Easy Dinner-for-One Recipes When You’re Moving

Moving is a whirlwind of boxes, packing tape, and that weird feeling of being in between homes. It’s easy to let meals fall by the wayside, but trust me, you don’t want to survive on takeout and instant noodles alone. I remember when I moved to Nashville from the Bay Area, it was a crazy time, but having a few go-to dinner-for-one recipes made all the difference. Let’s dive into some simple, quick, and comforting meals that’ll keep you fueled during this hectic time.

I’m Sammy, by the way, your guide through this moving madness. I’m not just a seasoned marketing expert; I’m a food enthusiast who’s been where you are now. So, let’s make this transition a little easier, one bite at a time.

In this article, we’ll explore ten simple recipes that you can whip up in a flash. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips on making the most of your temporary kitchen setup. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider…

The Art of the Temporary Kitchen

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about your temporary kitchen. Maybe you’re in a half-empty old place, or maybe you’re surrounded by boxes in your new one. Either way, you’ll want to set up a temporary kitchen that has the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A compact refrigerator or cooler for perishables
• A hot plate or portable stove for cooking
• A microwave for quick heating
• Basic utensils: a pot, a pan, a knife, a fork, a spoon, a bowl, and a cup
• A cutting board for prep work
• Trash bags for easy cleanup

Remember, you don’t need a full-blown commercial kitchen like those designed by Chef’s Deal. Just a few basics will do. Their free kitchen design services are great for planning your dream kitchen, but for now, simplicity is key.

Recipes: The Main Event

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are ten easy dinner-for-one recipes that you can make with minimal effort and ingredients. We’ll cover a mix of styles and tastes, so there’s something for everyone.

1. Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This is comfort food at its finest. The best part? You can make it with just a hot plate and a pan. Maybe I should clarify, you can use a saucepan for the soup and a regular pan for the grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 cup of canned tomato soup
• 1 slice of your favorite cheese
• A bit of butter

Instructions:

1. Heat the tomato soup on the hot plate using a saucepan.
2. While the soup is heating, butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place the cheese between the unbuttered sides of the bread.
4. Toast the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve the grilled cheese with the hot tomato soup.

2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This Italian classic is simple yet delicious. It’s perfect for when you want something quick and flavorful. I’m torn between adding red pepper flakes or keeping it simple, but ultimately, do what feels right for you.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti (enough for one)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat with the garlic oil.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Garnish with parsley if desired.

3. Quick Chickpea Curry

This one-pot wonder is perfect for a quick, hearty meal. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like. And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, you can always add some veggies like spinach or bell peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of curry powder
• 1 small onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the curry powder and stir to combine.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and chickpeas, and bring to a simmer.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld together.

4. Easy Fried Rice

Fried rice is a classic one-pan meal that’s super versatile. You can add whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up leftovers too.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1 small carrot
• 1 small onion
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan and scramble the egg.
2. Add the chopped onion and carrot, and sauté until softened.
3. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and mix well.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

5. Simple Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lentils
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

6. One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken

This one-pan meal is surprisingly easy and super flavorful. The lemon and herbs give it a fresh, zesty flavor that’s perfect for any night.

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast
• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (thyme, oregano, etc.)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
3. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

7. Quick and Easy Pasta

Pasta is always a winner, especially when you’re short on time. This simple recipe can be customized with whatever sauce or toppings you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• Pasta (enough for one)
• 1 can of tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic, herbs, cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the tomato sauce.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional flavors you like.
4. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and serve.

8. Easy Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are quick, versatile, and delicious. You can use whatever veggies and proteins you have on hand. I like to add a bit of ginger for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
• 1 protein of choice (chicken, tofu, shrimp, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• Optional: ginger, garlic

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the protein and cook until browned.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and any additional flavors.
5. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

9. Simple Omelette

Omelettes are a quick and easy meal that can be customized with whatever fillings you like. I usually go for cheese and spinach, but the options are endless.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Fillings of choice (cheese, vegetables, ham, etc.)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Beat the eggs and pour them into the pan.
3. Add the fillings and fold the omelette in half.
4. Cook until the eggs are set and the fillings are heated through.

10. Quick Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa bowls are a great way to use up leftovers and create a balanced meal. You can customize them with whatever proteins, veggies, and sauces you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked quinoa
• 1 protein of choice (chicken, tofu, chickpeas, etc.)
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
• 1 sauce of choice (hummus, tahini, soy sauce, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine the quinoa, protein, and vegetables.
3. Drizzle with your sauce of choice and mix well.

Wrapping Up: Your Moving Meal Plan

And there you have it—ten easy dinner-for-one recipes that’ll keep you fed and happy during your move. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and use what you have. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and focus on one meal at a time.

As you settle into your new place, you might start thinking about upgrading your kitchen setup. Companies like Chef’s Deal offer comprehensive kitchen design and equipment solutions, including professional installation services. Their expert consultation and support can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to creating a functional and efficient kitchen space. Plus, their competitive pricing and financing options make it easier to get the kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank.

So, here’s my challenge to you: try out at least three of these recipes during your move. See how they fit into your temporary kitchen setup and let me know which ones were your favorites. Moving is tough, but with a little planning and some tasty meals, you can make it a lot more enjoyable.

FAQ

Q: What if I don’t have all the ingredients for a recipe?
A: No worries! Feel free to improvise. Substitute similar ingredients or leave out minor components. The goal is to keep it simple and tasty.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Most of these recipes can be prepared in advance and reheated. Just store them in the fridge and heat them up when you’re ready to eat.

Q: What if I’m not a great cook?
A: Don’t stress. These recipes are designed to be easy and forgiving. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you can still make a delicious meal.

Q: Can I add more ingredients to these recipes?
A: Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your own twist. Extra veggies, spices, or proteins can make these meals even more satisfying.

@article{easy-dinner-for-one-recipes-when-youre-moving,
    title   = {Easy Dinner-for-One Recipes When You’re Moving},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/dinner-for-one-easy-recipes-when-youre-moving/}
}