Cooking for One: Simple and Delicious Recipes

Cooking for one can sometimes feel like a challenge—especially when recipes are designed to feed a crowd or produce endless leftovers. But eating alone doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or variety. In fact, cooking smaller portions gives you the opportunity to experiment with different flavors and create meals that are fresh, quick, and satisfying. In this guide, we’ll explore simple recipes and tips that make cooking for one a breeze, while also helping you avoid food waste by using leftovers creatively.

Tips for Cooking for One

  1. Embrace One-Pan Meals
    One-pan meals are a game-changer for cooking for one. They’re easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and they allow you to control portion sizes. Using a sheet pan, skillet, or even a small baking dish means you can roast, sauté, and bake all in the same place—no extra dishes required.
  2. Plan for Leftovers (But Not Too Many!)
    Even though you’re cooking for one, planning for a little extra can be a time-saver. But instead of making enough to feed an army, aim to cook just slightly more than you need. Leftovers can often be repurposed into a different dish or enjoyed the next day for lunch or dinner.
  3. Store Ingredients Properly
    To avoid wasting ingredients, focus on buying items that last a bit longer (like frozen vegetables, shelf-stable pasta, or canned beans). For perishable ingredients, store them correctly and use them within a few days to ensure they don’t go to waste. Additionally, you can freeze portions of fresh herbs or meats to extend their shelf life.
  4. Invest in Single-Serve Containers
    Investing in small containers will help you store your food for the next meal and make sure you’re not tempted to overeat or waste leftovers. It also makes meal prepping easier for future meals.

Simple Recipes for Cooking for One

Here are a few easy, flavorful, and satisfying recipes that are designed specifically for solo diners:

1. One-Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This simple pasta dish is a one-pan wonder, combining garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese in a deliciously creamy sauce. Plus, it’s quick to make and doesn’t leave a ton of leftovers.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

2. Personal Margherita Pizza

Making your own pizza for one is fun and customizable. You can use store-bought dough or even a flatbread or pita for a quicker option.

Ingredients:

  • 1 personal-sized pizza dough (or flatbread)
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using pizza dough, roll it out to your desired thickness on a baking sheet. If using flatbread or pita, place it directly on the baking sheet.
  2. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden.
  5. Remove from the oven and drizzle with olive oil. Top with fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper.

3. Stir-Fried Veggies and Chicken (One-Pan)

A simple and healthy one-pan stir-fry is perfect for using up leftover vegetables and protein. Customize with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, etc.)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp olive oil or sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Rice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until they’re tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. If desired, serve with a side of rice for a complete meal.

4. Egg and Avocado Toast

When you’re short on time or ingredients, a simple egg and avocado toast is a quick and satisfying meal. You can easily scale this recipe up or down.

Ingredients:

  • 1 slice whole-grain or sourdough bread
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 egg (fried, scrambled, or poached)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes or fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the bread to your preferred level of crispiness.
  2. While the bread is toasting, mash the avocado in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the egg to your liking (fried, scrambled, or poached).
  4. Spread the mashed avocado on the toasted bread, and top with the cooked egg.
  5. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for extra flavor, if desired.

5. Veggie & Hummus Wrap

This wrap is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s quick, healthy, and filling, and you can swap in any veggies or spreads you have on hand.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large whole-wheat or spinach tortilla
  • 2 tbsp hummus
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp feta cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Lay the tortilla flat on a plate.
  2. Spread hummus evenly over the entire surface.
  3. Layer on the shredded carrots, spinach leaves, cucumber slices, and feta cheese.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Roll up the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Slice in half and serve.

How to Store and Repurpose Leftovers

Even when cooking for one, leftovers are inevitable. Here are a few tips to help you store ingredients and repurpose them for your next meal:

  1. Store leftovers in small portions: Use airtight containers to store leftover meals in the fridge. You can also freeze single servings to eat at a later time.
  2. Repurpose proteins: Leftover chicken or beef can easily be added to salads, wraps, or mixed into pasta for a quick and easy next-day meal.
  3. Reimagine veggies: Roast extra vegetables and repurpose them into soups, omelets, or grain bowls. They’re also great additions to salads or pasta dishes.
  4. Use leftover sauces and spreads: If you have leftover sauces, dressings, or spreads, they can be used as dips or added to wraps and sandwiches for a flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

Cooking for one doesn’t have to be daunting or time-consuming. With the right recipes, a little planning, and the ability to repurpose leftovers, you can enjoy delicious, homemade meals without wasting food or feeling overwhelmed. From simple one-pan meals to personal pizzas and healthy wraps, there’s no limit to what you can create for yourself. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of cooking solo—your taste buds will thank you!

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