Christmas Dinner for Two in Less Than an Hour

The holiday season is all about togetherness, but sometimes that means a cozy, intimate dinner for two rather than a large family feast. If you’re looking to make Christmas special without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place! Here are some simple, delicious, and festive Christmas dinner ideas that you can prepare in under an hour.

No stress, no fuss — just great food and good company.

1. Herb-Crusted Chicken Breasts with Roasted Vegetables

A quick and elegant dish that delivers all the flavors of Christmas without the long prep time. The herb crust gives the chicken a festive touch, and roasted vegetables make a perfect side.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb mixture over both chicken breasts.
3. On a baking sheet, toss the carrots and Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts on the sheet.
4. Roast everything in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the vegetables are tender.
5. Drizzle the roasted vegetables with balsamic vinegar for an extra touch of flavor, if desired. Serve the chicken and veggies together for a light, yet festive Christmas dinner.

2. Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Salmon is a quick and impressive choice for a holiday meal, and when paired with creamy mashed potatoes and a zesty lemon-dill sauce, it becomes the perfect Christmas dinner for two.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 lb baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and flaky.
3. For the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
5. Serve the salmon fillets with a dollop of lemon-dill sauce on top, alongside the creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

3. Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce

Pork tenderloin is a fantastic option for a holiday dinner because it’s quick to cook and pairs beautifully with seasonal flavors like cranberry. This stuffed version adds an elegant touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. To prepare the stuffing, mix the breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, spinach, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Cut a slit along the length of the pork tenderloin to create a pocket. Stuff the pork with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Season the outside of the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot oven-safe skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Slice the pork and serve with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a festive, savory-sweet finish.

4. Christmas Pasta with Garlic, Spinach, and Parmesan

For a lighter, meat-free option, this pasta dish combines the richness of garlic butter, the freshness of spinach, and the umami of Parmesan. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for two.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter. Add a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using.
6. Serve immediately for a cozy, comforting Christmas dinner.

5. Grilled Steak with Roasted Garlic Butter and Asparagus

If you’re in the mood for something classic but easy, a beautifully seared steak paired with roasted garlic butter and tender asparagus can be put together in under an hour for a luxurious, yet simple dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 steaks (ribeye, filet mignon, or your preferred cut)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness.
3. While the steaks cook, roast the asparagus in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until tender.
4. In a small pan, melt the butter and cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Drizzle the garlic butter over the steaks when they’re done cooking. Serve with the roasted asparagus on the side, garnished with fresh parsley.

6. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Garlic Bread

If you’re really short on time or craving something fresh and light, a Caprese salad with garlic bread is a simple yet elegant option that feels festive and special.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• 2 slices of baguette or rustic bread
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices in an alternating pattern on a plate. Add fresh basil leaves between each slice.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
3. For the garlic bread, toast the bread slices in a hot skillet with melted butter and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve the salad with the garlic bread on the side for a light and delicious dinner.

In Conclusion

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a festive, memorable Christmas dinner for two. With these quick and easy recipes, you can create a cozy, delicious meal in less than an hour that feels both special and stress-free. Whether you’re craving something savory like stuffed pork tenderloin or light and fresh like a Caprese salad, there’s a simple holiday meal here to suit your taste.

Here’s to enjoying a beautiful, intimate Christmas dinner — without the hassle! 🎄