Cooking for two can be a fun and romantic activity that brings you and your partner closer together. However, creating new and exciting meal ideas can be challenging. Whether you're looking for a cozy night in or a special occasion, these easy dinner recipes for two will surely impress your significant other without breaking the bank or taking up too much time. From pasta dishes to seafood, there's something for everyone to enjoy here.

Tracy Rutherford/ Taste | Creamy Tuscan shrimp packed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic is creamy, rich, and delicious

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp

This delicious dish only takes about 20 minutes to make and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. Sauté garlic in olive oil and add fresh shrimp, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, chicken broth, and fresh spinach, and let it simmer until thickened. Serve with pasta or bread, and enjoy this comforting and aromatic meal.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

For a Mexican twist, try this recipe, which is perfect for any weeknight dinner. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear them in a skillet until browned on both sides and remove them.

In the same skillet, cook sliced onions and bell peppers until softened, then add chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings like avocado, lime, and cilantro.

Tracy Rutherford/ Taste | This pan-seared steak is an earthy and aromatic experience with a simple garlic herb compound butter and savory mushrooms

Pan-Seared Steak With Garlic Butter

For a classic steak dinner, this recipe is simple yet elegant. Season your steak with salt and pepper and let it come to room temperature. Heat a skillet with butter and garlic, and sear your steak on both sides. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, for the ultimate hearty meal.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

For a vegetarian option, try this creamy and indulgent pasta dish that will satisfy your cravings. Sauté sliced mushrooms in a pan until browned and set them aside. Cook your pasta al dente and reserve some of the cooking water.

In the same pan, add butter and garlic and whisk in heavy cream and parmesan cheese until it's thickened. Add your pasta, mushrooms, and reserved cooking water, and let it cook for a few more minutes. Serve with extra parmesan and parsley for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Jim Wilson/ The New York Times | This simple fish dish is best made with wild salmon, but it works equally well with the farmed sort

Baked Lemon Salmon

Try this easy and flavorful salmon dish, perfect for two for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F and season your salmon filets with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes until cooked. Serve with your choice of sides, like rice or roasted vegetables, and enjoy this fresh and light meal.

Caprese Salad

This fresh and light recipe is perfect for a summer night. To make a Caprese salad, you only need ripe tomatoes, basil, soft mozzarella cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Cut the tomatoes into thin slices, then cut the mozzarella into them. Sprinkle them with basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Voila! A classy yet effortless salad to complete your main course.