Sometimes all you and your friends want to do during the weekend is stay in sweats, eat good food, and turn on your favorite Netflix show. Cooking is an especially fun way to try new things during those comfy nights in. That being said, no one loves to clean the large pile of dishes at the end of the night. Here are a few delicious, easy to make recipes that (mostly) only require one pot, pan, or sheet:
*Also, if you’re in a dorm and don’t want to go find your nearest communal kitchen, there’s also a few dorm friendly meals included (all you need is a microwave!)
1. Lemony Arugula Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
This recipe comes straight from Chrissy Teigen’s (my hero) Cravings cookbook and is a recipe she has repeatedly called one of her all-time favorite dishes. It’s basically elevated mac n cheese with a twist and is super easy to make!
2. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
This recipe only requires one skillet and can be cooked in just 30 minutes! The parmesan garlic sauce is comforting on a cold day and is the best part of the recipe. Pair it with your favorite carb and you are set!
3. Mac & Cheese in a Mug
If you’re like me and you’re not a huge fan of boxed mac n cheese, this quick and easy alternative is for you. You only need a few ingredients, a mug, and a microwave! If you want to spruce it up a bit, add some bacon (which you can also microwave) and you’ve got a nice and cozy meal for one.
4. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
This recipe requires minimal effort & cleaning (just line your sheet pan with foil that you can easily throw away) but it tastes like a summer seafood barbeque in the comfort of your small kitchen. It’s also easily tweakable; Add your own favorite seasoning mix or vegetables to make it your own.
5. Microwave Risotto
Making risotto in the microwave is hands down the easiest and quickest way to cook it. These 3 recipes (Butternut Squash + Sage, Mushroom + Thyme, Bacon + Kale + Mushroom) are done in a quick 10 minutes and don’t require the constant stirring that regular risotto requires.
6. Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans
Another super easy to make one pan dish that you can make in 30 minutes. Add some guacamole to this recipe and it’s basically your own DIY Chipotle bowl!
7. Vegan Tempeh ReAdjiuben
If you’re not into meat but still want to get some protein in your diet, tempeh (made from soybeans) is an amazing and tasty alternative. This recipe is relatively simple and is also super customizable so you can add your own favorite veggies/toppings to spruce it up.
As good as take out is, cooking at home can be a fun (and cheaper) alternative that doubles as extra bonding time for you and your friends! Break out your inner Top Chef and try out these recipes for your next girl’s night in.
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