Whether you’re a busy college student, a working professional, or just someone who enjoys the simplicity of cooking for one, easy single-serving meals can be a lifesaver. These recipes are not only quick to prepare but also tasty and satisfying. Let’s dive into some easy meal ideas that are perfect for a single serving! 

1. Savory French Toast with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Feta 

Ingredients: 

• 2 slices of day-old bread (sourdough or whole wheat) 

• 1 egg 

• 1/4 cup milk 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

• 1/2 cup fresh spinach 

• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms 

• 1 tablespoon butter 

• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese 

• Fresh herbs (optional: parsley or chives) 

Instructions: 

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Dip both slices of bread into the mixture, making sure they’re fully soaked. 

2. In a pan over medium heat, melt half the butter and cook the mushrooms until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Set aside. 

3. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and cook the soaked bread slices until golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. 

4. Top the French toast with the spinach and mushroom mixture, sprinkle with feta, and garnish with fresh herbs. 

5. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of savory flavors. 

2. Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Asparagus 

Ingredients: 

• 1 chicken breast (6 oz) 

• 1/2 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 

• 1 clove garlic, minced 

• 1/4 cup heavy cream 

• Zest and juice of half a lemon 

• Salt, pepper, and thyme, to taste 

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and thyme. In a pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sear the chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside. 

2. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the asparagus for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. 

3. Reduce heat to low, then add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. 

4. Return the chicken to the pan, coat it with the sauce, and let it warm through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. 

5. Serve the chicken with the asparagus and enjoy a light, creamy, and zesty meal. 

3. Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables 

Ingredients: 

• 1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz) 

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes 

• 1/2 cup diced zucchini 

• 1/2 small red onion, sliced 

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

• 1 tablespoon honey 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• Salt, pepper, and thyme, to taste 

• Fresh basil (optional) 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 

3. Place the salmon fillet on one side of the baking sheet. Brush with half the balsamic glaze. 

4. On the other side of the sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread them out evenly. 

5. Roast for 12-15 minutes, brushing the salmon with more glaze halfway through, until the fish is flaky and the vegetables are tender. 
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve. The balsamic glaze gives the salmon a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the roasted veggies. 

4. Single-Serving Risotto with Peas and Parmesan 

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup Arborio rice 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped 

• 1/4 cup white wine (optional) 

• 1 1/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed 

• 1/4 cup frozen peas 

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 

• Salt and pepper, to taste 

• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. 

2. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted. 

3. If using, pour in the white wine and simmer until mostly absorbed. 

4. Add the warmed broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender. 

5. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. 

6. Serve garnished with fresh herbs. This risotto is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a special night in. 

5. Stuffed Bell Pepper with Ground Beef and Quinoa 

Ingredients: 

• 1 large bell pepper (any color) 

• 1/4 pound ground beef or turkey 

• 1/4 cup cooked quinoa 

• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) 

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 

• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese 

• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, to taste 

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off the bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes inside. 

2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and stir in the quinoa, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. 

3. Stuff the bell pepper with the beef and quinoa mixture and place it in a small baking dish. 

4. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pepper is tender. 

5. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy a hearty and healthy single-serving meal. 

Cooking for one doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These easy single-serving meals are perfect for any day of the week, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dish without the hassle of leftovers. Try them out, and feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your perfect single-serving meal!