Home › Cooking for One Articles › Easy Meals For College Students
By Joanie Zisk
on Jun 28, 2023, Updated Mar 27, 2024
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Ditch the ramen! Craving quick and easy college meals that won’t wreck your dorm room or apartment kitchen? Look no further! We’ve got a treasure trove of budget-friendly, single serving recipes designed for busy college students. Whip up a healthy stir-fry in minutes, savor a comforting soup for lunch, or try a protein-packed salad – all made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Forget takeout and explore our easy college dinners, fast pasta dishes, and microwave dessert recipes. Simplify your mealtimes today and fuel your college lifestyle!
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Table of Contents
- Stove Top Meals For One
- Single Serving Oven Baked Meals
- Easy Toaster Oven Meals For One
- Single Serve Breakfast Ideas
- Easy “No Recipe” Recipes
- Microwave Dessert Recipes In Minutes
- No Bake Desserts For One
- More Single Serve Dessert Recipes
Stove Top Meals For One
Discover delicious stove recipes perfect for college living. Whether it’s a fast stir fry or a comforting soup, your stove makes it easy to create these tasty dishes.
Caprese Pasta For One
5 from 1 vote
Enjoy our quick, single-serving Caprese pasta, filled with fresh tomatoes, garlic, creamy mozzarella, and basil. Ready in just 20 minutes for a satisfying meal.
Caprese Pasta For One Recipe
Tuscan Chicken For One
5 from 8 votes
A single serving version of classic Tuscan Chicken ready in less than 30 minutes! One chicken breast simmers in a rich and creamy, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
Tuscan Chicken For One Recipe
Shrimp Fried Rice For One
5 from 4 votes
Shrimp Fried Rice made with cooked rice and plenty of shrimp and vegetables. An easy single serving meal that cooks in just 10 minutes!
Shrimp Fried Rice For One Recipe
Chili Mac For One
5 from 5 votes
Quick and comforting, our single serving Chili Mac recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in 25 minutes, it's the ideal one-pot comfort food.
Chili Mac For One Recipe
Taco Soup For One
5 from 8 votes
This big and bold taco soup makes the perfect meal. Filled with ground beef, vegetables and topped with cheese, this single serving soup can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
Taco Soup For One Recipe
Single Serving Oven Baked Meals
Transform your apartment oven into a culinary wonder with these oven recipes. Discover how to make everything from a heartwarming casserole to a perfectly roasted chicken, all sized just for you
Personal Pepperoni Pizza
5 from 1 vote
A mini pepperoni pizza made with a homemade crust, rich and flavorful pizza sauce, and plenty of cheese and pepperoni. Perfect for one or two people to enjoy!
Personal Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Lasagna Rollups For One
5 from 4 votes
Indulge in a single serving of Lasagna Rollups, the perfect blend of cheese, meat, and sauce rolled into one. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's the ultimate comfort food for any day.
Lasagna Rollups For One Recipe
Chicken Caprese For One
5 from 19 votes
Enjoy a single serving of Chicken Caprese, ready in 30 minutes. A classic Caprese blend with seasoned chicken, tomatoes, red onions, balsamic glaze, and melted mozzarella. Simple, elegant, and easy to clean up, it's the perfect mix of health and taste.
Chicken Caprese For One Recipe
Baked Pork Chop For One
4.96 from 24 votes
Tender and juicy Oven Baked Pork Chop. Perfectly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth pork chop baked to perfection in just 15 minutes.
Baked Pork Chop For One Recipe
Crustless Pizza Bowl For One
Whip up this single serving crustless Pizza Bowl for a low-carb, gluten-free twist on your favorite dish. Filled with classic supreme pizza toppings.
Pizza Bowl For One Recipe
Mini Lasagna
4.91 from 42 votes
Indulge in a delicious Mini Lasagna, perfect for serving one or two. This small lasagna recipe features classic flavors and bakes in just 30 minutes!
Mini Lasagna Recipe
Easy Toaster Oven Meals For One
Think a toaster oven is just for reheating and toasting? Think again! Perfect for tight dorm or apartment spaces, it can help you make tasty dishes like chicken tenders, nachos, and even sheet pan lasagna. Just ensure your dish fits and refer to your model’s guidelines. With faster heating and easier cleaning, a toaster oven is a college student’s kitchen ally. Dive in and discover a world of easy and delicious meals.
Baked Chicken Tenders For One
4.93 from 27 votes
Quick & easy 20-minute small batch baked chicken tenders! Perfectly crispy, juicy, and ready in no time. Satisfy your craving with this single serving gem!
Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Sheet Pan Salmon for One
5 from 9 votes
A one-pan meal that makes cleanup easy! Ready in 20 minutes, one salmon fillet is topped with garlic herb butter and baked along with asparagus on a single sheet pan.
Sheet Pan Salmon for One Recipe
Nachos For One
5 from 3 votes
These classic nachos are a great snack, perfect for game-day, or even a casual dinner. They're loaded with sautéed onions, garlic, ground beef, and cheese. Easy to customize and ready in minutes!
Nachos For One Recipe
Baked Buffalo Chicken For One
5 from 4 votes
Indulge in a quick and easy single serving Baked Buffalo Chicken, perfect for spice lovers. A juicy chicken breast topped with homemade buffalo sauce and melted mozzarella, ready in 30 minutes.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Baked Shrimp For One
5 from 7 votes
Make this easy Baked Shrimp recipe in just 10 minutes! Perfect for one, this flavorful dish features juicy shrimp in a lemon butter sauce.
Baked Shrimp For One Recipe
Small Sheet Pan Lasagna
4.80 from 5 votes
Satisfy your lasagna cravings with this easy and delicious small sheet pan lasagna! Made with simple ingredients and perfect for one or two people.
Small Batch Sheet Pan Lasagna
Single Serve Breakfast Ideas
Fuel your college day with these perfect-for-one breakfast recipes. From sweet baked oatmeal to hearty egg dishes, we have options to jumpstart your morning right.
Breakfast Sandwich For One
5 from 1 vote
Ready in minutes, this breakfast sandwich is a great way to start the day. Made with simple ingredients, this hearty meal makes the perfect breakfast!
Breakfast Sandwich For One Recipe
Breakfast Bowl For One
5 from 6 votes
Single serving breakfast bowl made with eggs, sausage, and cheese. It's the perfect way to start your day or can be enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch or dinner.Ready in just 10 minutes!
Breakfast Bowl Recipe
Pancakes For One
4.83 from 301 votes
Enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes without the hassle of leftovers. This single serving recipe yields 2-3 perfectly cooked pancakes using pantry staples. Ready in 15 minutes!
Pancakes For One Recipe
Baked Oatmeal For One
4.95 from 38 votes
This Easy Baked Oatmeal is the best way to start your day! It's almost like eating a warm oatmeal cookie in a bowl. Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup and filled with blueberries or your favorite fruit. This single serve breakfast is baked in one pan for easy cleanup.
Baked Oatmeal For One Recipe
Small Batch Drop Biscuits
4.85 from 40 votes
If you've ever wanted to make a small batch of biscuits, this recipe is for you. See how quick and easy it is to make fluffy & delicious biscuits for one (or two).
Small Batch Biscuits Recipe
Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes
5 from 4 votes
Make fluffy, golden brown sheet pan pancakes for one or two people! This easy recipe is ideal when you're looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
Small Batch Sheet Pan Pancakes
Easy “No Recipe” Recipes
On days when you’re short on time or kitchen appliances, turn to our “no recipe” recipes. These are simple meal ideas with minimal ingredients that don’t require exact measurements or complex cooking techniques—perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.
Pasta al Limone For One (Lemon Pasta)
5 from 8 votes
Pasta al limone, also called lemon pasta, is a delicious Italian dish that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with savory pasta. This simple yet elegant single serving dish is ready in 15 minutes!
Pasta al Limone For One Recipe
Peanut Butter Toast
5 from 2 votes
Peanut butter toast with apple slices and a drizzle of honey make a quick and easy breakfast, snack, or even dessert. Perfect for fall and apple season!
Chicken Salad For One
4.94 from 16 votes
Enjoy a fast and flavorful Chicken Salad for one with our 10-minute recipe. Leftover chicken, veggies, and pecans create a healthy, tasty dish.
Chicken Salad For One Recipe
Easy S’mores Dip For One
4.73 from 11 votes
This mini s'mores dip is an easy dessert recipe made with chocolate chips and toasted marshmallows. Use graham crackers or fresh fruit for delicious dipping. It's the perfect amount for anyone cooking for one.
Mini S’mores Dip Recipe
Fresh Tomato Salad For One
5 from 3 votes
Craving fresh, summer flavors? Whip up this easy single serving tomato salad! Bursting with juicy tomatoes, zesty onions, and a flavorful dressing – ready in minutes!
