Your Monthly Meal Plan for Two

Lasagna might seem as if it's a lot of work on a busy evening. But one day, when I had a craving for it, I devised this simple recipe and it worked out beautifully. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico

This recipe has a real kick and is one of my husband’s favorites. It’s ready in a flash, is easily doubled and the closest thing to restaurant Buffalo wings I’ve ever tasted in a light version. —Jennifer Beck, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Trying new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies. It's also the most gratifying. What could beat the smiles and compliments of the ones you love? This recipe is easy and fancy, perfect for when it's just you and one kid or a friend.

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’s easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland

This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad, too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania

It was my husband, Steve, who came up with this easy, foil-packet recipe for flaky, fork-tender Lemon Basil Salmon. We eat a lot of salmon and Steve likes trying out different herbs and spices on our food. This recipe's a winner! —Marianne Bauman, Modesto, California

Sliced mushrooms star in this tender turkey recipe. It takes just minimal preparation and makes a healthy main dish when served with a side of brown rice. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

My husband wanted bacon and eggs; I wanted a BLT. We settled our standoff with an irresistible sandwich we've had many times since. —Patti Darwin, Lubbock, Texas

For an entree that's as elegant as it is easy, try this moist classic chicken recipe. It's a simple dish for two, but looks like you really fussed. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Just a skillet, a couple juicy steaks, fresh mushrooms and a few simple ingredients prove it doesn't take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

I'm a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are great with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky

Baked pork chop recipes are always handy to feed my hungry family. This entree brightens up the usual routine of roasted pork chops and rice. I reach for this recipe when our appetites are hearty and I feel like baking pork chops. —Dorothy Toben, Blackwell, Oklahoma

Here’s a hearty dish for two that satisfies the biggest appetites. It’s loaded with good old-fashioned flavor. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio

Everyone at our house loves this taco salad. In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota

This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. And it gets better—each serving has only 5 grams of fat! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina

I absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas

A buttery garlic sauce zips up a bowlful of linguine, bay scallops and veggies. Celebrate something special or toast the end of another workday with this dish that's perfectly sized for two. —Paula Jones, Brooksville, Florida

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

These tacos, native to Southern California, are a real treat. This recipe has been on my family's most requested list for years. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

My chicken bundles are simple, clean and comforting. Serve them with wild rice and green beans for one of our favorite meals. —Jim Knepper, Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

My husband likes stuffed peppers, but my original recipe made too many servings. I cut it down to accommodate just the two of us. It helps to use a small casserole dish so the peppers won’t tip over while they bake. For color, I serve steamed carrots to round out the meal perfectly. —Elaine Carpenter, Horseshoe Bay, Texas

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

Unlike some one-pan dinners that require some precooking in a skillet or pot, this one, with fish and spring veggies, uses just the sheet pan, period. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

This quick-and-easy skillet entree is definitely restaurant-quality and sure to become a staple at your house, too! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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

Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.

This recipe can be used with several kinds of fish, and the ingredients are those I usually have on hand. Baking fish is so easy, and I fix this healthy dish often. —Annie Hicks, Zephyrhills, Florida

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

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

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