There's a lot to get used to when your last child leaves home. For starters, you don't need to make as much food anymore. These mains and sides for two make the perfect amount for you and your partner.
45 Dinnertime Recipes for Empty Nesters
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/44
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The heat, seasonings and appearance of this colorful main-dish salad are perfect for summer—or any time of year that you want to summon memories of sunshine. —Eileen Budnyk, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 340 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 716mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/44
Steak and Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup sauce: 247 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
3/44
Beef Orange Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dinner for two is loaded with lots of flavor and color. Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the orange beef sauce, and the tender veggies add a pop of color. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups with 1/2 cup rice: 390 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 396mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
4/44
Greek-Style Ravioli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a flavorful Greek twist on an Italian classic. It’s an easy weekday meal that’s become one of our favorites. My husband and I enjoy it with garlic cheese toast. —Hetti Williams, Rapid City, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 333 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 851mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
5/44
Beef Burgundy Over Noodles
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this delightful beef burgundy recipe from my sister-in-law many years ago and have used it ever since. Whenever I serve it to guests, they always request this. The tender beef, mushrooms and flavorful sauce are delicious over noodles. —Margaret Welder, Madrid, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 376 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/44
Baked Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 193 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
7/44
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
5 pieces: 120 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
8/44
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
9/44
Herbed Lemon Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They're tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 200 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/44
Beef with Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 313 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 816mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
11/44
Tilapia with Jasmine Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. Your family will love this healthy and delicious dish! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup rice: 412 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/44
Chicken Gyros
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy chicken gyro recipe is a cinch to prepare. Just take tender chicken, coat it in a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce, then tuck it into pita pockets. Some folks like lettuce and diced tomato on top. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 gyro: 367 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 397mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
13/44
Cod Tacos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These bright tacos take me on an instant trip to sunny Southern California. The recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 506 calories, 38g fat (8g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
14/44
Beef Tenderloin and Mushroom Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 417 calories, 32g fat (17g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
15/44
Breaded Sea Scallops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I never liked seafood until my husband urged me to try scallops, and now I love them. He says my breaded version is the best he's ever had. A tip I learned was to put them on a paper-towel-topped plate to soak up excess oil. —Martina Preston, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 scallops: 454 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1262mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
16/44
Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 488 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
17/44
Zucchini Pancakes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These Zucchini Pancakes are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 174 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
18/44
Butter Steak
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick-and-easy skillet entree is definitely restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 2 teaspoons garlic butter: 316 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein.
19/44
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
20/44
Ham and Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 322 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 1168mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
21/44
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these twice-baked sweet potatoes because they can be prepared ahead of time. With the addition of cream cheese, they are very creamy and not overly sweet. It is so easy to increase the quantity to any number. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 297 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
22/44
Pineapple-Stuffed Cornish Hens
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother brought this recipe back with her from Hawaii about 25 years ago. The tender meat, pineapple-coconut stuffing and sweet-sour sauce made it a favorite of my family and friends. I keep copies of the recipe on hand to share. —Vicki Corners, Rock Island, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed hen: 1343 calories, 82g fat (48g saturated fat), 465mg cholesterol, 2034mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 4g fiber), 72g protein.
23/44
Honey-Pecan Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This one is a family favorite! —Linda Bounds, Cedar Hill, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce: 407 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
24/44
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re betting you won’t find a faster way to dress up crisp sugar snap peas than this simply scrumptious recipe. It goes with a variety of entrees and is pretty enough to dish up for company. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 91 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/44
Quick Ginger Pork
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are empty nesters. It was a challenge learning to cook for just two again, but recipes like this give us delicious scaled-down dinners. —Esther Johnson Danielson, Lawton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 216 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 621mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
26/44
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
27/44
Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 371 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
28/44
Tasty Turkey and Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh mushrooms star in this tender turkey entree that comes together in 15 minutes. Served with a side of brown rice, it makes a light but satisfying dinner. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 209 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
29/44
Pea Pod Carrot Medley
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We grow pea pods, and I wanted to use them in something other than stir-fries. This fit the bill! I've carried it to church potlucks and received compliments on its pretty orange glaze and fresh taste. —Josie Smith, Winamac, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
30/44
Cranberry-Sesame Spinach Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a feast or any occasion, we love this snappy fall salad that balances sweet and sour with good crunch from almonds and sesame seeds. —Stephanie Smoley, Rochester, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 257 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
31/44
Vegetable Meat Loaf
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not big on leftovers, so I've pared down my recipes to serve two. This meat loaf is simple and quick to prepare, plus it helps you eat your veggies. It's great served with cheddar-topped baked potatoes. —Judi Brinegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 330 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 1349mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
32/44
Maple Sausage Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Maple syrup adds sweetness to this yummy stir-fry. I sometimes add a little broccoli, too, for a change of pace. Add a green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal in minutes. —Dottie Tarlton, Malvern, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without rice): 472 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
33/44
Turkey Saltimbocca
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I kept prosciutto and sage in this Italian classic, but instead of veal I added turkey. This saltimbocca is so divine, you won't believe how quick and easy it is. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 300 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
34/44
Spinach Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
35/44
Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty beef barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 133 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
36/44
Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness.
—Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 170 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 0.500 fat.
37/44
Turkey Melt
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When days feel rushed, these sandwiches with turkey and green chiles are one of my favorite standbys. They stack up in about 10 minutes, honestly. —Leah Carter, San Pedro, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 428 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1146mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
38/44
39/44
White Chili for 2
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chili for two goes over especially well on a cool night. We're racing fans, and I'm frequently asked to bring this dish to the races. I'm happy to do so, because I enjoy it, too. I just double or triple the recipe. —Carol Swainston, Sheridan, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 418 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1243mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 11g fiber), 36g protein.
40/44
Lemon Basil Salmon
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband came up with this easy foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender salmon. This recipe is a winner. —Marianne Bauman Modesto, CA
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 274 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
41/44
Chicken Reuben Roll-Ups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Nebraska-native husband loves Reuben sandwiches and anything with chicken, so I combined his two favorites in a fun roll-up. —Ashli Kottwitz, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up (calculated without additional dressing): 326 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
42/44
Chicken Tzatziki
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make classic chicken recipes for my family but the real fun is trying a fresh new twist. —Krisen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/3 cup sauce: 482 calories, 27g fat (7g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
43/44
White Beans and Spinach
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 7g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
44/44
Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because its simplicity allows me to spend time with my family while not sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus the fresh spring flavors really shine through! —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 491 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
