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Home » Cooking for One Articles

By Joanie Zisk Published: Dec 1, 2021 · Updated: Dec 2, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Easy Dinner Ideas For One

Answer the question of what to make for dinner with these quick and easy dinner ideas for one. These single serving dinner recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for anyone cooking for one.

Pork Stir Fry with white rice topped with sesame seeds

What to make for dinner? Coming up with dinner ideas to answer this question every day is a challenge. Especially when you are cooking for one.

It’s often hard to find the time to cook, especially if you’re cooking for yourself. It can sometimes be easier to cook from a box or to order from a local restaurant. But the simple act of preparing a meal for ourselves is one of the most nurturing, loving things we can do. It’s a real form of self-care and when you have the ingredients and a desire to cook, you can create and enjoy a fabulous meal for one in no time.

More and more of us have been turning toward healthy eating and taking control by preparing our own meals. There has been more interest in learning how to cook, being exposed to new dishes at restaurants as well as from foodie shows. We want to make those dishes at home as well as have some fun experimenting with different ingredients or spices to make something that we enjoy. That is where the fun begins.

To create single serving meals that you'll want to make and enjoy, we would like to offer some easy and quick dinner ideas that are the perfect place to start.

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Easy Dinner Ideas For One

Pork Stir Fry For One

A pork stir fry recipe that's easy to make and filled with flavor. Ground pork seasoned perfectly and cooked with vegetables served with a terrific sauce over rice. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
ground pork stir fry in a blue bowl next to onions and parsley

Chicken Caprese For One

Healthy baked Chicken Caprese, an easy to make recipe filled with flavor! One chicken breast, seasoned and baked along with one sliced tomato, onions, a splash of balsamic and topped with melted Mozzarella cheese. A wonderful single serving meal!
Check out this recipe
caprese chicken with roasted cauliflower on a white plate next to a yellow flower

Turkey Chili For One

Easy Turkey Chili recipe made with lean ground turkey, tomatoes, vegetables, and spices. A healthier alternative to beef chili, this flavor packed single serving meal can be ready in around 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Turkey Chili For One | One Dish Kitchen

Salisbury Steak Recipe For One

This Salisbury Steak Recipe For One is single serving comfort food at it's finest. Low in carbs and topped with a mushroom, onion gravy. Made with with pantry staples, this comforting meal can be ready in minutes.
Check out this recipe
Salisbury Steak For One | One Dish Kitchen

Chicken and Rice Casserole For One

You won't find canned soup in this chicken and rice casserole made with mushrooms, garlic, and cream. This wonderful single serving recipe is filled with so much flavor!
Check out this recipe
a mini chicken and rice casserole topped with chopped green peppers in a square red baking dish

Steak Fajitas For One

Classic Tex Mex steak fajitas are an easy and adaptable dish to make. Consider topping yours with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. For a low-carb option, enjoy the cooked steak and vegetables over a plate of chopped salad greens: truly spectacular!
Check out this recipe
two steak fajitas filled with beef and yellow peppers in a black cast iron plate

Lemon Garlic Chicken For One

Easy to make and full of flavor, this Lemon Garlic Chicken For One is sure to please. This single serving meal cooks in under 30 minutes and can be cooked in the oven or on the grill. Serve over rice or orzo pasta. For a low carb variation, serve in a lettuce wrap.
Check out this recipe
lemon garlic chicken on a bed of cooked orzo pasta

Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Meal For One

Simple Sausage and Peppers Sheet Pan Recipe For One. Easy cleanup because everything is cooked on one sheet pan! Simple, easy, and incredibly delicious.
Check out this recipe
Roasted sausage, red and yellow peppers and onions in a white and blue bowl

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

This small batch of buffalo chicken tenders are perfect for lunch or dinner. The seasoned chicken strips are baked and then tossed in a homemade buffalo sauce. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
a white plate with three pieces of breaded chicken pieces on top of fresh spinach and buffalo sauce

Baked Stuffed Fish For One

Fish fillet stuffed with sautéed bacon, celery, onions and garlic. Bakes in 30 minutes! Low carb and delicious!
Check out this recipe
Baked Stuffed Fish Fillet For One | One Dish Kitchen

Creamy Mustard Chicken For One

Easy Creamy Mustard Chicken Recipe - a single serving version of a classic French dish. One chicken breast (or thigh) cooked in a velvety smooth and creamy mustard tarragon sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
mustard chicken in a blue bowl on a silver tray

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken For One

A recipe that's been in our family for years, this slow cooker Italian chicken is a winner! Made with simple ingredients and packed with amazing flavors. This single serving version features tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Wonderful served over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Check out this recipe
chicken thighs topped with marinara sauce next to roasted potatoes on a clear plate

