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    Home » Recipe Index » Cooking for One

    Easy Meals for One Person

    March 19, 2023 By Rebecca 30 Minute Meals, Cooking for One, Easy Recipes, Entrees

    five plates with food on them, with text overlay

    If you're cooking for one, it's really helpful to have a list of easy meals for one person in your back pocket. These recipes are easy, quick, and flavorful.

    four dishes of food in a collage

    Table of contents

    • How to make cooking for one easy
    • What do lazy dinners for one look like?
    • Pantry Meals
    • 15 Minute Recipes
    • One Pot/One Pan Recipes
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • FAQ

    How to make cooking for one easy

    This list of recipes is a great place to get started if you cook for one, but here are a couple easy cooking for one resources to make cooking easy and more enjoyable.

    • Cooking for One Pantry Essentials
    • Pantry Recipes for One
    • Meal Planning for One
    • Free Cooking for One Cookbook
    • Cooking for One Cooking Hacks

    Weeknight Dinners for One

    • Quick Pantry Dinners for One
    • The Best Single Serving Recipes
    • Small Batch Desserts
    • Instant Pot and Slow Cooker Recipes for One
    • Chicken Recipes for One

    What do lazy dinners for one look like?

    I'd definitely describe myself as a solo cook who loves to cook. But I don't like cooking every single day, and 90% of the time, I don't want to spend more than 30 minutes cooking dinner. I also don't want to have to go to the store to get one ingredient.

    Making easy recipes incorporates a few things to me. It includes:

    • Ingredients easily found at most American grocery stores
    • Not too many steps in a recipe
    • Not too many dishes. Lots of one pan meals.
    • A meal that's one dish, a simple main dish + a unique and exciting side dish, or an interesting main dish with a side with the same seasonings.
    • Quick 30 or shorter meals

    Is there still space to make more complex recipes, or recipes with ingredients not often found at typical American grocery stores? Of course, but it's not required every day. 45 minute recipes aren't every day recipes, unless it's mostly cooking time.

    Pantry Meals

    Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
    Make this cheesy white bean tomato bake for a super easy dinner for one. It takes just 15 minutes and can be made with pantry ingredients and enjoyed with crusty bread.
    Check out this recipe
    square image of tomato and white beans in dish with bread

    Interested in eating more plant based meals? This white bean tomato bake is easy and has all the best spaghetti flavors.

    Chickpea Curry for One
    This vegetarian curry for one is made with canned beans and pantry staples. It's flavorful, budget friendly, and can be ready in less than 20 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    chickpea curry with garnish in bowl

    This quick plant based dinner is flavorful, comforting, and easy. It's a great option out of all the easy meals for one person.

    Pantry Rice and Bean Soup
    Throw together this 30 minute rice and bean soup with a handful of pantry ingredients. This soup can be made in one pot, with uncooked rice, salsa, broth, seasonings, and whatever beans and veggies you have.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of tortilla soup with cheese

    Enjoy the best flavors from a burrito in this pantry rice and bean soup. Serve it with a quesadilla for a full meal.

    One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Make this 20 minute, pantry ingredient, one pot chicken parmesan pasta with crispy breadcrumbs instead of traditional crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan without the extra time, steps, and mess.
    Check out this recipe
    square photo of spiral pasta with tomatoes on a black plate with a fork

    Chicken parm is such a delicious meal, but traditional recipes are a couple too many steps. This one pot version with an easy crispy topping makes for an easy dinner.

    15 Minute Recipes

    Shrimp Fried Rice for One
    This fried rice recipe is full of shrimp and vegetables. What's best is that it's ready to eat in just 10 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    shrimp and vegetable fried rice in bowl

    Fried rice is a classic very quick dinner recipe. You can adapt the recipe to use ingredients you already have on hand. Use frozen shrimp and veggies in this 10 minute recipe.

    Air Fryer Frozen Salmon for One
    This air fryer frozen salmon recipe is an easy 15 minute recipe for days you didn't plan dinner. Add frozen vegetables and fries to the basket and make a whole dinner for one in your air fryer.
    Check out this recipe
    plate full of salmon, roasted broccoli, fries, bbq sauce

    There are lots of easy single serving meals, this air fryer frozen salmon takes just a few minutes to assemble, and you can let your air fryer do all the work.

    Microwave Easy Mac and Cheese in a Mug
    All you need to make this recipe is a mug, microwave, and a handful of basic ingredients for a cozy, delicious meal.
    Check out this recipe
    cheesy macaroni in mug

    Dinner doesn't get any easier than in the microwave. This easy mac & cheese can be made in a mug for dinner in a few.

    Microwave Pizza in a Mug
    In less than 10 minutes you can have a delicious microwave pizza in a mug. You'll use crescent rolls, pizza sauce, mozzarella, seasonings, and pepperoni.
    Check out this recipe
    pepperoni, cheese, black olives in mug

    Who would have thought you can make pizza in the microwave? Dinner in 10.

