Not all people know how to make an aesthetically pleasing and tasty meal because of their limited cooking knowledge. These five easy recipes make single serving meals that look and taste great for even the worst of chefs.

1. Pasta Carbonara

This recipe from One Dish Kitchen creates a simple but rich and creamy meal. Even without cream!

One large egg

One tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese- plus more for topping

One eighth teaspoon kosher salt

One eighth teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

One strip thick bacon

Two ounces dry spaghetti 

One clove garlic- sliced

One tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

1. Prep the egg mixture: Whisk together the egg, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Set aside for later.
2. Cook the bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain grease.
3. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, but save one-half cup of pasta water.
4. Sauté the garlic: Return the skillet to medium heat, leaving a small amount of bacon drippings in the pan. Add the garlic and fry for one minute. 
5. Toss in the pasta and stir for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
6. Make the sauce: Stir in a small amount of pasta water to cool the pan skillet slightly. This will stop the egg from scrambling. Slowly pour in the egg mixture, stir constantly to create a uniform sauce.
7. Adjust the consistency: Add more pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches desired thickness.
8. Finish and serve: Crumble the bacon over the pasta and toss to combine. Taste and adjust if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Delicious, fluffy and customizable. You’ll be able to make this however you’d like. 

2. Baked Potato

This second recipe from One Dish Kitchen creates a delicious, fluffy and customizable meal. You’ll be able to make this however you’d like. 

One russet potato

Olive Oil

One tablespoon of butter

Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Wash your potato to remove any dirt. Then, with a fork, pierce holes over the entire surface. This will make sure steam can escape.
2. Rub potato with olive oil and salt, bake for 45-60 minutes in the oven
3. Take potato and split it down the middle,gently squeeze to fluff the insides.
4. Add butter, and season with salt and pepper
5. Add toppings, whatever you desire. Such as bacon, sour cream, chives, 

3. Chicken Pad Thai

Another one from One Dish Kitchen, this recipe ensures a bold, sweet, savory and universally beloved meal.

Two ounces flat rice noodles

For the Pad Thai Sauce

One tablespoon fish sauce

One teaspoon low sodium soy sauce

One and one-half tablespoons brown sugar

One-half tablespoon lime juice

One-half teaspoon hot sauce

For the Stir Fry

One tablespoon olive oil

One-half small, thinly sliced red bell pepper 

One tsp clove minced garlic 

Two ounces of chicken breast, cubed

One large egg -lightly beaten

One green onion for garnish

Two tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Cook the Noodles

1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions. Rinse under cold water and set for later.

• Pro Tip: After rinsing, toss the noodles with a little oil to keep them from sticking to each other.

Make the Pad Thai Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice and hot sauce. Taste and adjust as needed. Set aside.

Make the Stir Fry

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for two minutes.
2. Cube chicken breast and cook for six to 12 minutes, or until fully cooked.
3. Push everything to the sides of the pan. Add a little more oil to the center and pour in the beaten egg. Stir until the egg becomes fully cooked.
4. Add the noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss to combine fully.
5. Transfer to a plate and top with chopped green onions, cilantro and extra peanuts if desired.

4. Apple Crisp

Now time for dessert, this recipe from One Dish Kitchen creates a treat perfect for fall.

For the filling

One medium apple- peeled, cored and diced

One tablespoon sugar

One teaspoon all-purpose flour

One-eighth teaspoon cinnamon

One-fourth teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping

Three tablespoons all-purpose flour

Three tablespoons old fashioned oats

Two tablespoons brown sugar

One-eighth teaspoon cinnamon

Two tablespoons salted butter- softened

Make the filling

1. Heat oven to 350°F 
2. Mix together the chopped apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon and vanilla in a small bowl.
3. Transfer the apples to a small glass bowl or ramekin.

Make the topping

1. In a small bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. 
2. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add them to the bowl. 
3. Blend in the butter using a fork or your fingers and mix until well combined.
4. Scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Place the glass bowl or ramekin on a small rimmed baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples become soft and the topping becomes golden.

This soup will comfort you, regardless of if you’re sick or not.

5. Chicken Noodle Soup

Again from One Dish Kitchen, this soup will comfort you, regardless of if you’re sick or not.

Two-thirds cups of chopped cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken

One-fourth teaspoon salt

One tablespoon olive oil

One small onion- chopped

One-third  medium carrot- chopped

One-third celery rib- chopped

One teaspoon minced garlic

One-eighth teaspoon dried thyme

One cup low sodium chicken broth

One-thirds cup dried pasta (any shape)

1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot and celery; cook about eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add garlic and thyme; cook one minute more.
2. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, add chicken and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender for about five minutes.
4. Taste and add extra salt and pepper, if needed.