9 Simple and Delicious Meals for One Person to Try
Cooking for one person can sometimes feel tricky. When I first started living alone, I often wondered if it was worth putting effort into making a proper meal just for myself. Most recipes seemed designed for families, and I ended up with too many leftovers that went to waste. Over time, I discovered that cooking solo isn’t just practical it can actually be fun, relaxing, and deeply rewarding. Preparing meals for one person allows you to experiment with flavors, enjoy your favorite dishes exactly how you like them, and create nourishing plates without too much fuss.
Today, I’m sharing 9 meals for one person that I’ve cooked countless times. These are comforting, simple, and full of variety. Whether you love quick one-pan dinners, lighter healthy bowls, or cozy comfort food, there’s something here to inspire your next solo meal.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Veggies
When I first started cooking for myself, I realized that washing too many dishes was the part I disliked the most. That’s why this one-pan lemon garlic chicken quickly became one of my favorite meals for one person. The chicken gets coated in a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, which not only keeps it juicy but also gives it a fresh, zesty flavor. Pairing it with hearty veggies like carrots, zucchini, and potatoes means I don’t have to think about side dishes everything roasts together in the same pan.
The best part is how effortless it feels. By the time the chicken turns golden and tender, the vegetables are perfectly caramelized and ready to eat. There’s no juggling multiple pots or pans, and cleanup is as easy as rinsing one baking tray. It’s the kind of solo dinner that feels homey and satisfying without demanding much time, making it ideal for busy nights or when you just want something wholesome without the hassle.
Single-Serving Pasta Primavera
Pasta has always been my ultimate comfort food, but when I’m cooking just for myself, I don’t want a heavy, oversized dish that leaves me with too many leftovers. That’s why I love making a single-serving pasta primavera. It’s colorful, fresh, and flexible enough to work with whatever vegetables I already have in the fridge. I usually sauté a quick mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, then toss them with a small portion of pasta and finish it off with a light sprinkle of parmesan. The result is warm, satisfying, and far from boring.
What makes this dish so enjoyable is how customizable it is. Some nights I’ll add zucchini or spinach, and other times I’ll swap in broccoli or peas each version tastes just a little different, which keeps it exciting. Even though it’s a simple solo dinner, it always feels like a balanced, home-cooked meal. Cooking pasta primavera for one reminds me that comfort food can still be light, fresh, and perfectly portioned for a single plate.
Cozy Lentil Soup for One
There are days when nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of soup, especially after a long or tiring day. Lentil soup has become one of my personal favorites because it’s hearty enough to feel like a complete meal, yet light and nourishing at the same time. Making it in a small batch is surprisingly easy I just simmer lentils with chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and a little cumin until everything blends into a fragrant, comforting bowl. The flavors are simple, earthy, and satisfying, and it always feels like a hug in food form.
What I love most about lentil soup is how practical it is when cooking for one. It doesn’t require expensive ingredients, it cooks fairly quickly, and it makes just enough to enjoy without overwhelming leftovers. Sometimes I even store an extra jar in the freezer so I have something homemade ready for the nights when I don’t feel like cooking. It’s a meal that’s not only cozy but also convenient perfect for solo dining with minimal effort.
Classic Omelette with Fresh Greens
One of the best parts of cooking for myself is that I get to break all the rules like having breakfast for dinner. A classic omelette is my go-to when I want something quick, comforting, and filling without much effort. I whisk up a couple of eggs and fold in spinach, juicy tomatoes, and just the right amount of cheese so it melts into a fluffy, golden omelette. It comes together in minutes, which makes it perfect for those nights when I’m too tired for anything complicated but still want a proper meal.
What I love most about making an omelette is how flexible it is. Some nights I toss in fresh herbs for extra flavor, and other times I use up leftover roasted veggies from the fridge it’s never the same twice, which keeps it exciting. Paired with a small side salad or even a slice of toast, it feels like a complete and balanced dinner. Cooking solo means I can experiment with fillings and flavors without worrying about anyone else’s preferences, and that freedom makes this simple dish one of my favorites.
Grilled Salmon with Steamed Vegetables
When I’m in the mood for something light yet satisfying, grilled salmon is one of my favorite choices. A single fillet is just the right portion for one person, and seasoning it couldn’t be easier a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a little salt and pepper is all it needs. Once it hits the pan or grill, the salmon cooks quickly and stays tender, with that perfect balance of fresh and savory flavor. Paired with steamed broccoli and a small serving of rice, it feels like a wholesome, complete meal without being heavy.
Cooking fish for one used to feel intimidating to me, but once I tried it, I realized how effortless it can be. A single fillet cooks in under 10 minutes, and there’s no complicated prep or long list of ingredients required. It’s the kind of dish that makes me feel like I’m treating myself to something special, even on an ordinary weeknight. Light, fresh, and nourishing, grilled salmon with vegetables is one of those meals that proves cooking solo can be just as rewarding as dining out.
Read More About:10 Comforting Meals with Chicken You’ll Cook Again and Again
Loaded Sweet Potato Bowl
Sweet potatoes have become one of my favorite ingredients for solo meals because they’re naturally sized for just one person. I bake a single potato until it’s soft and tender, then split it open and pile on toppings like black beans, creamy avocado, fresh salsa, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt. The combination of flavors is hearty, satisfying, and full of color it feels like a comfort food dish that also happens to be nourishing. Every bite has a little bit of sweetness, creaminess, and spice, which makes it one of those meals I look forward to making.