    Microwave Fettuccine Alfredo in a Mug
    This easy microwave fettuccine alfredo is made in a mug, and is ready in just about 10 minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    fork in noodles in blue bowl

    Microwave dinners again! Pasta can cook well in the microwave, so might as well turn that easy pasta into a creamy, delicious, alfredo pasta.

    One Pot/One Pan Recipes

    Frittata for One
    In 30 minutes, you'll have this delicious bacon, spinach, and cheese frittata for one. This is an easy, one pan dinner that's full of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    fork with frittata with frittata in small cast iron skillet

    Eggs can be so easy, and they can also be flavorful and special. This easy single serving frittata is easy, flavorful, and special.

    Single Serving Mac and Cheese
    Dinner is just 15 minutes away with this easy single serving mac and cheese. It's versatile, delicious, and made with a handful of pantry ingredients. Enjoy it as is or add a side for a filling meal.
    Check out this recipe
    macaroni and cheese, broccoli on black plate

    Delicious pasta dinner in 15 minutes. This mac & cheese is special, creamy, and super cheesy.

    Easy Baked Salmon in a Bag
    This easy baked salmon in a bag recipe is bursting with flavor and moisture, you wouldn't believe how easy it is, or that it's done in less than 25 minutes. It's cooked in parchment paper to maintain moisture without any effort. Plus, it's got the easiest clean up ever.
    Check out this recipe
    salmon with broccoli and lemon slices in parchment paper

    Easy dinner + easy clean-up is the perfect combination for dinner. Let your oven do all the work with this special dish.

    Turkey Avocado Sandwich with Chipotle Sauce
    Transform your turkey avocado sandwich lunch routine with crisp bread toasted in bacon fat, spicy, tangy chipotle sauce, melty provolone cheese, turkey, bacon, and rich avocado for the ultimate turkey sandwich.
    Check out this recipe
    grilled sandwich on black plate

    Turkey sandwiches are easy, but turn it up with a chipotle sauce and freshly fried bacon.

    Chili without Tomatoes
    This easy chili without tomatoes is perfect if you don't have or don't like diced tomatoes in your chili. In about 30 minutes you've got a hearty chili full of ground beef, beans, onion, green bell pepper, and warm comforting spices.
    Check out this recipe
    chili with toppings and slices of bread on side

    Tomatoes are great in chili, but you don't even need them here. This chili takes about 30 minutes, and is super comforting and tasty.

    Vegetarian Crunchwrap
    This vegetarian crunchwrap is a textural dream! Creamy seasoned refried black beans, cheese and vegetables pressed in a tortilla with crunchy chips tucked right inside. It’s such a fun change on taco night.
    Check out this recipe
    hand holding two slices of tortilla filled width ingredinets

    Layer in all the beans and veggies for this crunchy delicious crunchwrap.

    Chicken Recipes

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread
    This 20 minute chicken bacon ranch flatbread is an easy dinner recipe that works as a great base for using up other ingredients like vegetables.
    Check out this recipe
    slice of chicken bacon pizza with bite out of it

    Pizza is always a great option, top it with fresh ranch dressing, chicken, bacon, and veggies.

    Easy Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Dressing
    This easy spinach strawberry salad with balsamic dressing is bursting with flavor, is easy, and is perfect for spring and summer dinners. Add some grilled chicken and a slice of bread to your salad to make it a full meal.
    Check out this recipe
    spinach strawberry salad in a blue bowl with ingredients surrounding it

    Enjoy all the best summer flavors in this strawberry salad with chicken.

    Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl
    This chicken teriyaki pineapple bowl is a great, affordable dinner. It's simple and probably uses many ingredients you already have on hand.
    Check out this recipe
    vegetables, chicken, rice in bowl

    Make this chicken, veggie, pineapple bowl for an easy, flavor filled dinner.

    One Pot Chicken Bacon and Mushroom Pasta
    Combine the best salty, earthy, and meaty flavors in this 20 minute creamy one pot chicken bacon and mushroom pasta. Quickly cook your pasta while preparing your mushrooms then add it back after cooking the meat and mushrooms for a super easy one pot dinner for one.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of pasta with mushrooms, bacon, and chicken with a fork in it

    Pasta doesn't have to be boring. Make this chicken, bacon, and mushroom pasta in one pot. In 20 minutes, you'll have a delicious, easy dinner.

    Panera Copycat Chicken Salad with Peanut Butter and Honey Dressing
    This fresh and crunchy chicken salad with peanut butter and honey dressing is actually a favorite Panera Bread copycat recipe! Make your own version right at home easily and without spending the money.
    Check out this recipe
    salad with chicken and vegetables

    Salads are very easy and a great option if you're cooking for one. The delicious peanut butter dressing really makes this salad.

    Seafood Recipes

    Instant Pot Fish from Frozen
    This Instant Pot steamed white fish recipe is the easiest way to cook fish. Not only is it easy, but it comes out tender, flaky, and perfect in less than 15 minutes. Oh and did I mention that you can cook cod, tilapia, or halibut this way from frozen? No need to plan ahead or defrost it before cooking.
    Check out this recipe
    cod with lemon on top next to couscous and broccoli

    Make tender fish from frozen with this instant pot fish recipe. Some of the best easy meals for one person use frozen fish.

