15 Easy Dinner Recipes Perfect For Cooking For One

Cooking for one does not have to mean relying on frozen dinners or eating the same leftovers for days. With the right recipes, you can prepare balanced, flavorful meals that are portioned perfectly for a single serving. These recipes are simple, quick, and flexible, allowing you to enjoy variety without wasting ingredients. From skillet meals and salads to soups and pasta dishes, this collection will show you how cooking for one can be satisfying and stress-free.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice

Shrimp is a protein that cooks quickly, making it ideal for solo meals. Heat a pan with butter and garlic, then sauté peeled shrimp until they turn pink and fragrant. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor, while serving it over steamed rice keeps the dish filling. Frozen peas, corn, or spinach can be stirred in for extra nutrients. The entire meal takes less than 15 minutes, yet it feels indulgent and satisfying. With minimal prep and only one pan, this is an easy dinner that tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.

2. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

This wrap is a great choice for when you want something light but hearty enough to fill you up. Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, grated parmesan, and cooked chicken breast. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly cook a fillet in a skillet. Place everything inside a tortilla, and you have a convenient handheld dinner. Croutons can be added for crunch, while cherry tomatoes bring freshness. Unlike a large salad, this portion is easy to manage and requires no extra storage, making it a smart pick for single diners.

3. Baked Salmon with Vegetables

Baking a single salmon fillet in foil is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a nutritious meal without creating extra dishes. Place the salmon on foil or parchment, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and top with lemon slices. Add chopped vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers around the fish. Fold into a pouch and bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes. The salmon emerges tender and flaky, while the vegetables absorb the savory juices. This balanced, one-tray meal delivers lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber in a perfectly portioned serving.

4. One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Cooking pasta for one becomes effortless with the one-pot method. Place dry pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and broth in a pot, and simmer until the pasta is tender. Stir in fresh spinach at the end, letting it wilt gently. Finish with parmesan or feta for extra creaminess. This recipe avoids the need for a separate sauce and reduces cleanup to a single pan. The flavor is light but satisfying, with juicy tomatoes balancing the pasta. It is also easy to customize with mushrooms, olives, or leftover vegetables, making it both convenient and versatile for solo cooking.

5. Turkey or Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato Fries

A burger can be scaled down easily for one person. Shape a single patty from ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternatives, season it, and cook in a skillet until done. Place it on a bun with toppings like avocado, lettuce, and tomato. For a healthier side, slice a sweet potato into wedges, season with olive oil and spices, and roast until crisp. The combination feels complete and comforting, yet you avoid excess portions. This meal balances protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, offering the flavor of a takeout burger without the expense or oversized serving.

6. Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu

A stir-fry is a flexible dinner that works well for one because you can adjust portions with ease. Start by pan-frying cubes of firm tofu until golden. Add colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, then toss everything with soy sauce, garlic, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted if you want to save time on chopping. This dish is healthy, customizable, and quick, offering both plant-based protein and plenty of fiber in every bite.

7. Caprese Stuffed Avocado

For evenings when cooking feels like too much, a Caprese stuffed avocado delivers flavor without effort. Cut a ripe avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out a little flesh to make room for the filling. Add cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. This recipe is fresh, creamy, and satisfying, while requiring no heat or long prep time. Pair it with a slice of bread or enjoy it on its own as a nutrient-rich dinner. It is especially appealing if you want Mediterranean flavors without turning on the stove.

8. Sheet-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

Cooking with a sheet pan is a practical way to prepare a full dinner for one. Place a chicken thigh or breast on a baking tray, surround it with carrots, zucchini, or small potatoes, and season everything with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and golden. The juices from the chicken enrich the vegetables, tying the dish together. With only one pan to clean, this recipe saves time and effort while providing a balanced meal of protein, fiber, and satisfying roasted flavors.

9. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This Italian pasta dish demonstrates how a few pantry ingredients can create a flavorful dinner. Cook a portion of spaghetti, then toss it with olive oil infused with sautéed garlic and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and finish with grated cheese if desired. The result is aromatic, light, and comforting, without the need for a heavy sauce. It is a perfect recipe for days when you want something simple yet elegant. If you prefer, you can add shrimp or chicken for extra protein, but it remains satisfying even on its own.

10. Lentil Soup for One

Lentil soup is an excellent option when you want something hearty and wholesome. Cook lentils with diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in vegetable broth until tender. Season with thyme, cumin, or bay leaves for depth of flavor. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber, making this meal filling without being heavy. Because they cook faster than other legumes, you can prepare this soup in less than an hour. Serve it with a slice of bread, or refrigerate a small portion for lunch the next day, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

11. Tuna Salad with Crackers or Toast

Canned tuna is a dependable ingredient for quick single-serving meals. Mix tuna with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, diced celery, onion, and lemon juice for brightness. Spread it on toast or pair with crackers for a light dinner. For added freshness, include sliced cucumber or avocado. This dish requires no cooking and can be assembled in less than 10 minutes. It is also nutrient-dense, providing protein and omega-3s in every serving. Easy, affordable, and filling, tuna salad is a practical choice for nights when you want minimal effort but still need a complete meal.

12. Omelet with Spinach and Cheese

An omelet is a classic way to prepare a quick and satisfying dinner. Whisk a couple of eggs and cook them in a skillet until just set, then fold in spinach and cheese. The result is fluffy and flavorful, while remaining easy to customize. You can add mushrooms, tomatoes, or leftover vegetables to reduce waste. Served with toast or a side salad, the omelet becomes a balanced meal rich in protein and nutrients. Ready in minutes, it is the perfect dinner when you want something simple, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.

13. Stuffed Sweet Potato

A single sweet potato can be transformed into a hearty dinner with the right toppings. Bake or microwave it until soft, then cut it open and fill with ingredients of your choice. Black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese create a Southwestern-style version, while sautéed greens with feta offer a lighter take. Sweet potatoes are naturally high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them both nutritious and filling. This dish is warm, versatile, and portioned perfectly for one, giving you comfort food that is healthy and easy to prepare.

14. Seared Steak with Side Salad

Cooking steak for one is not as intimidating as it seems. Choose a smaller cut such as sirloin or filet, season it well, and sear in a hot skillet until it reaches your preferred doneness. Allow it to rest before slicing, then serve alongside a crisp side salad of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This dinner feels like a treat but does not require much effort or preparation. By cooking only a single portion, you avoid large leftovers while still enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home.

15. Ramen with Fresh Toppings

Instant ramen can be upgraded into a balanced dinner with fresh additions. Cook the noodles as directed, but enhance the broth with soy sauce, sesame oil, or miso paste instead of relying only on the seasoning packet. Add toppings like boiled egg, spinach, mushrooms, or scallions for texture and nutrition. These simple upgrades transform a basic packet into a wholesome meal that feels homemade. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish proves that even convenience foods can become satisfying and complete with the right touches.