20 Minute Dinners For One That Are Quick and Easy

Introduction

This tutorial provides quick and easy recipes for single-serving dinners that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. Whether you're short on time or cooking for one, these delicious dishes are made with simple ingredients and are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Mustard Chicken

• Ingredients:
  • Chicken breast
  • Mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. In a pan, cook the chicken over medium heat until browned on both sides.
  3. Add mustard and heavy cream to the pan.
  4. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Tip: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Step 2: Make Vegetarian Chili

• Ingredients:
  • Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Chili powder
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add canned beans and diced tomatoes to the pot.
  3. Stir in chili powder and simmer for 10 minutes.

Common Pitfall: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their texture.

Step 3: Cook Sheet Pan Salmon

• Ingredients:
  • Salmon fillet
  • Asparagus
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Squeeze lemon juice over the top.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Practical Tip: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Prepare Ratatouille

• Ingredients:
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Bell pepper
  • Tomato sauce
• Instructions:
  1. Dice the vegetables into small pieces.
  2. In a skillet, sauté the vegetables until tender.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Real-World Application: This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any meal.

Step 5: Cook Shrimp Fettuccine

• Ingredients:
  • Fettuccine pasta
  • Shrimp
  • Garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
  2. In a separate pan, sauté garlic in olive oil.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
  4. Mix cooked pasta with shrimp and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Bonus Recipe: Make Fettuccine Alfredo

• Ingredients:
  • Fettuccine pasta
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Butter
• Instructions:
  1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, melt butter and add heavy cream.
  3. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  4. Toss with pasta and serve immediately.

Common Pitfall: Do not overheat the sauce, as it can separate.

Conclusion

These five quick and easy recipes are perfect for single servings and can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Experiment with these dishes and feel free to customize them to your taste. For more cooking inspiration, check out other videos and recipes from One Dish Kitchen. Happy cooking!