Budget Recipes For One

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Especially when it’s just you. Who wants to wash a mountain of dishes for a solo meal? Not this kitchen minimalist, that’s for sure. Well, my friend, get ready for a game-changer. We’re diving into a recipe that’s so ridiculously easy, it practically cooks itself while you scroll TikTok.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because let’s be real, adulting is hard enough without complicated dinner plans. This “One-Pan Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta for One” is basically your culinary superhero. It’s **idiot-proof**, even I didn’t mess it up, and my track record with anything more complex than toast is, shall we say, spotty. It’s also incredibly **budget-friendly**, meaning more cash for that fancy oat milk latte or, you know, rent.

The best part? It’s all done in **one pan**. Yes, ONE. The fewer dishes, the better, am I right? Plus, it’s packed with flavor, totally customizable, and comes together faster than you can decide what to binge-watch next.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your weapons, chef! Or, you know, just grab these from your pantry. No fancy stuff, promise.

• **1/2 cup dry pasta** (any small-to-medium shape like spaghetti, linguine broken in half, penne, or even those cute little shells will do. Whatever’s hiding in the back of your cupboard!)
• **1-2 cloves garlic**, minced (Don’t even *think* about that pre-minced jarred stuff. Your tastebuds deserve better.)
• **1/2 lemon**, juice and zest (This little ray of sunshine brightens everything up!)
• **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (Because life’s too short for sad cheese. Plus, it’s pretty much a food group, IMO.)
• **1 tbsp olive oil** (the good stuff, if you have it, otherwise just use whatever)
• **1 cup vegetable or chicken broth** (or water, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to rely solely on garlic and lemon for flavor)
• **A handful of fresh spinach** (optional, but gives you that “I’m a healthy adult” vibe)
• **Salt and freshly ground black pepper** to taste (Crucial! Don’t skip the seasoning.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, put on your imaginary chef’s hat. This is so easy, you might think I’m messing with you.

1. Grab a medium-sized skillet or a deep sauté pan. Drizzle in your olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Give it a quick sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but not browned. We’re aiming for aromatic, not burnt offerings.
2. Add your dry pasta to the pan. Pour in the broth (or water). Add the lemon zest and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is mostly submerged.
3. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. **Stir frequently!** This is super important to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking. Nobody wants a pasta brick.
5. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and there’s just a tiny bit of liquid left (it should be a nice, creamy sauce), remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and your handful of spinach (if using). The residual heat will wilt the spinach beautifully.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings. You might need a little more salt or pepper, or even a tiny splash more lemon juice if you’re a citrus fiend like me.
7. Serve immediately and marvel at your culinary prowess. You did it!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes have traps for the unwary. Fear not, I’m here to guide you away from disaster with some wisdom (and a dash of sarcasm).

• **Forgetting to Stir:** This is probably the biggest rookie mistake. You’ll end up with a clump of pasta glued to your pan. **Stir often!** Your arm might get a mini-workout, but it’s worth it.
• **Too Much Liquid:** If your pasta is cooked but you’ve still got a swimming pool in your pan, you might have added too much liquid or didn’t let it simmer long enough. Next time, try slightly less liquid or crank the heat up just a tad for the last few minutes.
• **Skipping the Lemon Zest/Juice:** The lemon is the star here, giving it that bright, fresh kick. Don’t be a hero and leave it out. Your pasta will thank you.
• **Overcooking the Pasta:** Mushy pasta is a tragedy. Keep an eye on it and taste it as it cooks. Al dente means it still has a slight bite, not that it’s ready to dissolve in your mouth.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative? Or maybe your fridge is looking a bit sad? No worries, this recipe is super flexible!

• **Veggies:** Toss in some cherry tomatoes (they burst and become amazing!), sliced mushrooms, or even some frozen peas a few minutes before the pasta is done. Broccoli florets would also be a fantastic addition.
• **Protein Boost:** If you want to make it a heartier meal, stir in some cooked shredded chicken, shrimp (toss them in when there are a few minutes left for the pasta to cook), or even a handful of chickpeas for a vegetarian protein punch.
• **Cheesy Alternatives:** No Parmesan? No problem (though it is truly the best). Pecorino Romano works great, or for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give you a surprisingly cheesy flavor.
• **Spice It Up:** A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give your pasta a lovely kick.
• **Herbs:** Fresh parsley or basil added at the end makes it feel extra fancy.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (mostly humorous ones).

Can I use regular water instead of broth?
Well, technically, yes. But why hurt your soul like that? Broth adds so much more depth and flavor. If you use water, you might need to lean heavier on the salt and pepper, and perhaps a tiny bit more olive oil for richness. Just sayin’.

Do I really need fresh garlic? The jarred stuff is so convenient!
Oh, bless your heart. While technically you *can* use jarred garlic, your tastebuds will stage a silent protest. Fresh garlic gives this dish its soul. Trust me, it’s worth the extra 30 seconds of mincing.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Parmesan is king, but if you’re in a pinch, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. For a plant-based option, nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can give you that cheesy umami vibe. Just don’t use cheddar, please. That’s a different culinary journey altogether.

Can I make a bigger batch for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and use a larger pan. This recipe is super adaptable. **Just remember to adjust cooking time** slightly, as more pasta and liquid will take longer to cook through.

My pasta is sticking to the bottom of the pan! What do I do?
Ah, a classic! You probably didn’t stir enough or your heat was a bit too high. Add a splash more broth (or water), give it a vigorous stir, and make sure you’re stirring every minute or so. Don’t abandon your pasta!

Can I add meat to this?
You betcha! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some crumbled sausage (cooked first, of course) would be delicious. Toss it in during the last minute of cooking to warm through.

Final Thoughts

See? Told you it was easy peasy lemon squeezy (pun intended!). You’ve just whipped up a delicious, single-serving meal with minimal fuss and even less cleanup. Now go impress someone—or more importantly, yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it, you magnificent kitchen wizard! Enjoy your perfectly portioned, budget-friendly bowl of happiness.