When it comes to cooking for one, it can be challenging to find recipes that are not only delicious but also perfectly portioned. Many recipes seem designed for a crowd, leaving you with leftovers or worse, wasted ingredients. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with these 18 quick and easy dinner recipes that are perfect for one.
From seafood to chicken, pasta to pizza, we’ve rounded up a variety of dishes that can be cooked in no time and won’t leave you feeling like you’re eating off someone else’s plate. Whether you’re a busy professional or a student looking for a simple meal solution, these recipes are sure to please. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy your perfectly portioned dinner!
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines succulent shrimp, savory garlic butter, and healthy zucchini noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (about 2 cups)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let melt and then add zucchini noodles. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly tender.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with zucchini noodles and garlic butter sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies
Brighten up your dinner routine with this flavorful one-pan dish, featuring tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a zesty lemon herb sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
4. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add garlic, mixed veggies, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Return chicken to the pan, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
This recipe combines the rich flavors of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato with the earthy goodness of portobello mushrooms. Perfect for a quick and impressive appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, basil, and a pinch of salt.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the mozzarella mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top each mushroom with diced tomato and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Teriyaki Salmon with Steamed Rice
Experience the flavors of Japan with this simple and delicious recipe that combines sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with tender salmon and fluffy steamed rice. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp grated ginger
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and grated ginger.
5. Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Cook white rice according to package instructions.
8. Serve the baked salmon with steamed rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
This flavorful recipe combines the richness of feta cheese with the nutritional benefits of spinach, all wrapped up in a tender chicken breast. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe combines the simplicity of spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti with garlic and oil) with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes. The result is a deliciously balanced dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
3. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
4. Drain cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic and tomato mixture. Toss everything together, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This classic casserole is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Pour the creamy sauce over the rice mixture and stir until combined.
5. Transfer the casserole to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado and Egg Toast with a Side Salad
Start your day off right with this creamy and nutritious breakfast recipe. Avocado, eggs, and whole grain toast come together in perfect harmony, paired with a refreshing side salad.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of whole grain bread
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. Top toast with mashed avocado and a fried or poached egg.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Serve the salad alongside the avocado and egg toast.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter Green Beans
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines tender pan-seared steak with crispy garlic butter green beans. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1.5-2 pounds flank steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
4. While the steak is cooking, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add green beans to the garlic butter pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
6. Serve the steak with the garlic butter green beans.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loaded Sweet Potato with Black Beans and Salsa
Transform a humble sweet potato into a flavorful fiesta with black beans, salsa, and creamy goodness! This loaded sweet potato is the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. While sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
4. Split the baked sweet potatoes open and top each with black bean mixture, salsa, salt, and pepper.
5. Add any desired toppings (shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro).
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Mini Margherita Pizza on Naan Bread
Create delicious mini pizzas on naan bread with a classic margherita flavor profile. Perfect for parties, snacks, or as a quick meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of naan bread (6-8 pieces)
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Divide the naan bread into smaller squares or rectangles.
3. Spread a small amount of tomato sauce on each piece, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Top with a few fresh basil leaves and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Tofu Stir-Fry
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional stir-fries, this recipe combines the richness of honey with the bold flavors of sriracha for a truly addictive dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 tsp sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha sauce, and olive oil.
3. Add tofu and toss to coat with glaze.
4. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
6. Return tofu to the wok; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Savor the flavors of summer with this comforting tomato basil soup, elevated by crispy grilled cheese croutons. This creamy and tangy soup is a perfect accompaniment to a cozy evening or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, broth, cream, tomato paste, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Grill bread slices with butter until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
4. Blend soup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, topped with grilled cheese croutons and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops with Asparagus
This refreshing seafood dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Pan-seared scallops are smothered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served atop tender asparagus spears.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound fresh asparagus spears, trimmed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season scallops with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add lemon juice, white wine (if using), and scallops. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes or until scallops are cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, steam asparagus spears in a separate pot with 1 tablespoon water until tender.
7. Serve scallops atop asparagus with lemon garlic butter sauce spooned over.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan
This classic Italian-inspired dish combines the bold flavors of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, combine pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the pesto mixture.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves (if using) on top of the pasta. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla with Avocado Slices
Transform your favorite BBQ chicken into a crispy, cheesy quesadilla filled with creamy avocado slices. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked BBQ chicken
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each tortilla.
3. Place one tortilla, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with shredded cheese, diced bell pepper, and BBQ chicken.
5. Fold tortilla in half to enclose filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Serve with avocado slices on top and your choice of toppings (sour cream, salsa, cilantro).
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes per quesadilla
One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Peas and Carrots
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the rice to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly toasted.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the pot, then add the peas and carrots.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Egg Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
A simple and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that combines cooked rice with scrambled eggs, mixed vegetables, and savory seasonings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; stir-fry until softened (about 2 minutes).
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender-crisp (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the vegetable mixture.
6. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper; stir-fry until well combined and heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Summary
Looking for quick and easy dinner recipes that are perfectly portioned? Look no further! This article features 18 delicious and easy-to-make recipes, each designed to serve one person. From seafood options like Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops with Asparagus, to chicken and rice dishes like One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies and One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Peas and Carrots, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory casserole, a flavorful stir-fry, or a satisfying quesadilla, these recipes are sure to please. And the best part? They’re all quick, easy, and perfectly portioned for one person.