    Tuna Caesar Salad
    Tuna caesar salad is a tasty spin on a classic caesar. It's got crispy lettuce, parmesan cheese, garlicky croutons, a tangy dressing, and tuna fish. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    canned tuna on salad with croutons

    Make canned tuna really shine in this easy caesar salad. It's a great way to turn a simple salad into something filling and delicious.

    Cajun Foil Packets
    Whether you're camping or need a really easy dinner that requires zero clean-up, these super simple cajun foil packets are perfect. They're filled with shrimp, potatoes, corn and other seasonal veggies.
    Check out this recipe
    corn, zucchini, potatoes, and sausage in a bowl

    Cooking shrimp, veggies, and potatoes in foil makes for a flavorful, easy dinner. This recipe can be made at home, on a grill, or campfire. It's versatile.

    Vegetarian Recipes

    Refried Bean Tacos
    These refried bean tacos are hands down the easiest and most delicious 10 minute dinner. All you need to do is scour your fridge and pantry for a few essentials like refried beans, taco seasoning, veggies, cheese and salsa.
    Check out this recipe
    two tacos with red cabbage and cilantro on a plate

    Tacos act as a great easy dinner. Throw them together with whatever random ingredients you have in the fridge. Quick meals often use pantry ingredients.

    Versatile Grain Bowl for One
    Grain bowls are a simple and balanced meal option that you can customize based on your own needs and preferences. Follow this formula and use your favorite staple ingredients!
    Check out this recipe
    vegetables, chickpeas in bowl

    Throw more veggies and beans into a bowl with your favorite grains for this easy meal.

    Coconut Green Lentil Curry
    This easy and delicious lentil spinach curry recipe for one is a great way to try out a vegan recipe with lentils. It's bursting with flavor and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
    Check out this recipe
    lentil curry on white and pink plate

    Coconut milk, red curry powder, lentils, veggies, and rice make for an easy dinner. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes.

    Kale Salad with Easy, No Fuss Dressing
    This kale salad is super delicious and customizable. The no-fuss dressing adds lots of flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    kale, vegetable salad with cheese in bowl

    Add your favorite protein and grain to this salad for a full, satisfying veggie filled dinner. Customizable salads are great when you're cooking for one.

    Vegan Pizza on a Tortilla
    Try this easy melty vegan version of a Mexican pizza from Taco Bell for a quick meal or snack!
    Check out this recipe
    tortillas with sauce, cheese, black olives, and cilantro

    Use up whatever ingredients you have in the fridge. Veggies, beans, tomatoes, and cheese are delicious on this tortilla based pizza.

    FAQ

    How to cook healthy meals for one person?

    Tips int he section, 'how to cook for one' will help you cook healthy meals. Including a couple food groups, eating consistently, and enjoyable are ways to enjoy healthy meals.

    What are a few great meals to cook for a single person?

    Check out the list of easy meals for inspiration. The recipes shared above will get you started.

    Did you make any of these easy meals for one person? Leave me a comment & rating to share how they turned out!

    Want to get more single serving recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

    Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started. 

    More Cooking for One

    • sliced panko crusted chicken, side dishes, ranch on yellow plate
      Baked Panko Chicken for One
    • roasted broccoli and cauliflower on plate
      Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
    • chili with toppings and slices of bread on side
      Chili Without Tomatoes
    • plate full of salmon, roasted broccoli, fries, bbq sauce
      Air Fryer Frozen Salmon for One

    About Rebecca

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dana Sandonato says

      March 20, 2023 at 11:36 am

      Goodness, that mac and cheese in a mug sounds divine! Love all of these ideas. Bookmarking!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm

        right?! and so easy

        Reply
    2. Traci says

      March 20, 2023 at 11:47 am

      So many great recipes to choose from. Thanks for creating such a thorough list - there's truly something for everyone here.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm

        great! enjoy

        Reply
    3. TAYLER ROSS says

      March 20, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      It is SO hard to find recipes that serve only one, so I'm so happy to have found this list! I especially can't wait to try the mug mac and cheese!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm

        it's SO hard! enjoy the mac & cheese

        Reply
    4. Nathan says

      March 20, 2023 at 12:51 pm

      I'm more often than not cooking for just myself, so this is SUCH a helpful roundup! The Tuna Caesar Salad and Single Serving Mac and Cheese are absolutely going on my list to try. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2023 at 3:22 pm

        awesome! great to hear. enjoy

        Reply
    5. Colleen says

      March 20, 2023 at 1:50 pm

      Sometimes it seems easier to just get takeout when I'm on my own for dinner. So I'm really excited to try some of these recipes! Thanks for all the great tips!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        March 20, 2023 at 3:21 pm

        great! takeout is fabulous and easy, but these are great for days you want to make something

        Reply

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    Rebecca, MS, RDN
    of Nourish Nutrition

    At Nourish Nutrition, you'll find bold, flavorful recipes for one. Most are single serving, and all have suggestions to use up the leftover ingredients so you can stop throwing away unused ingredients & leftovers!

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