We need to focus on caring for newlyweds by providing them with recipes that will build a healthy foundation for their new life together.
Each recipe is chosen specifically to include ingredients that help boost oxytocin, which is the love hormone. While providing the energy needed for this exciting new chapter.
1. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts with Roasted Potatoes
The taste is totally out of this world, it’s zesty lemon with rich garlic, and the chicken is super juicy while the potatoes are crispy on the outside but fluffy inside.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 chicken breasts ($6.99/lb)
- 4 medium potatoes ($1.99/lb)
- 4 cloves garlic ($0.50)
- 1 lemon ($0.50)
- 2 tbsp olive oil ($0.75)
- Fresh rosemary ($1.99/bunch)
- Salt and pepper ($0.10)
Total cost per serving: ~$6.50
Cook time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (trust me on this temp)
- Cut those potatoes into like 1-inch chunks
- Pat the chicken dry (v important for that crispy skin)
- Season everything with salt, pepper, and minced garlic
- Drizzle that olive oil and squeeze half the lemon
- Chuck it all on one pan (told you it was easy)
- Roast for 25-30 mins until chicken hits 165°F
- Let it rest for 5 mins
2. 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi
This tastes like you’re at a fancy restaurant but it’s so simple.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled ($12.99/lb)
- 8 oz linguine ($2.99)
- 6 cloves garlic ($0.75)
- 1/4 cup butter ($1.50)
- 1/4 cup white wine ($3.00)
- Fresh parsley ($1.99/bunch)
- Red pepper flakes ($0.25)
- Salt and pepper ($0.10)
Total cost per serving: ~$11.75
Cook time: 15 minutes (not lying bestie)
Instructions:
- Get that pasta water boiling first
- While waiting, clean and season your shrimp
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (like 30 seconds)
- Toss in those shrimp and cook 2 mins each side
- Add wine and let it simmer for a min
- Drain pasta but save some water
- Toss it all together with parsley
- Season to taste (I always add extra garlic ngl)
3. Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
The meatballs are so tender that they melt in your mouth, and the sauce
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground beef ($5.99/lb)
- 1/2 lb ground pork ($4.99/lb)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs ($1.99)
- 2 eggs ($0.50)
- 1/2 cup milk ($0.50)
- 1 lb spaghetti ($2.99)
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes ($3.98)
- 6 cloves garlic ($0.75)
- Fresh basil ($2.99/bunch)
- Parmesan cheese ($4.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$7.25
Cook time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
- Mix meats, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and seasonings
- Roll into golf ball sized meatballs
- Brown meatballs in a pan (about 5 mins)
- For the sauce, sauté garlic until golden
- Add tomatoes and simmer 20 mins
- Add meatballs to sauce
- Cook pasta al dente
- Serve with fresh basil and parmesan
- Keep extra sauce for leftovers (you’ll thank me later)
4. Sheet Pan Fajitas
It’s smoky, spicy, and has that perfect kick.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 lbs chicken breast/steak ($12.99/lb)
- 3 bell peppers, various colors ($3.99)
- 2 large onions ($1.99)
- Fajita seasoning ($2.99)
- 8 tortillas ($3.99)
- Lime ($0.50)
- Sour cream ($2.99)
- Avocado ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$7.75
Cook time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
- Slice meat and veggies into strips
- Season generously (don’t be shy)
- Spread on sheet pan – no overcrowding bestie
- Bake at 425°F for 20-25 mins
- Warm those tortillas
- Serve with all the toppings
5. Creamy Mac and Cheese
It’s creamy, cheesy, and hits different than the boxed stuff. The sauce is smooth like butter.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 lb elbow macaroni ($2.99)
- 4 cups sharp cheddar ($8.99)
- 2 cups whole milk ($2.99)
- 4 tbsp butter ($1.50)
- 1/4 cup flour ($0.25)
- Garlic powder ($0.25)
- Mustard powder ($0.25)
Total cost per serving: ~$2.87
Cook time: 30 minutes
Steps:
- Cook pasta until al dente
- Make a roux with butter and flour
- Slowly add milk (no lumps allowed)
- Add cheese gradually
- Mix in cooked pasta
- Season to taste
6. Quick Black Bean and Rice Bowls
The lime and cilantro make everything pop off.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 cups rice ($1.99)
- 2 cans black beans ($2.98)
- Corn ($1.50)
- Red onion ($0.99)
- Cilantro ($0.99)
- Lime ($0.50)
- Avocado ($1.99)
- Hot sauce ($2.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$3.48
Cook time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Cook rice (don’t mess this up bestie)
- Heat beans with seasonings
- Chop fresh toppings
- Layer bowls like art
- Top with lime and hot sauce
7. Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus
The salmon gets this perfect crust and stays super moist inside
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 salmon fillets ($14.99/lb)
- 1 bunch asparagus ($3.99)
- Lemon ($0.50)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Butter ($0.75)
- Olive oil ($0.50)
- Herbs ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$11.61
Cook time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
