You can easily make seven cheap, easy meals for two that taste great and save time. Try Arroz Con Pollo, a one-pot chicken and rice dish, or creamy Vodka Meatballs perfect for cozy nights. Chicken Fried Rice uses leftovers for a quick fix, while Baked Feta Pasta offers a creamy, comforting twist. Classic Chili brings hearty flavor on a budget. Add simple Chicken Fajitas or One-Pot Enchilada Pasta for variety. Keep going to discover how straightforward and tasty these meals can be.

Arroz Con Pollo

Although it’s a traditional Latin American dish, Arroz Con Pollo is perfect when you want a flavorful, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to make for two.

This one-pot recipe combines chicken, rice, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices like saffron or turmeric to create a vibrant, nutritious dinner.

It’s one of those cheap easy meals for 2 that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together—usually within 30 to 40 minutes—making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Plus, as one of the best cheap easy dinners for two, it’s versatile enough to make just enough for tonight or a bit extra for leftovers. If you’re seeking affordable, delicious meals, Arroz Con Pollo is a reliable go-to.

Vodka Meatballs

You’ll love how quickly you can whip up tender chicken meatballs that stay juicy and flavorful. The creamy vodka sauce is simple to make, blending tomatoes, garlic, and cream into a rich, comforting topping. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for a cozy meal for two without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Sauce Recipe

When you make vodka meatballs, the creamy sauce is what really brings the dish to life, blending crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, vodka, garlic, and onion into a rich, tangy base that perfectly complements the savory meatballs.

This sauce is easy to prepare and creates a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with the meat’s savory flavors. You’ll cook the meatballs right in the sauce, which saves time and minimizes cleanup.

The vodka adds a subtle kick that balances the creaminess and acidity of the tomatoes, making each bite flavorful without overwhelming your palate.

Serve this creamy sauce with pasta or crusty bread for a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for two, or even a small gathering.

Quick Chicken Meatballs

Three key ingredients—ground chicken, pantry staples, and a creamy vodka sauce—come together to make quick chicken meatballs that are ready in under 30 minutes.

This dish is a leaner twist on traditional meatballs, offering rich flavor without the extra fat. You’ll love how versatile it is, whether served over pasta, tucked into a sub, or paired with a fresh salad.

Here’s why you’ll want to try it:

1. Quick and easy prep means dinner’s on the table fast.
2. Pantry staples keep costs low and convenience high.
3. Creamy vodka sauce adds a satisfying, rich taste that elevates simple meatballs.

Perfect for two, this recipe balances flavor, speed, and budget effortlessly.

Chicken Fried Rice

You can turn leftover rice into a quick, tasty meal with Chicken Fried Rice. It’s easy to swap out chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu to suit your taste or what you have on hand. This flexibility makes it perfect for using up leftovers while keeping meals exciting.

Leftover Rice Recipe

Since leftover rice is already cooked, making Chicken Fried Rice takes just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a smart way to use what you have, saving both time and money while reducing food waste.

Here’s why leftover rice works great in this recipe:

1. Texture: Chilled rice is drier, so it fries up nicely without becoming mushy.
2. Flavor absorption: It soaks up soy sauce and seasonings better, making each bite savory.
3. Convenience: No need to cook fresh rice, speeding up meal prep considerably.

Customizable Protein Options

Although chicken is a classic choice for fried rice, you can easily swap in shrimp, beef, or tofu to match your taste and dietary needs. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken cuts down prep time and boosts flavor, making your meal even more convenient. This dish relies on simple pantry staples like rice, soy sauce, and veggies, keeping it budget-friendly.

You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, adjusting the amount of protein and vegetables lets you tailor portions for two or more, so nothing goes to waste.

Whether you want a lighter tofu version or a hearty beef twist, customizing your fried rice keeps dinner exciting and suits your preferences without extra hassle or cost.

Baked Feta Pasta

One of the easiest and most budget-friendly meals for two is baked feta pasta, which combines roasted feta cheese and cherry tomatoes into a creamy, flavorful sauce.

You just need a block of feta in the center of a baking dish, surrounded by cherry tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil, and seasoned with herbs. After baking, toss everything with cooked pasta for a comforting dinner.

Here’s how you can make it:

1. Bake the feta and tomatoes for about 30 minutes until soft and creamy.
2. Combine with your choice of pasta—whole grain or gluten-free work well.
3. Customize by adding veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

This quick, versatile dish is perfect for a delicious, budget-friendly meal for two.

Classic Chili

Classic chili comes together in about 40 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying. You’ll use budget-friendly ingredients like ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a flavorful dish that’s both filling and nutritious. Each serving packs about 250-300 calories and provides a good amount of protein and fiber, helping you stay energized.

You can easily customize your chili by adding extra veggies or adjusting the spices to match your taste. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers—you can store it in the fridge for several days or freeze portions for future meals. This not only saves you money but also reduces food waste, making classic chili a smart, cheap, and delicious choice for two.

Chicken Fajitas

When you need a quick, affordable dinner, chicken fajitas are a great choice that comes together in just 35 minutes. This meal is perfect for two and keeps things simple with just a few ingredients.

Here’s why you’ll love making chicken fajitas:

1. Minimal ingredients like chicken, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning keep costs low and prep easy.
2. Using a single sheet pan means everything cooks together, boosting flavor and making cleanup a breeze.
3. You can customize toppings—think sour cream, guacamole, or salsa—without adding much to the budget.

Serve your fajitas in warm tortillas or over rice for a balanced, protein-packed meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.

One-Pot Enchilada Pasta

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, enchilada pasta is a perfect choice. This one-pot dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You’ll use pantry staples like pasta, canned enchilada sauce, and cheese to create a delicious, satisfying meal.

It serves about six people, so you can enjoy leftovers or share with friends. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add chicken, beans, or your favorite protein to boost nutrition.

Each serving packs around 444 calories and 18 grams of protein, making it both filling and nutritious. With minimal prep and cleanup, One-Pot Enchilada Pasta is a smart, tasty option for cheap meals for two or more.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got these seven cheap, easy meals for two, you’re basically a kitchen wizard who can whip up delicious feasts faster than a speeding rocket. Imagine impressing friends and family with flavors so good they’ll think you’ve got a secret chef hiding in your pantry. No more boring dinners or expensive takeout—just simple, tasty meals that make every night feel like a five-star celebration. Get cooking and watch your taste buds do a happy dance!