7 Christmas Dinner Ideas for Two That Use One Skillet and a Shared Dessert

As the holiday season approaches, I’m thinking about how to create a cozy dinner for two without a mountain of dishes to clean. One-skillet meals can be a lifesaver, offering both flavor and simplicity. From savory chicken to comforting pasta, there’s a range of options that allow for an effortless celebration. And let’s not forget about dessert—there’s something incredibly romantic about sharing a warm treat. Curious about the delicious possibilities?

One-Skillet Garlic Butter Herb Chicken With Veggies

This One-Skillet Garlic Butter Herb Chicken With Veggies is a delightful and flavorful dish perfect for two people, combining tender chicken breasts with seasonal vegetables, all cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s a fantastic choice for a cozy dinner, making cleanup a breeze by using just one skillet.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the thyme and rosemary, and prepare the vegetables by halving the Brussels sprouts and peeling the baby carrots.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
4. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, Brussels sprouts, and baby carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies start to soften.
6. Add Herbs and Chicken Back: Stir in the chopped thyme and rosemary, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the sauce and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve: Plate the chicken and veggies together, drizzling any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top. Enjoy your lovely one-skillet dinner for two!

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Skillet Shrimp and Grits With Bacon

Skillet Shrimp and Grits With Bacon is a comforting Southern dish that combines creamy, savory grits with succulent shrimp and crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, as it delivers bold flavors and a satisfying blend of textures in a single skillet.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until they are crispy and browned. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Grits: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the quick-cooking grits and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the grits are thick and creamy.
4. Add Cream and Cheese: Once the grits are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the grits and gently fold them in. Allow everything to heat through for about 2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Crumble the cooked bacon on top of the shrimp and grits. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious skillet meal for two!

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Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Spinach Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sausage and Spinach Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce, all tossed with pasta for a delightful meal. This dish offers a perfect blend of savory and creamy, making it an excellent choice for a romantic dinner for two.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (removed from its casing) and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Sauté Garlic: Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Season and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese is melted and the flavors are well combined. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy this comforting pasta dish for a perfect dinner for two!

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One-Pan Christmas Quinoa Bake

One-Pan Christmas Quinoa Bake is a festive and wholesome dish perfect for a cozy dinner for two during the holiday season. Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, colorful vegetables, and warm spices, this bake is not only filling but also brings vibrant flavors to your holiday table. It’s ideal for those looking for a light yet hearty meal that can be made in just one pan, minimizing cleanup.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing them for about 5 minutes or until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add Zucchini and Quinoa: Once the onion and bell pepper are softened, add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the quinoa and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour in Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the skillet, bringing the mix to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
5. Incorporate Spinach: After the quinoa is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and gently mix everything together.
6. Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the quinoa mixture, distributing it evenly.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the feta is slightly golden and the dish is heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful One-Pan Christmas Quinoa Bake as a festive meal for two!

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Skillet Beef Stroganoff With Mushrooms

Skillet Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms is a comforting and rich dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner for two. Featuring tender pieces of beef, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce served over egg noodles, this classic recipe is quick to prepare and sure to warm you up on a chilly holiday evening.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook Egg Noodles: Start by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside when finished.
2. Sauté Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef sirloin to the pan in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, followed by the sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they are tender and browned.
4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly without browning. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
5. Combine Ingredients: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then return the browned beef to the skillet, simmering everything together for about 3-5 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6. Mix in Sour Cream: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your cozy dinner!

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Mini Irish Shepherd’s Pie in a Skillet

Mini Irish Shepherd’s Pie in a Skillet is a delightful comfort food that brings together seasoned ground lamb or beef, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, all cooked in one skillet for convenience. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, combining hearty flavors and textures that are both satisfying and festive, making it an excellent choice for your holiday meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare Mashed Potatoes: If you haven’t already, prepare your mashed potatoes using your favorite recipe. You want them creamy and smooth for the topping. Set aside.
2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and carrots, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.
4. Add Flavorings: Mix in the frozen peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme. Stir everything together, allowing the mixture to cook for a minute or two.
5. Create Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Assemble the Pie: Remove the skillet from heat and spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the meat and vegetable mixture. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for added flavor.
7. Finish Cooking: Return the skillet to the stove and cover with a lid. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese (if added) is melted and the filling is hot.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy your Mini Irish Shepherd’s Pie for two!

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One-Skillet Chocolate Lava Cake for Two

One-Skillet Chocolate Lava Cake for Two is a rich and indulgent dessert that brings the decadent experience of molten chocolate cake right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two, this easy-to-make treat features a gooey chocolate center that flows out as you cut in, making it a romantic ending to your holiday meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a small oven-safe skillet (about 6-8 inches) with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients: Once the chocolate and butter are melted, whisk in granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, using a spatula to fold the mixture gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light and airy.
5. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet, smoothing out the top for even baking.
6. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. The cake will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the cake to firm up a bit.
8. Serve: Carefully cut and serve the lava cake right from the skillet. For an added touch, dust powdered sugar over the top and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries if desired. Enjoy your delightful dessert!