Delicious Single Person Recipes for Quick Meals

Cooking for one can often feel monotonous, but it doesn't have to be! There are countless recipes that cater specifically to those of us who only need a single serving. This article compiles a variety of easy and fast recipes that are perfect for solo diners. Whether you're looking for something savory or sweet, there's a little bit of everything. Let's dive into these delightful dishes!

1. Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Baked with Asparagus

This one-pan meal is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy dinner. It's packed with flavor and can be whipped up in about 30 minutes!

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Crushed red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 bunches of asparagus, rinsed and trimmed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, e.g., Sriracha)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or soy sauce
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley
• Slices of lemon, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
2. In a bowl, season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and paprika. Let them marinate while preparing the asparagus.
3. Wash and trim the asparagus, then arrange it on one side of a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, hot sauce, chicken broth, and lemon juice.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken on the baking sheet next to the asparagus. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over both.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
7. Garnish with parsley, crushed chili flakes, and lemon slices before serving.

This dish is not only easy to make but also provides a nutritious balance of protein and vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

2. 90-Second Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

If you're craving pizza but don't want the fuss of a whole pie, this cottage cheese pizza bowl is the perfect solution. It's quick, healthy, and customizable!

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)

1. In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese and marinara sauce.
2. Add your favorite toppings on top.
3. Enjoy your delicious, single-serving pizza bowl!

This dish is not only satisfying but also high in protein, making it a great option for a quick meal or snack!

3. 15-Minute Creamy Spicy Buldak Udon

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this creamy spicy buldak udon is a must-try. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in just 15 minutes!

• Udon noodles
• Minced garlic
• Diced onions
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Seafood mushrooms
• Milk
• Alfredo sauce
• Buldak hot sauce
• Cheese, green onions, seaweed, and Furikake for topping

1. Pour boiling water over frozen udon noodles and drain once separated.
2. Sauté garlic and onion in butter, then add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper until browned.
3. Stir in milk, Alfredo sauce, and buldak hot sauce. Add the udon noodles and mix well.
4. Top with cheese and allow it to melt, then garnish with green onions, seaweed, and Furikake.

This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a unique combination of flavors that will satisfy any craving!

4. Warming Hot Soup with Meatballs, Veggies, and Glass Noodles

This warming soup is a hybrid of Japanese and Chinese flavors, ideal for chilly days. It's light yet comforting!

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 3 Napa cabbage leaves, sliced
• 1 carrot, cut into small chunks
• 1/2 bunch glass noodles, soaked
• For meatballs:
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 150g ground pork
• 1/2 teaspoon bouillon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1. In a pot, combine chicken broth and soy sauce, bringing it to a simmer.
2. Add sliced Napa cabbage, carrot chunks, and soaked glass noodles.
3. For the meatballs, mix ground pork with soy sauce, bouillon, ginger, and salt, then form into small balls and add to the soup.
4. Cook until the meatballs are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

This soup is not only nourishing but also versatile; you can adjust the seasonings to your taste!

5. Single Serving Brownie Recipe

Sometimes you just need a sweet treat, and this single-serving brownie is perfect for chocolate lovers!

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chunks
• Sea salt flakes for topping

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Melt the butter in the microwave and mix with oil.
3. Add the granulated and brown sugars, mixing well.
4. Incorporate the egg and vanilla, then mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
5. Fold in chocolate chunks and pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then sprinkle with flaky salt and let cool before enjoying!

This brownie is fudgy and delicious, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of making a full batch!

6. Easy Japanese Curry Noodle Recipe

This Japanese curry noodle dish is hearty and comforting, making it a perfect meal for one.

• 1 bunch dried noodles
• Leafy greens, such as gailan
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 1/2 - 2 cups water
• 1 Japanese curry cube, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Thinly sliced beef
• Pan-fried egg
• Green onions to top

1. Boil the noodles with leafy greens until al dente, then remove from pot.
2. In the same pot, heat oil and sauté onions and tomatoes for 3 minutes.
3. Add the curry cubes and water, stirring until well combined.
4. Once simmering, add noodles and beef, cooking until the beef is done.
5. Finish with leafy greens, a pan-fried egg, and top with green onions.

This dish brings a taste of Japan right to your kitchen, and it's easy to make in just one pot!

7. Single Serving Edible Cookie Dough

This edible cookie dough is a fun and safe way to indulge your sweet tooth without baking!

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well blended.
2. Enjoy your delicious, no-bake cookie dough!

This treat is perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix or an afternoon snack!

Conclusion

Cooking for one doesn't have to be a chore. With these simple and delightful recipes, you can whip up quick meals that are both satisfying and delicious. From savory chicken and noodles to sweet treats like brownies and cookie dough, there's something here for every craving. So gather your ingredients, and enjoy your time in the kitchen!