15+ Recipes for One Person: Easy and Delicious Meals Just for You

Cooking for one can be a challenge, but it also offers a chance to experiment with unique flavors and quick meals. With the right recipes, you can create satisfying dishes that are perfect for your needs without wasting ingredients.

Preparing meals tailored just for you can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

When you cook for yourself, it’s all about keeping things simple and delicious. Whether you want a quick breakfast or a hearty dinner, there are plenty of recipes that fit a single serving.

You’ll discover how easy it is to whip up meals that cater to your taste and schedule.

1) Crispy Rice Salmon Cucumber Salad

This Crispy Rice Salmon Cucumber Salad is a tasty choice for a quick meal. It combines crispy rice, fresh cucumbers, and buttery salmon for a delightful dish.

Start by preparing the rice. You can use jasmine rice for a lovely flavor. Once cooked and cooled, mix it with soy sauce and chili oil for some spice.

Chop up some crunchy cucumbers and add them to a bowl. Toss in cooked salmon for protein. You can also include some edamame and green onions for added texture and taste.

This salad is not only delicious but also colorful. It is perfect for enjoying a healthy meal all by yourself.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili oil
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup cooked salmon
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 2 green onions, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the jasmine rice and let it cool.
2. Mix cooled rice with soy sauce and chili oil.
3. Chop the cucumber and add it to a bowl.
4. Flake the cooked salmon into pieces and add to the bowl.
5. Toss in edamame and sliced green onions.
6. Mix everything together and enjoy!

2) Pasta Alla Vodka

Pasta alla vodka is a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for one. It comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy the smooth tomato sauce combined with vodka and cream.

To make this dish, start with some penne or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package directions.

While the pasta cooks, sauté some minced garlic in olive oil for a fragrant base.

Next, add tomato paste and a splash of vodka to the pan. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer to create a silky sauce.

Toss the pasta in the sauce and enjoy a hearty meal just for you.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces (about 56 grams) penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and vodka; cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add heavy cream, stir, and simmer for 3 minutes.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

3) Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

These juicy air fryer chicken bites are easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. You can enjoy them alone or dip them in your favorite sauce.

Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can season them to your liking before cooking.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the chicken bites for about 10-12 minutes, and they will turn golden brown and crispy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite seasonings

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Enjoy!

4) One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi

This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi is a simple and tasty dish. It combines juicy chicken, soft gnocchi, and a creamy sauce to make a perfect meal just for you. Plus, it cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup!

You will start by cooking the chicken in a skillet until golden. Then, add the gnocchi along with some spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for flavor. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce ties everything together.

It’s quick, delicious, and great for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the gnocchi, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook until everything is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Enjoy!

5) Quick Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick chicken stir-fry is a great option for a solo meal. You can make it fast, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies. This dish is tasty and satisfying.

Start with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Cook them in a hot pan with a bit of oil until they turn golden brown.

Add your choice of vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, for added flavor and nutrition.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Pour it over the chicken and veggies, cooking until everything is well coated. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Cooked rice or noodles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C).
2. Add diced chicken and cook until brown.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
4. Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, then pour over chicken and veggies.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles if desired.

6) Single-Serving Meatloaf

Making a single-serving meatloaf is a great way to enjoy this classic dish without wasting any food. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.

You can use ground beef, turkey, or a mix of both. Add your favorite seasonings and some breadcrumbs for texture.

This mini meatloaf cooks quickly, usually in about 20 minutes. You can top it with ketchup or a savory glaze for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the meat, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into a small loaf.
4. Place it in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.

7) Instant Ramen with a Twist

Instant ramen is quick and easy, but you can make it even better with a few simple additions. Start by boiling water and cooking your ramen according to the package instructions.

For a tasty twist, add fresh vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Sauté them in a little sesame oil for extra flavor. You can also include sliced Spam or an egg for protein.

When everything is ready, combine it with the ramen and season it with soy sauce. This will take your meal to the next level!

Ingredients

• 1 package of instant ramen
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 slab of Spam or an egg
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers and mushrooms)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 1/2 cups of water in a pot.
2. Add the instant ramen and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil and sauté the vegetables.
4. If using, cook the Spam or egg in the pan.
5. Combine everything together with soy sauce and enjoy!

8) Simple Chicken Alfredo

Making a tasty Chicken Alfredo for one is easy and quick. You’ll need just a few ingredients, and it can be ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, cook sliced chicken breast until it’s golden and cooked through.

For the sauce, melt butter in the pan, then add heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth. Combine the pasta, chicken, and sauce, mixing until everything is coated nicely.

Serve hot, and enjoy your creamy meal!

Ingredients

• 4 ounces fettuccine pasta
• 1 chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, cook sliced chicken until golden.
3. Melt butter in the pan; add cream and cheese.
4. Mix in cooked pasta and chicken.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

9) Eggplant Dan-Dan Noodles

Eggplant Dan-Dan Noodles are a tasty vegetarian option that’s easy to make. This dish uses tender eggplant and flavorful sauce to create a satisfying meal for one.

