Spaghetti carbonara served on a black plate

Dinner ideas for two

Easy spaghetti carbonara

Put together a creamy Italian pasta dish in just 20 minutes – this classic carbonara is beautiful in its simplicity. You'll only need a handful of ingredients, too – including a healthy grind of black pepper, salty streaky bacon and parmesan.

Red lentil soup

You're just two steps away from a bowful of red lentil soup, brimming with subtle spice. Use jalapeño chillies and cumin to bring a fiery kick to this warming, everyday recipe. A squeeze of lime also adds a citrus freshness to your bowl. Simply blitz and serve with a dollop of cool natural yogurt.

Taco bowl

Bring together your favourite taco trimmings to create a riot of colour and flavour. Our homemade taco bowls are filled with interesting textures; simple pile on salsa, spiced beef, crunchy tortilla chips and creamy avocado. Mix rice with lime, garlic and herbs, then add a generous grating of strong cheddar.

A colourful bowl of rice, black beans, avocado, beef and sweetcorn

Spaghetti arrabiata

Every home chef should have a simple pasta supper in their repertoire. Our easy, meat-free tomato spaghetti is ready in just 25 minutes and you probably already have the ingredients to hand.

Venison steaks with mushroom peppercorn sauce

A lean and versatile meat with a slight gamey taste, these tender venison steaks pair wonderfully with the rich, creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce.

Slices of venison on a plate with chips, salad and mushroom peppercorn sauce

Courgette gratin

Use up a glut from the allotment with this simple, cheesy summer bake, made up of tomatoes, courgette and golden baked gruyère. For extra crunch, try adding a handful of breadcrumbs to the cheese. Serve with chunks of crusty bread for mopping up the juices.

Lobster thermidor

Feel like pushing the boat out for a special night? This sensational seafood dish, paired with a simple green salad and crusty bread makes an impressive meal for two. The rich, creamy sauce and tender lobster is a heavenly pairing.

Meatball and chickpea traybake

This healthy traybake needs minimal prep but packs in plenty of texture and flavour. Mix some horseradish sauce into meatballs for a subtle heat and roast with chickpeas and beetroot. Serve with toasted pittas and mint leaves.

An oval-shaped black serving bowl filled with meatballs, beetroot, chickpeas and mint

Easy roast chicken

A roast dinner for two is the height of decadence and ideal for when you're craving something comforting. Ditch the endless washing-up and prep and serve crisp, golden potatoes with a whole roast chicken. Use any leftovers to make a quick caesar salad for lunch the next day.

Roast guinea fowl in white wine sauce

Check out this roast guinea fowl for an impressive roast dinner for two. It may just become your new go-to for a roast.

A black baking dish filled with a roast bird on a bed of creamy sauce

Lemon sole with brown shrimp butter

Let delicate white sole take centre stage in this quick and easy recipe. Simple enough to make midweek but elegant enough for an impromptu date-night, this light, summery dish has it all. Pair the fish with new potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli and a glass of chilled white wine.

Kimchi noodles

Give your standard stir-fry a fiery kick with a few spoonfuls of kimchi, chilli and fresh ginger. Our quick veggie noodles take just 20 minutes to make, topped with a runny fried egg to fill you up.

A navy-blue bowl of thick noodles with vegetables and a fired egg on top, and chopsticks resting on the bowl

Salmon fajitas

Stuff warmed tortillas with a colourful combo of grilled salmon, roasted sweetcorn, blistered red peppers and spring onions, all flavoured with aromatic cajun spices. Charring the peppers brings out a smoky flavour that goes perfectly with their sweetness. Serve straight from the tray with lime, avocado and a dollop of chilli sauce for a DIY dinner.