What I really enjoy about loaded sweet potato bowls is how versatile they are. Some nights I’ll add shredded chicken for extra protein, and other times I swap in roasted chickpeas for a plant-based twist. It’s a dish that works year-round, whether I’m craving something warm and cozy in winter or light and fresh in summer. For me, this meal is the perfect example of how cooking for one can be simple, balanced, and fun to customize without any extra effort.
Mini Stir-Fry with Rice or Noodles
One of the easiest ways I use up leftovers is by turning them into a quick stir-fry. If I’ve got half a bell pepper, a couple of broccoli florets, or even a small piece of leftover chicken, I chop everything up and toss it into a hot pan with a little garlic and soy sauce. Because I’m cooking just one portion, it all comes together in minutes, and I can decide whether I want to serve it over fluffy rice or toss it with noodles for something a little heartier. It’s fast, flavorful, and never feels repetitive because the ingredients change depending on what’s in my fridge.
What makes stir-fry so perfect for solo cooking is its flexibility. Some nights I’ll keep it simple with just vegetables, while other times I’ll add shrimp, beef, or tofu for extra protein. The sauce can be as basic as soy sauce and sesame oil or more adventurous with ginger, chili, or peanut butter. No matter how I make it, a mini stir-fry is always satisfying, colorful, and easy to clean up afterward. It’s the kind of meal that reminds me how fun and stress-free cooking for one can really be.
Personal Flatbread Pizza
Pizza is one of those foods I’ll always crave, but ordering takeout just for myself often feels like too much. That’s why I started making personal flatbread pizzas at home, and now it’s one of my favorite solo dinners. Using a piece of naan or even a tortilla as the base makes it perfectly sized for one person. I spread a little tomato sauce, sprinkle on cheese, and then top it with whatever I’m in the mood for sometimes mushrooms and olives, other times leftover chicken or fresh veggies from the fridge. It only takes about 10 minutes in the oven, and suddenly I’ve got a crispy, melty, homemade pizza all to myself.
What I love most is how customizable it is. Each time feels like a different pizza night because I can play with toppings and flavors without committing to a giant pie. Some evenings I’ll go classic with mozzarella and basil, while other times I’ll make a barbecue chicken version or even a veggie-loaded one. It’s quick, satisfying, and just the right size for one person no leftovers, no waste, just pure comfort in a single serving.
Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocado
On warm evenings when I don’t feel like turning on the stove, tuna salad stuffed avocado is one of my go-to meals. It’s light, refreshing, and takes just a few minutes to put together. I mix canned tuna with a little mayo, mustard, and some crunchy chopped celery, then spoon it into half an avocado. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the savory tuna, and the combination feels surprisingly satisfying for such a simple dish. It’s the kind of meal that looks elegant enough to serve to guests but is really just a quick fix for myself.
What I enjoy most about this meal is how balanced it feels without being heavy. Paired with a handful of whole grain crackers or even a small side salad, it becomes a complete dinner that doesn’t leave me weighed down. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile I sometimes add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, swap mustard for lemon juice, or even mix in diced pickles for extra tang. Easy, healthy, and full of flavor, tuna salad stuffed avocado is the perfect example of how meals for one person can still feel special.
Read More About:9 Comforting Meals with Ground Beef You’ll Make Again
FAQs
What are some quick meals for one person after work?
Quick options include omelettes, stir-fries, flatbread pizzas, or a grilled cheese with soup. These take under 20 minutes and don’t require complicated prep.
How can I avoid wasting food when cooking for one?
Choose single-serving ingredients like sweet potatoes, salmon fillets, or canned beans. Planning smaller portions and freezing extras also helps reduce waste.
Are there healthy meals for one person that are easy to make?
Yes! Try chickpea and quinoa salad, baked salmon with veggies, or a stuffed sweet potato. These are nutritious, filling, and perfectly portioned for one.
What are the best budget-friendly meals for one person?
Affordable options include lentil soup, tuna salad with avocado, or veggie stir-fry with rice. Buying versatile ingredients you can use across multiple recipes keeps costs low.
Can I meal prep when cooking just for myself?
Absolutely! Simple dishes like quinoa bowls, roasted veggies, or soup can be portioned into containers and enjoyed over several days without feeling repetitive.
How do I make solo cooking more enjoyable?
Play music, set the table nicely, or experiment with new flavors. Cooking for yourself is a form of self-care it doesn’t need to feel like a chore.
Conclusion
Cooking meals for one person doesn’t need to feel limiting it’s actually an opportunity to explore flavors, cook just what you love, and enjoy food on your own terms. From one-pan chicken dinners to simple soups, salads, and comfort classics, there are endless ways to make solo cooking both easy and exciting. Each meal becomes a small act of self-care, reminding you that taking time to cook for yourself is just as valuable as cooking for a group.
Whether you’re looking for healthy, budget-friendly, or cozy comfort food options, these 12 ideas show that cooking for one can be practical, fun, and deeply satisfying. So the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t settle for snacks or boring leftovers treat yourself to a delicious, well-balanced meal that’s made just for you. After all, you deserve it.