Start by pan-frying diced eggplant until golden. This gives it a nice texture and rich flavor.

Next, cook noodles according to package instructions.

To make the sauce, mix together tahini, garlic, ginger, and your choice of broth.

Combine everything in a bowl and stir well.

Toss the noodles with the sauce and top with the eggplant.

Enjoy your delicious Eggplant Dan-Dan Noodles!

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Noodles of your choice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Dice the eggplant into small chunks.
2. Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat and add eggplant.
3. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook noodles according to package directions.
5. In a bowl, mix tahini, garlic, ginger, and broth.
6. Combine cooked noodles with the sauce and top with eggplant.

10) Super Steak with Béarnaise Sauce

Cooking a delicious steak with Béarnaise sauce is a real treat. This dish is perfect for a solo meal. It’s filling and packed with flavor.

You’ll want to start with a nice cut of steak. Season it well with salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the perfect finish.

For the Béarnaise sauce, you’ll need egg yolks, lemon juice, unsalted butter, tarragon, and a pinch of salt. This sauce adds a creamy, tangy touch to the steak.

Cook the steak in a pan on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Then, finish it in the oven for a few minutes until it’s your desired doneness.

Enjoy your Super Steak with a generous drizzle of Béarnaise sauce on top!

Ingredients

• 1 steak (like ribeye or sirloin)
• Salt and pepper
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon tarragon
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side.
4. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice.
5. Melt butter and slowly mix it into the egg mixture.
6. Stir in tarragon and salt.
7. Finish the steak in the oven for desired doneness.
8. Serve steak with Béarnaise sauce on top. Enjoy!

11) Smoky Bacon Pot Noodle

Making a Smoky Bacon Pot Noodle is easy and quick. This dish is perfect for one person when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

Start by frying one rasher of chopped smoked back bacon in a small non-stick pan. Cook it for a few minutes until it’s crispy.

Next, add the white parts of two finely sliced spring onions and 50 grams of frozen peas. Stir in a pinch of paprika and cook for an additional minute.

For the noodles, cook according to package instructions. After they are ready, mix everything together.

You can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 rasher smoked back bacon
• 2 spring onions
• 50g frozen peas
• Paprika
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Noodles (check package for amount)

Cooking Instructions

1. Fry the bacon in a pan until crispy.
2. Add the white parts of spring onions and peas.
3. Stir in paprika and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Prepare the noodles as directed on the package.
5. Combine noodles with the bacon mixture.
6. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired.

12) Easy Banana Pancakes

Making banana pancakes is quick and fun. You only need a few ingredients to create a tasty breakfast for one. They are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any morning.

For this recipe, you will use one ripe banana and two eggs. Simply mash the banana in a bowl and mix in the eggs until smooth.

Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Pour a small amount of the batter into the skillet. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Serve your pancakes warm with toppings like syrup, jam, or fruit. Enjoy your delicious, easy banana pancakes!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 large eggs
• Butter or oil (for cooking)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
2. Add the eggs and mix until smooth.
3. Heat the skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Pour batter into the skillet.
5. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip.
6. Cook until golden brown.
7. Serve with your choice of toppings.

13) Turkey and Vegetable Soup

Making turkey and vegetable soup is simple and perfect for a single meal. It uses ground turkey and fresh vegetables, offering a hearty and nutritious option.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Then mix in broth and your choice of vegetables like spinach or green beans.

Let it simmer until everything is tender. Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like for extra flavor. This soup is filling and keeps well for meals later in the week.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 4 ounces ground turkey
• 2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like spinach or green beans)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs (like thyme or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until soft.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
4. Pour in broth and add mixed vegetables.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Enjoy!

14) Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty meal that you can easily make for one. It’s packed with flavor and can be on your table in about 20 minutes. You can use frozen shrimp for convenience.

Start with cooked white rice. Fresh or leftover rice works best. Then, gather your shrimp, green onions, and an egg to bring it all together.

You’ll want to heat some oil in a pan. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.

Then toss in the rice, egg, and green onions. Sauté everything until it’s mixed well.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces small raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or vegetable)
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
3. Push shrimp to one side and pour in the beaten egg. Scramble.
4. Add cooked rice and green onions, mixing everything.
5. Drizzle with soy sauce and stir well. Cook for a few more minutes.

15) Veggie Omelette

A veggie omelette is a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for one. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables. It’s healthy and filling, making it ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

To make your omelette, start by gathering your ingredients. Some good options include onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. You can add cheese if you like.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/8 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/8 cup red pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 egg
• 3 egg whites

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the chopped onions and peppers. Sauté until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat the egg and egg whites together in a bowl.
5. Pour the egg mix over the veggies. Cook until the edges set.
6. Gently fold the omelette in half and serve warm.