15 Extremely Cheap Dinners for Two

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A classic Italian pasta dish, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is as simple as it is delicious, requiring only a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking method:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is golden brown.
3. Add the drained spaghetti and the reserved pasta water to the pan, tossing to combine.
4. Season with salt and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Black Bean Tacos

These vegetarian tacos are not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges for serving

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
3. Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
4. Fill each tortilla with black beans and top with avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Chickpea Stir-Fry

Quick and vibrant, this chickpea stir-fry is a delightful mix of spices and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper and zucchini, stirring until just tender.
2. Add chickpeas, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Serve hot with rice or noodles if desired.

Simple Vegetable Soup

Warm and inviting, this vegetable soup is perfect for a cozy dinner for two without breaking the bank.

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then serve garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Lentil Curry

A hearty and satisfying meal, this lentil curry is both nutritious and cost-effective.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add curry powder and turmeric, stirring until fragrant.
3. Add lentils, coconut milk, and 1 cup of water. Simmer until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

A fresh and easy-to-make salad that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball of mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves

Cooking method:

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked.
2. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, alternating them.
3. Top with grilled chicken and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Mushroom Risotto

Creamy and comforting, this mushroom risotto is an elegant yet affordable dish for two.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
2. Stir in rice, then add white wine, cooking until absorbed.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring frequently, until rice is creamy and cooked through.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This delicious chili is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, providing a hearty meal without requiring a long list of ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 can tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, and chili powder.
3. Simmer until sweet potatoes are tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Egg Fried Rice

Quick and versatile, egg fried rice is a delicious way to use leftover rice, providing a complete meal in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them quickly.
2. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, and green onions, stirring to combine.
3. Cook until everything is heated through. Season with salt if needed.

Tomato Basil Bruschetta

A simple and refreshing appetizer or light meal, this bruschetta captures the essence of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Toast the slices of bread until crisp.
2. In a bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread slices and serve immediately.