If you’re cooking for two and tired of either throwing out leftovers or eating the same thing for three days straight… this one’s for you.
This 5-day meal plan for two is packed with recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor. You won’t need a mile-long ingredient list or any fancy kitchen gear either. Just good food, simple steps and maybe a little kitchen chaos here and there.
The meals are straight from the blog so you can click right to the recipes when you’re ready. Most of them take 30 minutes or less which means less time cooking and more time… literally doing anything else.
And no, it’s not just pasta every night. There’s chicken, shrimp, tacos, soup… stuff that feels like a little treat without being a total time suck. You’ll also find some tips to help with prep, leftovers and making sure nothing goes to waste.
So if you want real food, real fast, without spending your whole paycheck… you’re in the right place.
Contents
Grocery List Basics (for All 5 Days)
Let’s keep this simple. No one needs a scavenger hunt at the store. These are the basics you’ll want on hand for the week…
Pantry stuff
- Pasta (any kind but I usually go with spaghetti or short cuts)
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, chili flakes
- Lentils or canned beans
- Tortillas
- Bread (for toast, crostini, sandwiches… you get it)
Fridge + freezer things
- Chicken wings
- Shrimp (frozen is fine)
- Mushrooms
- Cheese (a block or slices, whatever you like)
- Eggs
- Lemons
- Butter
- Milk or plant milk
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil… something green)
Veggies that show up more than once
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onions
- Greens or salad mix
- Anything you love roasting or tossing in a salad
No need to buy the whole store… most of this you probably already have.
Day-by-Day dinner meal plan for two
Day 1: Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings + Roasted Veggies
These wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and covered in a tangy lemon pepper glaze that tastes way fancier than it is. They’re made in the air fryer so cleanup’s a breeze.
Toss some carrots or broccoli with olive oil, salt and pepper then roast them while the wings cook. Dinner’s done in under 30… and you barely touched a pan.
Get the Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe here.
Day 2: Lemon Pasta + Tomato Crostini
This pasta is bright, simple and tastes like something you’d order at a little cafe if you were pretending your kitchen was in Italy. It’s just noodles, lemon, olive oil and some parmesan if you’ve got it.
The tomato crostini? Just slice bread, toast it and top with juicy chopped tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. Feels like a starter but lowkey steals the show.
Get the Lemon Pasta Recipe here.
Get the Crostini Recipe here.
Day 3: Mushroom Tacos
Forget taco kits… these tacos are all about meaty mushrooms sautéed with spice. Super quick, super tasty and way easier than cooking meat. Top with whatever you have, avocado, salsa, cheese, lime, done.
Great way to sneak in a veggie night without it feeling like a “health food” situation.
Get the Mushroom Tacos Recipe here.
Day 4: Roasted Tomato & Garlic Soup + Croque Monsieur
This soup is the definition of cozy. Roasted tomatoes, garlic and herbs blended up into a smooth, warm hug. It’s comfort food that doesn’t try too hard.
Pair it with a Croque Monsieur, aka the French grilled cheese’s hot older cousin. It’s cheesy, creamy and just fancy enough to feel like you did something… without actually doing a lot.
Get the Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe here.
Get the Croquet Monsieur Sandwich Recipe here.
Day 5: 6-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp + Colorful Lentil Salad
Shrimp that’s done in six minutes? Yes please. These little guys are juicy, garlicky and perfect for nights when cooking sounds like a lot.
Serve with a lentil salad that’s full of crunch, color and flavor. Feels super fresh and you don’t even have to turn the stove on for the salad part.
Get the Shrimp Recipe here.
Get the Lentil Salad Recipe here.
Easy Sides That Go With Everything
You don’t need sides every night but if you’re the kind of person who feels like something’s missing without one… here’s a few that are quick and actually worth it.
Quick cucumber salad: Slice up a cucumber, splash some vinegar or lemon juice, sprinkle salt. Done. It’s crunchy and fresh and goes with literally anything.
Garlic bread: Butter + minced garlic on bread. Toast it in the oven or air fryer until it smells like heaven. Always a win.
Steamed rice or quinoa: Great for soaking up sauces or bulking up a smaller meal. Make a batch early in the week and use it on repeat.
Bagged salad with olive oil and whatever you’ve got: No shame in the pre-washed bag. Toss it with olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and some flaky salt and you’re good. Add nuts or cheese if you’re feeling it.
You don’t need a “perfect” plate every night… just something to round things out if your meal’s feeling a little lonely.
Meal Prep Tips for Real Life
Meal prep sounds like one of those things people do when they’ve got their life all the way together… but it doesn’t have to be that serious. Here’s what actually helps:
Chop stuff ahead of time: Slice your veggies, mince garlic, even wash your greens. Do it once, use it all week. Less mess and fewer excuses to order takeout.
Marinate early: If you’re cooking chicken or shrimp later in the week, toss it in a simple marinade the night before. Lemon, garlic, olive oil… done. Tastes better and saves time.
Batch cook the basics: Make rice or lentils on Sunday and throw them into meals as needed. They don’t need babysitting and you’ll feel like a genius mid-week.
Keep it flexible: Don’t prep 5 full meals unless you love eating the same thing over and over. Just prep the parts. Trust me, it’s enough.
And don’t overthink… If it helps even a little, it’s worth doing.
Leftover Storage 101
Leftovers are only a blessing if you actually want to eat them the next day. Otherwise… they just take up space until you feel guilty enough to throw them out. Here’s how to store them right:
- Let things cool first: Don’t toss hot food straight into the fridge. It messes with texture, makes everything soggy, and honestly… your fridge deserves better.
- Use clear containers: If you can’t see it, you won’t eat it. These meal prep containers are cute, stackable and actually make your fridge feel organized for once.
- Label with dates (or sticky notes): No need to go full Pinterest mom, just write the date on the lid or slap on a sticky note so stuff doesn’t get sketchy before you remember it exists.
- Portion it out: Split things into single servings so you’re not staring down a giant bowl of mystery mush when you’re hungry and tired. Way easier to grab, heat and eat.
- Freeze it before it dies: Already sick of it? Pop it in the freezer. These tips for freezing and reheating meals will help you avoid sad defrosted disasters later.
Not sure what to do with it?
If your fridge is a leftover graveyard, check this guide on what to do with leftovers before tossing it. Spoiler: you might actually want to eat them again.
A little strategy goes a long way… especially when your goal is “eat real food” and not “feel bad about ignoring tupperware.”
Easy Meal Plan For Two People
Cooking for two should feel like a vibe… not a second job. These recipes aren’t trying to be restaurant-level or Instagram-perfect. They’re just here to make your week smoother, cheaper and honestly… a little tastier.
So grab what you’ve got, click a few links, and give this plan a go. And if you mess something up… cool. You’ll figure it out.
Because at the end of the day, food should feel like a warm hug. Not a chore.
