10 Cheap and Easy Recipes for Couples

Cooking together can be one of the most enjoyable experiences for couples, allowing you to bond, share, and create delicious meals without spending a fortune. Here are ten cheap and easy recipes that you can whip up in no time, perfect for a cozy night in or a romantic dinner.

1. One-Pan Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
3. Add pasta and vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

2. Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper, toss to combine, and serve chilled.

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrot, bell pepper)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
3. Toss in the vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

4. Breakfast for Dinner: Scrambled Eggs and Toast

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2 slices of bread
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread.
2. In a pan, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
3. Crack the eggs into a bowl, whisk, and pour into the pan.
4. Cook while stirring until fully scrambled, season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with toast.

5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic and red pepper flakes.
3. Sauté until garlic is golden.
4. Drain spaghetti and toss with the garlic oil and parsley.

6. Taco Night

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Taco shells
• Toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and follow packet instructions.
3. Serve in taco shells with your choice of toppings.

7. Easy Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings: sour cream, cheese, salsa

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink.
2. Add peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning, cook until veggies are tender.
3. Serve in tortillas with toppings.

8. Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Layer tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil on a plate.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

9. Curry Chickpeas

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups spinach
• Rice or naan for serving

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add chickpeas and curry powder, cook for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in coconut milk and spinach, simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Serve with rice or naan.

10. Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup flour (or oats)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the banana and mix in the eggs, flour, and baking powder.
2. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Pour batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form, then flip.
4. Serve with syrup or fresh fruit.

---

Conclusion

These recipes are not only easy to make but also perfect for romantic evenings or fun cooking sessions with your partner. Enjoy the process of creating delicious meals together without breaking the bank!