Crustless Quiche Lorraine For One

You certainly won't miss the crust in this lovely Crustless Quiche Lorraine for one! It's perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe
a mini quiche lorraine in a small red baking dish next to a glass of red wine

Shrimp Scampi For One

This easy shrimp scampi recipe features shrimp simmering in a luscious garlic butter sauce and is served over pasta. This simple single serving meal looks elegant but takes just minutes to make!
Check out this recipe
a plate of shrimp scampi on a silver tray next to a brown napkin

Seared Scallops For One

Learn how easy it is to make a few pan seared scallops with a golden crust and melt-in-your-mouth texture. An elegant dish yet so easy to make! Perfect for a special occasion or any day of the week. Ready in minutes!
Check out this recipe
five pan seared scallops in a mini cast iron skillet next to sliced lemons and topped with chopped parsley.

Spinach Manicotti For One

Spinach Manicotti For One! Two manicotti or cannelloni noodles filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and plenty of cheese. Easy and deeply satisfying!
Check out this recipe
Two ricotta and spinach stuffed cannelloni noodles on a white plate.

Single Serving Side Dish Options

Whether you're preparing a weeknight dinner or something special for the weekend, many cooks struggle with not only dinner ideas for one but also what to serve along with the main dish. A side salad or steamed vegetables seems like the easiest way to go - and it’s a perfectly fine one too.

We've also got several side dish recipes that are not only easy to make but incredibly delicious. These quick recipes will go well with almost any meal.

I sometimes find myself making a side dish or fresh salads as a standalone snack or small meal if I am not too hungry.

Here are a few of our most popular single serving and small batch side dish recipes:

  • Sautéed Green Beans
  • Corn Muffins
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Rice Pilaf
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Don't Forget Dessert!

Treating yourself to a great dessert is an indulgence that you deserve. Whether you're looking for a great way to finish a meal or you're satisfying a craving for something sweet, a dessert is a pleasure that you should happily give to yourself.

Be sure to browse through our dessert recipes, you're sure to find many to try.

Here are a few favorites:

  • Mini Boston Cream Pie
  • Mini Dutch Apple Pie
  • Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Mini Hummingbird Cake
  • Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

In every one of our recipes, we list ways to use any leftover ingredients from our single serving and small batch recipes. To find this information, click on the recipe title, then scroll down in the post. The information can be found just before the recipe box at the bottom of the page.

Please be sure to check out these other helpful articles:

Small Batch Cookie Recipes

Breakfast Recipes Worth Waking Up To

Slow Cooker Recipes For One

Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes

Soup Recipes For One

If you would like additional information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

To see examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried any of our single serving One Dish Kitchen recipes please let me know how you liked them by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

« Small Batch Whipped Cream
Egg White Recipes »

About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Diane Mitchell says

    December 10, 2021 at 2:23 am

    I so love your recipes it make my life so much easier thank you so much for making life easier

    Reply
  2. Joy Thomas says

    December 06, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    Hi Joanie - This is coming to you from Australia. Have tried many of your recipes and have loved them all. Also have your book which is the only one I now need. I look forward to receiving your newsletter each week and can't wait to see what good things you have for me to try. Many thanks.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      December 07, 2021 at 9:48 am

      Hello Joy, I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes from our website and from our cookbook. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.

      Reply
  3. Anita says

    September 20, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Hi,

    The recipe for the slow cooker Italian chicken looks great. Can you tell me the name of the slow cooker you used and what size it is? (blue one) Love being apart of the community.

    Thanks,
    Anita

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      September 23, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      Hi Anita,

      I absolutely LOVE the little blue slow cooker too! It's a Hamilton Beach Party Crock and as far as I can tell, is no longer available. You might have luck finding one at a thrift store or maybe by reaching out to the company.

      It is a 1.5-quart slow cooker. I recommend and use this one - https://amzn.to/2lcL3PR

      Joanie

      Reply
      • Anita says

        September 23, 2019 at 6:29 pm

        Thanks Joanie 😊

  4. Pat Stuut says

    September 20, 2019 at 12:48 am

    Dear Joanie it is so refreshing to find recipes for single serves. Also they are practical and "everyday" ones and not too fancy or complicated. It is almost impossible to find a cookbook for one ! I am fed up with cooking for myself and trying to break down the ingredients to suit. I will certainly be giving your recipes a go. Good luck with your book, I am sure it will be a success.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      September 23, 2019 at 6:03 pm

      Hi Pat,

      Thank you so much for letting me know you are enjoying the recipes - comments like this mean so much.

      Take Care,
      Joanie

      Reply

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Welcome to One Dish Kitchen, I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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