Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean takeout or uninspired leftovers. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you can whip up satisfying meals that feel anything but lonely. Here are ten dinner ideas designed for solo cooks: each recipe serves one, comes together in around 20 minutes or less, and uses just a few ingredients.
1. One‑Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
Toss a single chicken breast (or thigh) with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Push it to one side, add trimmed green beans, a splash of water, cover for two minutes, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
2. Caprese Avocado Toast
Toast one slice of crusty bread. Mash half an avocado with a pinch of salt, pepper and red‑pepper flakes, and spread it on the toast. Top with sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls (or torn mozzarella), basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze and extra-virgin olive oil.
3. 5‑Minute Tuna Fried Rice
Heat a small skillet with a splash of sesame or vegetable oil. Add ½ a beaten egg, scramble briefly, then stir in 100 g cooked rice (day‑old or microwaved). Push rice aside, add a drained can of tuna, soy sauce and chopped scallions. Toss until everything is hot and coated in sauce.
4. Single‑Served Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Cook 75 g spaghetti until al dente. Meanwhile, gently sizzle two thinly sliced garlic cloves and a pinch of chili flakes in 15 ml olive oil. Drain the pasta, toss immediately with the garlic oil, a handful of parsley, salt, pepper and a final drizzle of oil. Finish with grated Parmesan if desired.
5. Sheet‑Pan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Hash
Cube a small sweet potato and toss with 100 g canned chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika and salt. Roast on a foil‑lined sheet pan at 200 °C for about 15 minutes until tender. Serve topped with a fried or poached egg for extra protein.
6. Quick Shrimp Tacos
Marinate 100 g shrimp in lime juice, garlic powder and chili powder for five minutes. Sear in a hot skillet for two minutes per side. Warm two small tortillas, fill with shrimp, shredded cabbage, cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream mixed with a squeeze of lime.
7. Vegetable‑Loaded Quesadilla
Layer one tortilla with shredded cheese, leftover roasted veggies (peppers, zucchini, onions) and another tortilla on top. Cook in a dry pan for two minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.
8. One‑Bowl Greek Salad with Grilled Halloumi
Toss chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives and feta with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper in a bowl. Grill 50 g halloumi slices for one minute per side, then add to the salad for a salty, satisfying finish.
9. Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Sauté 100 g sliced mushrooms with a knob of butter until browned. Stir in 60 g orzo, cook for one minute, then add 200 ml vegetable stock. Simmer, stirring, until the orzo is tender and the liquid absorbed. Stir in a splash of cream and chopped parsley.
10. Peanut Butter Ramen
Cook one portion of instant ramen noodles (discarding the flavor packet). In the drained pot, whisk together 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar and chili flakes. Return the noodles to the sauce, toss until creamy, and top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
With these ten meal ideas in your repertoire, cooking for one becomes an opportunity to experiment, reduce waste, and enjoy freshly made food every night. No more boring leftovers—just simple, flavorful dinners designed with the solo cook in mind.
