Leftovers? Not in this house.
Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
After countless family meals and weeknights filled with big batch cooking, Ree and Ladd Drummond are officially empty nesters. And while it might sound bittersweet, it just means there's plenty more time for the lovebirds to embrace date night at home! So, we're certain that Ree will be reaching for these dinner ideas for two on a regular basis. Bonus: they also just happen to be ideal for a special Valentine's Day dinner!
If you're anything like Ree and Ladd, you'll love their favorite date night dinner menu, which includes none other than a steak dinner with potatoes, of course! Or try the chicken saltimbocca with buttery parsley noodles, homemade crab cakes, or bacon-wrapped filets topped by herby cowboy butter. And even if you don't have a ton of time, there are options like air-fryer salmon that only take ten minutes in total.
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 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.
1
Mini Calzones
Start with frozen dinner rolls and transform them into little hot pockets of pure delight! These hand pies are filled with sausage, and cheese, then they're dipped in warm marinara sauce.
Get Ree's Mini Calzones recipe.
2
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.
3
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.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
Get the Creamy One-Pot Sausage Gnocchi recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
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.
8
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Perfect for a chilly night any really any time you two need a bowl full of comfort, this soup comes together in no time thanks to the store-bought chicken broth, rotisserie chicken, and tortellini.
Get the Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.
9
Shrimp Po'Boy
This isn't just any ol' sandwich! Nope, crusty French bread is piled high with crispy fried shrimp and then slathered with a zesty, spicy mayo. Layer lettuce, tomato, and pickles for added texture for a super special sammie.
Get the Shrimp Po'Boy recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Cast-Iron Pizza
We found another delivery idea to skip! You can make a personal pan pizza for two and customize with any type of cheese or topping you want. It gets super crispy edges thanks to the searing hot pan.
Get the Cast-Iron Pizza recipe.
11
Mini Apple Pies
Bite-sized desserts with big flavor, these mini pies are the perfect ending for a meal when you want just a little something sweet. The leftovers will last a few days in the fridge, so you can enjoy the rest during the week.
Get Ree's Mini Apple Pies recipe.
12
Chicken Alfredo Soup
Cozy up with your partner over a bowl of soup! This one is a twist on creamy chicken alfredo and it even includes the classic fettuccine.
Get Ree's Chicken Alfredo Soup recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Braised Short Ribs
Ree says that "beef short ribs are one of life's great pleasures" and we couldn't agree more! If this doesn't say romance, we don't know what will.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
14
Brownie in a Mug
You can make two of these decadent, warm brownies in a matter of minutes. But if you really want to impress your sweetie, top it off with a scoop of their favorite ice cream!
Get the Brownie in a Mug recipe.
15
Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Making dinner for two doesn't need to be complicated. Try this simple chicken dish with your favorite side—whether it's a salad, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Get the Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale
First, the shrimp are marinated in coconut milk, honey and lime juice, then they're coated in breadcrumbs, shredded coconut, and curry, so you know they're loaded with flavor. Oh, and they get extra-crispy in the oven, too!
Get Ree's Coconut Curry Shrimp with Potatoes and Kale recipe.
17
Olive Tapenade
If you're celebrating an anniversary, Valentine's Day, or special occasion, it's nice to include a starter before your dinner for two. This olive spread is great for serving with goat cheese (and extras can be saved for sandwiches the next day!).
Get the Olive Tapenade recipe.
18
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Alex and Mauricio love to make sweet potato fries for burger night at home. But they're also delicious alongside chicken, fish, or steak.
Get the Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Cajun T-Bone Steak
You might only need 1 or 2 of these t-bone steaks for your date night, depending on the size of the steak. The average steak per person is around 8 ounces or half a pound.
Get Ree's Cajun T-Bone Steak recipe.
20
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is the kind of dish that looks impressive, but it's surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the air fryer. Of course, your loved one doesn't need to know that!
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