- Pat salmon super dry
- Season both sides generously
- Sear skin-side up first
- Flip after 4 minutes
- Cook asparagus in same pan
- Finish with lemon butter sauce
8. 30-Minute Beef Stir-Fry
Sweet, savory, and sticky in the best way possible. The veggies stay crisp and the beef gets these caramelized edges.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb flank steak ($12.99/lb)
- Mixed vegetables ($5.99)
- Soy sauce ($2.99)
- Ginger ($0.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Brown sugar ($0.25)
- Cornstarch ($0.25)
- Rice ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$6.49
Cook time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Slice beef against the grain
- Mix sauce ingredients
- Cook rice separately
- Stir-fry meat until browned
- Add veggies
- Thicken sauce
- Serve over hot rice
9. Homemade Pizza with Store-Bought Dough
It’s the balance of chewy crust, melty cheese, and whatever toppings you’re feeling.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Pizza dough ($3.99)
- Pizza sauce ($2.99)
- Mozzarella ($4.99)
- Toppings of choice ($5.99)
- Olive oil ($0.50)
- Italian seasoning ($0.25)
- Garlic powder ($0.25)
Total cost per serving: ~$4.74
Cook time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F
- Let dough come to room temp
- Stretch it out (no holes bestie)
- Add sauce and toppings
- Bake until golden
- Let it rest before cutting
10. Breakfast-for-Dinner Frittata
This is giving Sunday brunch vibes but make it dinner. It’s fluffy, creamy, and you can throw in whatever’s in your fridge.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 12 eggs ($3.99)
- Heavy cream ($2.99)
- Mixed veggies ($3.99)
- Cheese ($2.99)
- Herbs ($1.99)
- Butter ($0.50)
- Salt and pepper ($0.10)
Total cost per serving: ~$2.76
Cook time: 25 minutes
Steps:
- Whisk eggs and cream
- Sauté veggies in cast iron
- Pour in egg mixture
- Top with cheese
- Bake at 375°F
- Cut into wedges
11. Simple Chicken Curry
It’s giving cozy but make it spicy! The sauce is creamy and rich, and the chicken just falls apart. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 lbs chicken thighs ($6.99/lb)
- 2 cans coconut milk ($5.98)
- Curry powder ($3.99)
- Onion ($0.99)
- Ginger-garlic paste ($2.99)
- Tomato paste ($0.99)
- Rice ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$5.98
Cook time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
- Brown chicken pieces
- Sauté aromatics until golden
- Add spices to bloom
- Pour in coconut milk
- Simmer until thick
- Serve over fluffy rice
12. Ground Beef Tacos
These hit different than takeout, the meat gets this perfect seasoned crust and the toppings are so fresh.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb ground beef ($5.99)
- Taco seasoning ($1.99)
- Hard/soft shells ($3.99)
- Lettuce ($1.99)
- Tomato ($1.50)
- Cheese ($2.99)
- Sour cream ($2.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$5.36
Cook time: 20 minutes
Steps:
- Brown meat and drain
- Add seasoning and water
- Simmer until thickened
- Warm shells
- Prep toppings
- Assembly time bestie
13. Vegetarian Buddha Bowls
This bowl is colorful, filling, and the sauce pulls everything together. The roasted veggies are candy.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Quinoa ($4.99)
- Sweet potato ($2.99)
- Chickpeas ($1.99)
- Kale ($2.99)
- Tahini ($5.99)
- Assorted veggies ($5.99)
- Lemon ($0.50)
Total cost per serving: ~$6.36
Cook time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
- Roast veggies and chickpeas
- Cook quinoa
- Make tahini sauce
- Massage kale (yes, really)
- Layer bowls
- Drizzle sauce
14. Easy Baked Ziti
The cheese pull on this is absolutely unreal. It’s like lasagna’s cooler cousin and the crispy edges are everything.
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 1 lb ziti ($2.99)
- Marinara ($3.99)
- Ricotta ($4.99)
- Mozzarella ($4.99)
- Italian sausage ($5.99)
- Italian herbs ($1.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
Total cost per serving: ~$3.18
Cook time: 45 minutes
Steps:
- Cook pasta al dente
- Brown sausage
- Mix cheeses and herbs
- Layer in baking dish
- Bake until bubbly
- Let rest before serving
15. Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
This combo never misses – the sandwich is golden and crispy, and the soup is rich and creamy.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- Sourdough bread ($3.99)
- Fancy cheese blend ($6.99)
- Butter ($1.50)
- Tomato soup ($3.99)
- Fresh basil ($1.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Cream ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$10.47
Cook time: 20 minutes
Steps:
- Heat soup and add cream
- Butter bread both sides
- Layer cheese generously
- Grill until golden
- Serve together
- Live your best life
16. Turkey Avocado Wraps
These are giving fresh and fancy lunch vibes. The avocado makes it creamy and the turkey is perfectly seasoned.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- Large wraps ($3.99)
- Turkey breast ($6.99)
- Avocado ($1.99)
- Mixed greens ($2.99)
- Tomato ($0.99)
- Mayo ($0.50)
- Mustard ($0.50)
Total cost per serving: ~$8.97
Cook time: 10 minutes
Steps:
- Mash avocado with seasoning
- Spread on wrap
- Layer turkey and veggies
- Roll tight (no gaps!)