Tomato Salad For One Recipe
Microwave Dessert Recipes In Minutes
Think your college microwave is only good for reheating leftovers? Think again! With these microwave dessert recipes, you can create scrumptious sweet treats right in your dorm room. Transform your ordinary microwave into an extraordinary dessert-making machine, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Small Batch Chocolate Candy
4.93 from 13 votes
Learn how to make easy and delicious 2-ingredient chocolate candies with this simple small batch recipe. Includes tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Small Batch Chocolate Candy
Small Batch Microwave Fudge
4.97 from 27 votes
Make a delicious and decadent fudge in minutes with this easy microwave fudge recipe! This small batch recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it's sure to become a new favorite.
Small Batch Microwave Fudge
Rice Krispie Treat For One
4.93 from 13 votes
Quick single-serving Rice Krispie Treats in the microwave! Made with only three ingredients, this classic snack is ready in 10 minutes.
Rice Krispie Treats For One
No Bake Desserts For One
Craving a dessert but don’t have an oven? Dive into our no-bake dessert collection, perfect for dorm living. From creamy chocolate peanut butter treats to puppy chow, you’ll find easy recipes with minimal ingredients, many you likely have on hand. It’s a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings with no baking needed. Treat yourself to these fuss-free delights!
Mini No Bake Cheesecake
5 from 25 votes
You won’t find an easier cheesecake recipe! This mini no bake cheesecake comes complete with a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s creamy, it’s delicious, and so easy to make. Satisfy a sweet craving with this delightful dessert recipe.
No Bake Cheesecake For One
Small Batch Puppy Chow
5 from 4 votes
Easy small batch puppy chow recipe. Chex cereal coated in a mixture of butter, peanut butter, and chocolate then tossed with powdered sugar. The best sweet and salty snack!
Small Batch Puppy Chow
Small Batch Peanut Butter Balls
5 from 6 votes
These peanut butter balls are reminiscent of classic school lunchroom treats. This no bake dessert is made with just three ingredients and are so easy to make. This small batch peanut butter balls recipe yields the perfect amount for one or two people.
Small Batch Peanut Butter Balls
Strawberry Icebox Cake For One
5 from 3 votes
Indulge in a single serving Strawberry Icebox Cake! A quick, no-bake dessert with layers of flavor. It's the perfect dessert for one or two people to enjoy!
Strawberry Icebox Cake For One
More Single Serve Dessert Recipes
Cap off your meal with one of our delightful dessert recipes designed for the busy student. These easy-to-prepare sweet treats range from a deep dish chocolate chip cookie to a deep dish fudgy brownie, ensuring there’s something for every craving.
Small Batch M&M Cookies
5 from 3 votes
Enjoy our small-batch M&M cookies! Packed with rich, creamy chocolate and colorful M&Ms. The ultimate treat for all sweet tooth cravings!
White Cake For One
5 from 4 votes
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy White Cake recipe. Indulge in a moist, tender, and vanilla flavored treat just for you or to share!
White Cake For One Recipe
Easy Apple Crisp For One
4.88 from 63 votes
Enjoy a single serve Apple Crisp – a quick and easy dessert with warm, spiced fruit and a crumbly topping, made using just one apple and pantry staples.
Apple Crisp For One Recipe
Small Batch Brownies Recipe
4.90 from 75 votes
The best single serve brownie recipe! This small batch brownie recipe delivers rich, chewy, chocolatey brownies baked in a small baking dish. Ready in minutes!
Small Batch Brownies Recipe
Mini Chocolate Pie
5 from 6 votes
A mini chocolate pie is a classic no-bake dessert made with a cookie crust and topped with a decadent chocolate filling. It's silky and rich and perfect for one or two people to enjoy.
Mini Chocolate Pie Recipe
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Cooking for One Articles
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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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19 Comments
Anybody have suggestions for cookware to make these recipes in? I like the concept but all my bakeware/cookware is larger & I have to thus make more portions than what is featured here.
Reply
Hi Stacy,
With each of the recipes, I try to link to the bakeware and cookware I recommend using. Also take a look at our store page which links to all products used in the recipes. You can find many of the small dishes at discount stores, Target, and on Amazon. https://store.onedishkitchen.com/
Joanie
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Wow. It looks delicious. I love your recipes. So, I will try to make it very soon. Your recipes will help me. Thanks for sharing.
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This is a fantastic list – I’m pinning it for when I need easy meals and to teach my kids now so that they have a selection of recipes that they will always be able to cook.
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Great list! I sent this over to my niece who just moved out and is in her first year of college. Thanks.
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