When you’re cooking for one, it can be tempting to mix and match anything. You are not looking to show off your skill or impress anyone with a perfectly balanced and plated dish. But the truth is that when you start looking for ideas for one’s dinner, you just might get inspired.
Check out these singles recipes and make yourself a meal to remember tonight.
baked gnocchi
Two things that go together perfectly are pasta and cheese. And when you combine them in a skillet and bake them, it’s absolute perfection. You can add tomato sauce or basil pesto to this dish to spice it up, or just keep it simple with this Spinach and Cheese Dip to make your senses sing.
Ramen
Forget about the little packages of ramen that you find in a store. If you want to delight your palate after a long day at work, why not make homemade ramen? Create a vegetable or meat broth and then add noodles to it. Top with chopped chives or sliced garlic and enjoy!
Chicken Caesar Salad
Not all salads are worth the effort, but if you’re looking for easy meals for one, a Chicken Caesar Salad is a great option. And because it contains protein, it’s a delicious meal that will keep you satisfied.
nachos
Sometimes you want a quick and easy meal, but you want something that will keep you full all night. Enter nachos. They’re so easy to make: just place some nacho chips on a plate and top with beans, meat, jalapenos, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, or whatever else you’d like.
Stuffed peppers
If you want to make a meal for one ahead of time, stuffed peppers are a great option. Make the filling by combining meat, vegetables and some kind of sauce (tomato is a great option) and stuff the peppers. You can make all of these ahead of time, and when you’re ready to eat them, pop them in the oven and let all the flavors mingle inside the pepper.
Cauliflower Enchiladas
Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that absorbs the flavors of the ingredients around it. That makes it the perfect vegetable for enchiladas. The cauliflower is mixed with cumin and chile for that delicious Mexican touch and is air-cooked to perfection. It is then combined with tomatoes, stuffed into soft flour tortillas, and grilled with enchilada sauce and cheese. So easy!
mushroom risotto
If you have the time and the patience, the mushroom risotto is a great meal for one. Most chefs cook the risotto in stages to ensure it absorbs the flavors. Remember, slow and steady is the key to a perfect risotto.
Broccoli Chicken Stir Fry
When you want a hot meal with lots of flavors, but don’t have a lot of time to cook, stir-fry is a meal that fits the bill. Your prep time will take longer when you chop the veggies and prepare the chicken, but once you add it to the pan, along with some steamed noodles or rice, your dinner for one will be ready in minutes.
cereal bowl
Are you looking for a plant-based meal for one? Try making a cereal bowl full of nutritious vegetables. You can add zucchini, cabbage, potatoes, chickpeas, and bell peppers for a flavorful bowl. And if you want to add some protein to the mix, add your favorite type of meat or shrimp.
Creamy Garlic Pasta in a Skillet
Pasta is a great and easy meal when dining alone. This one skillet recipe takes no time to prepare, and is well worth the effort to cook at home. Enjoy a glass of wine while you dine on this delight!
poke bowl
Do you love seafood and looking for a fish-inspired dinner for one? A poke bowl is quick and easy to make and will satisfy that craving. You can start with standard rice or use cauliflower rice if you’re looking to lower your carbs. Then add slices of fish like yellowfin tuna or salmon.
Chili
Another excellent food prepared for one is chili. You can cook a large pot of meat or vegetable based chili and save the rest for days when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you want to make your chili even more delicious, place it in an oven-safe dish, add some cookie dough on top, and bake it for about 20 minutes.
chicken piccata
Fancy a restaurant-worthy meal that you can prepare at home? Why not make Chicken Piccata and enjoy life while eating this delicious meal? You can serve it with pasta, steamed asparagus, and a delicious fruit-based dessert like a warm fig cake.
Chickpea Coleslaw
If you want a meal that is healthy and filling, try making a kale chickpea salad. Kale is a superfood and chickpeas are one of the highest protein beans. Combine them to make a delicious salad that will satisfy even the most demanding health enthusiast.
tofu stir fry
If you love stir-fries but don’t like the shrimp or other meats that often accompany them, try substituting tofu. It will give you the texture you want without the meat. And when you add a stir-fry sauce to the dish, the tofu will soak up all the flavor.
baked macaroni and cheese
If you’re in the mood for the cheesy goodness of baked mac and cheese but don’t have the time to make it, you can use the Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker Pro to drastically reduce cooking time.
Burning Frittata
If you want a brinner for one, a frittata is a great option. Once you combine all the ingredients in a pan and pop it in the oven, you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on your favorite TV show or wind down from the day. And the best thing about a frittata is that you can create one that appeals to your senses.
Pumpkin soup
If you are cooking on a cold and rainy day, there is nothing better than soup. And the king of cozy soups is pumpkin soup. Just add some apple, shallot, and spices to make this an autumnal treat. Don’t forget to serve with bread to soak up all that goodness.
Chorizo and Pepper Calzones
Do you love a hearty Italian meal? The sausage and pepper calzones take a bit of work, but are so worth it. If you prepare this wonderful dish, do not forget to cook an equally Italian dessert so that your culinary experience is perfect.
Dinner for one can be exquisite
Just because you’re the only one at the table doesn’t mean you have to skimp on dinner or do something just because it’s easy. Treat yourself and cook a dinner you’d be proud to serve to anyone.
