and cheese for the sandwiches and serve with a homemade tomato soup for a cozy dinner experience.
18. Spanish Chickpeas and Rice
This one-pot Spanish dish is full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Cook chickpeas with rice, tomatoes, and spices for a warm and filling meal that’s perfect for two.
19. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Light and fresh, this pesto pasta is perfect for a quick dinner!
Toss cooked pasta with homemade or store-bought pesto and halved cherry tomatoes for a deliciously simple meal.
20. BBQ Chicken Pizza
Create a homemade BBQ chicken pizza that’s bursting with flavor!
Top a pre-made crust with BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onions, and cheese for a delightful twist on traditional pizza.
21. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colorful stuffed bell peppers are both nutritious and visually appealing!
Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of rice, beans, and spices, then bake until tender for a fun and healthy dinner.
Conclusion
Cooking for two on a budget can be both enjoyable and delicious!
These 30 cheap dinner recipes offer a variety of flavors and cuisines that are sure to impress without breaking the bank. Try them out and make your next dinner a memorable one!
