Meals For One Person

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. We’ve all been there – staring into the fridge, wondering if a sad piece of cheese and a cracker counts as dinner. And cooking for one often feels like a punishment, right? Like, why bother? Well, my friend, those days are over! We’re about to whip up something so good, you’ll actually *want* to cook for yourself. Get ready for… Speedy Mediterranean Pasta for One!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real, cooking for yourself shouldn’t feel like a chore. This recipe is your new best friend because:

• It’s **super fast** – seriously, less time cooking, more time for your Netflix binge or perfecting that TikTok dance.
• **Minimal cleanup** (because who has time for a mountain of dishes after a solo feast?).
• **Highly customizable**, meaning you can use whatever sad-looking veggies are lurking in the back of your fridge. No food waste here, people!
• It tastes fancy AF, but it’s totally **idiot-proof**. Trust me, even I didn’t mess this one up.
• It tricks your brain into thinking you’re being healthy because, hello, vegetables!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Time to gather your culinary weapons! Don’t worry, nothing too exotic here.

• **Pasta** (about 1 serving, roughly 2oz/56g dry). Any shape you fancy – spaghetti, penne, fusilli, whatever floats your boat.
• A handful of **cherry tomatoes**. They burst with flavor, literally.
• 1 clove of **garlic**. Don’t be shy, garlic is life. Mince it, crush it, whisper sweet nothings to it.
• A big handful of fresh **spinach**. For health, or pretending to be healthy. Your call.
• A generous sprinkle of **feta cheese**. For that salty, tangy kick that makes everything better.
• A drizzle of **olive oil**. The good stuff, or just the one you have – no judgment.
• Salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of **red pepper flakes** (if you like a little zing!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get this party started! These steps are so easy, you could probably do them in your sleep.

1. First things first: Grab a small pot, fill it with water, and get it boiling. Add a pinch of salt to the water (it helps season the pasta from the inside out!). Once it’s rolling, throw in your pasta. Cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente – **don’t overcook it!**
2. While your pasta is doing its thing, heat a small skillet or pan over medium heat. Add a nice drizzle of olive oil.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften and beautifully burst.
4. Now, throw in your big handful of spinach. Stir it around for just a minute or two until it wilts down. It’ll look like a lot at first, but it shrinks faster than my willpower around chocolate.
5. Your pasta should be ready! Before you drain it, **scoop out about a quarter cup of the starchy pasta water** and set it aside. This is liquid gold, trust me. Now, drain the rest of the pasta.
6. Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with your garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Give it a good toss to combine everything. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of that reserved pasta water – it helps create a silky sauce!
7. Finally, crumble your feta cheese all over the pasta. Season with salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Toss gently one last time.
8. Serve it immediately in your fanciest bowl (or the one you just used for cereal, no one’s watching!). Enjoy your masterpiece!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes have pitfalls. Here’s how not to mess it up:

• **Overcooking the pasta:** Soggy pasta is a culinary crime. Seriously, nobody wants mushy noodles. **Al dente is key!**
• **Forgetting to save the pasta water:** Rookie mistake! That starchy water helps bind your sauce and adds incredible flavor. Don’t pour it all down the drain, folks!
• **Not seasoning enough:** Bland food is sad food. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or flakes. Your taste buds will thank you.
• **Being shy with the feta:** This isn’t a “less is more” situation. More cheese is almost always the answer. Go wild!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative! This recipe is super flexible:

• **Veggies:** Got some bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes? Throw ’em in! Olives would also be a fantastic addition.
• **Protein Boost:** Want more oomph? Stir in some canned tuna (drained!), cooked shrimp, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian protein punch. If you’re feeling ambitious and have leftover grilled chicken, chop it up and add it in.
• **Cheesy Alternatives:** No feta? What a tragedy! But you can totally substitute with goat cheese for a creamy tang, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
• **Herb Power:** Fresh basil or oregano would elevate this dish beautifully. Add them at the very end.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers! (Mostly.)

Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely, if that’s your jam! It might have a slightly different texture, but the flavors will still sing. You do you!

What if I don’t like spinach?

No worries! Kale (massaged first, please!) or even some finely chopped arugula would work. Or just omit the greens entirely – I won’t tell.

I don’t have feta. Can I just skip the cheese?

Technically, yes, but why hurt your soul like that? If you absolutely must, you can, but it really adds a crucial salty, tangy element. Try Parmesan, goat cheese, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness if you’re truly cheeseless.

Can I meal prep this for the week?

Kinda, but it’s really best fresh. The pasta can get a bit soft and the spinach a little sad when reheated. Since it’s so quick, just make it fresh next time!

What if I hate garlic? (Gasp!)

Seriously? Okay, fine. You can omit it, but you’ll miss out on a lot of flavor. Maybe try adding some dried herbs instead for aromatic depth.

How much pasta is “one serving”? My eyes are bigger than my stomach!

Haha, I hear you! Generally, for dry pasta, one serving is about 2 oz (56g). But honestly, just eyeball it until it looks right for *you*. This is your solo meal, after all!

Final Thoughts

See? You’re practically a Michelin-star chef now, whipping up deliciousness for one like it’s no big deal. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back – you’ve earned it! Now go impress someone—or more importantly, yourself—with your new culinary skills. Happy cooking, my friend!