- Cut diagonal
- Serve with chips
17. 20-Minute Pesto Pasta
The flavor is absolutely unmatched – it’s fresh, herby, and the garlic kicks just right.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 lb pasta ($2.99)
- Fresh basil ($2.99)
- Pine nuts ($6.99)
- Parmesan ($4.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Olive oil ($1.99)
- Cherry tomatoes ($3.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$6.11
Cook time: 20 minutes
Steps:
- Blend pesto ingredients
- Cook pasta
- Reserve pasta water
- Toss everything together
- Add pasta water as needed
- Top with extra cheese
18. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This literally falls apart and the gravy is everything. It’s giving Sunday dinner energy.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- Chuck roast ($15.99/3lb)
- Potatoes ($2.99)
- Carrots ($1.99)
- Onions ($0.99)
- Beef broth ($2.99)
- Red wine ($5.99)
- Herbs ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$5.49
Cook time: 8 hours
Steps:
- Sear meat first
- Add to slow cooker
- Layer vegetables
- Pour liquids
- Cook on low
- Shred and serve
19. Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken
The flavors are so fresh and the chicken is seasoned to perfection. The dressing? I can’t even.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Chicken breast ($6.99/lb)
- Romaine ($2.99)
- Feta ($3.99)
- Cucumber ($1.50)
- Tomatoes ($2.99)
- Olives ($3.99)
- Olive oil ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$6.11
Cook time: 25 minutes
Steps:
- Marinate chicken
- Chop vegetables
- Make dressing
- Grill chicken
- Assemble salad
- Toss just before serving
20. Honey Garlic Glazed Meatballs
These are addictive fr fr – they’re sweet, sticky, and savory all at once.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Ground pork ($4.99/lb)
- Breadcrumbs ($1.99)
- Honey ($3.99)
- Soy sauce ($2.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Ginger ($0.99)
- Rice ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$4.36
Cook time: 30 minutes
Steps:
- Mix and form meatballs
- Bake until brown
- Make sauce
- Glaze meatballs
- Serve over rice
- Garnish with green onions
21. Quick Teriyaki Chicken
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and the sauce gets all glossy and thick. The chicken stays super juicy inside.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 lbs chicken thighs ($6.99/lb)
- Soy sauce ($2.99)
- Mirin ($3.99)
- Brown sugar ($1.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Ginger ($0.99)
- Green onions ($0.99)
- Rice ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$5.11
Cook time: 25 minutes
Steps:
- Cut chicken into chunks
- Mix sauce ingredients
- Cook chicken until golden
- Pour in sauce
- Let it reduce
- Serve over steamy rice
22. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These are literally a whole meal and the flavors are immaculate. The peppers get tender but still hold their shape.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 6 bell peppers ($5.99)
- Ground beef ($5.99/lb)
- Rice ($1.99)
- Onion ($0.99)
- Tomato sauce ($1.99)
- Cheese ($3.99)
- Seasonings ($0.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$3.65
Cook time: 45 minutes
Steps:
- Cut peppers, remove seeds
- Cook rice and meat mixture
- Stuff the peppers
- Top with cheese
- Bake until bubbly
- Let rest 5 mins
23. Homemade Burgers
The patties are so juicy they’re literally dripping, and when you add all the toppings? Dead.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Ground beef 80/20 ($7.99/lb)
- Burger buns ($3.99)
- Cheese slices ($2.99)
- Lettuce ($1.99)
- Tomato ($1.50)
- Onion ($0.99)
- Condiments ($2.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$5.61
Cook time: 20 minutes
Steps:
- Form patties (don’t overwork)
- Make a thumb indent
- Season generously
- Grill/pan fry 4-5 mins each side
- Add cheese at end
- Toast those buns bestie
- Stack your toppings
24. Creamy Mushroom Pasta
The sauce is literally velvet and the mushrooms get all caramelized and rich. It’s giving fancy restaurant vibes.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Fettuccine ($2.99)
- Mixed mushrooms ($6.99)
- Heavy cream ($3.99)
- White wine ($5.99)
- Garlic ($0.50)
- Thyme ($1.99)
- Parmesan ($4.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$6.86
Cook time: 25 minutes
Steps:
- Cook pasta al dente
- Sauté mushrooms until golden
- Add garlic and thyme
- Deglaze with wine
- Add cream and reduce
- Toss with pasta
- Finish with parmesan
25. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls
This is meal prep but make it tasty. Everything gets these amazing charred edges and the flavors are on point.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- Chicken breast ($6.99/lb)
- Bell peppers ($3.99)
- Rice ($1.99)
- Black beans ($0.99)
- Corn ($0.99)
- Fajita seasoning ($2.99)
- Lime ($0.50)
- Avocado ($1.99)
Total cost per serving: ~$5.11
Cook time: 30 minutes
Steps:
- Season chicken and veggies
- Spread on a sheet pan
- Roast at 425°F
- Cook rice
- Heat beans
- Build your bowls
- Top with lime and avo
Conclusion
Cooking together can become your daily ritual of love, where chopping vegetables and stirring pots becomes moments of connection.
