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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top the French toast with the spinach and mushroom mixture, sprinkle with feta, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- 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:
- 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.
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the asparagus for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- 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.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coat it with the sauce, and let it warm through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
- 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:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillet on one side of the baking sheet. Brush with half the balsamic glaze.
- 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.
- Roast for 12-15 minutes, brushing the salmon with more glaze halfway through, until the fish is flaky and the vegetables are tender.
- 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:
- Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted.
- If using, pour in the white wine and simmer until mostly absorbed.
- 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.
- Stir in the peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- 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:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the top off the bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
- 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.
- Stuff the bell pepper with the beef and quinoa mixture and place it in a small baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the pepper is tender.
- Uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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!