10+ College Recipes to Make Cooking Easy and Delicious

Cooking in college can be a fun challenge. With busy schedules and limited budgets, finding simple and tasty meals is essential. You will find a variety of easy recipes that fit into your lifestyle and help you make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Whether you are just starting to cook or looking to expand your skills, these recipes are perfect for you. They focus on quick preparation, minimal ingredients, and satisfying flavors. This way, you can enjoy delicious meals without a lot of hassle, allowing you to focus on your studies and social life.

1) Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a simple and delicious pasta dish you can make in just about 20 minutes. With just a few ingredients, it’s perfect for college cooking.

You will need spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also filled with flavorful aromas that will fill your kitchen.

To make it, cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet and add sliced garlic. Cook until golden, then add red pepper flakes.

Combine the drained spaghetti with the garlic oil mixture. Toss everything together and season with salt. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
• ½ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced garlic to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in red pepper flakes and cook for another minute.
5. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water.
6. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic oil.
7. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
8. Season with salt and serve hot.

2) Microwave Mac and Cheese

Microwave mac and cheese is a perfect dish for college students. It’s simple, quick, and delicious. You can make it in just a few minutes with only a few ingredients.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need dried macaroni, water, milk, and shredded cheese. While you can use any type of cheese, sharp cheddar adds great flavor.

Now, follow these cooking instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix 1/2 cup of dried macaroni with 1/2 cup of water.
2. Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
4. Microwave for an additional 2 minutes, stirring once during the cooking time.

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried macaroni
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix macaroni and water in a bowl.
2. Microwave for 3 minutes.
3. Add milk and cheese.
4. Microwave for 2 more minutes, stirring once.

3) Overnight Oats with Berries

Overnight oats with berries are a simple and nutritious breakfast choice for busy college mornings. You can prepare them in advance, making your mornings smoother.

To make your overnight oats, start with rolled oats. Combine them with yogurt, milk, and your favorite berries. Adding honey can enhance the sweetness. You can mix in some chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Store the mixture in the fridge overnight. In the morning, enjoy a delicious, filling breakfast that requires no cooking.

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, yogurt, and chia seeds.
2. Stir in the honey if you want added sweetness.
3. Add the mixed berries and gently mix.
4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Enjoy cold in the morning.

4) Easy Veggie Stir-fry

An easy veggie stir-fry is a great meal when you want something quick and healthy. You can use any vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli work really well.

Start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Then, add your chopped veggies and stir them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crispy.

Next, pour in some soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Stir everything together and cook for another minute or two. Your veggie stir-fry is ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add chopped vegetables; stir for 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; mix well.
4. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve warm.

5) Avocado Toast with Egg

Avocado toast with egg is a simple and delicious meal perfect for college students. It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s healthy and filling!

To make this meal, you will need some bread, a ripe avocado, eggs, and seasonings. You can cook the egg any way you like—sunny-side-up, scrambled, or hard-boiled.

Start by toasting your bread to your liking. While the bread is toasting, mash the avocado with a bit of lemon juice for flavor. Spread the avocado on your toast and top it with the cooked egg. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 eggs
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Mash the avocado with a little lemon juice.
3. Cook the eggs your preferred way.
4. Spread the avocado on the toast.
5. Top with the cooked eggs and season as desired.

6) Chicken and Rice Bowl

A chicken and rice bowl is a simple, tasty meal perfect for busy college students. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and sauces. It’s filling and nutritious, making it a great option for any time of day.

Start by cooking rice according to the package instructions. While the rice cooks, sauté some chicken in a pan until it’s golden brown. You can season the chicken with salt, pepper, or any spices you like.

Once the chicken is cooked, mix in some colorful veggies. Peppers, corn, and onions work well. Top it all off with your favorite sauce, like soy sauce or salsa, to add flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 pound chicken breast
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 cup corn
• 1 onion
• Soy sauce or salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice as per package directions.
2. In a pan, cook chicken over medium heat until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Add chopped bell pepper, corn, and onion to the pan.
4. Cook for another 5-6 minutes.
5. Serve over rice, topped with sauce.

7) Ramen Noodle Upgrade

Ramen noodles are a great base for a quick meal. You can easily upgrade them to make something delicious and filling. Adding a few extra ingredients can change your ramen from basic to tasty.

Try adding vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers. This not only improves flavor but also adds nutrients. You can also toss in some protein, like an egg or chicken, for extra heartiness.

For a flavor boost, sprinkle in some soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili flakes. These ingredients can really enhance the overall taste.

Ingredients

• 1 package of ramen noodles
• 1 cup of fresh vegetables (like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers)
• 1 egg or ½ cup cooked chicken
• Soy sauce to taste
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 cups of water (about 100°C).
2. Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions.
3. Add vegetables during the last 2 minutes.
4. If using, add the egg and stir.
5. Drain excess water and mix in soy sauce and sesame oil. Enjoy!

8) PB&J Smoothie

This PB&J smoothie is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for any time of day. It combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a refreshing drink.

To make it, you’ll need a ripe banana, some frozen berries, and your favorite milk. You can use almond milk or regular milk, depending on your taste.

Start by blending all the ingredients until smooth. This smoothie takes only a few minutes to prepare, making it great for busy college mornings or a quick snack.

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 cup almond milk or milk of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Place the banana, frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, peanut butter, and milk in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

9) Chocolate Mug Cake

A chocolate mug cake is a quick and easy dessert perfect for college students. You can make it in just a few minutes using a microwave. This single-serving treat is warm, chocolatey, and satisfying.

To make your chocolate mug cake, you’ll need simple ingredients you probably already have. Just gather flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, milk, and a bit of oil.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a standard coffee mug, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the milk and vegetable oil, and stir until smooth.
3. Microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds at microwave power.
4. Let cool slightly before enjoying your delicious treat!

10) One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

This One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple and delicious meal perfect for busy college nights. You only need a few ingredients to whip it up.

Start by adding your pasta, chopped tomatoes, diced onion, garlic, and fresh basil to a large pot. Then, pour in vegetable broth and add some pepper flakes for a little kick.

Cook everything together until the pasta is tender. This dish is easy to make and minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil.
2. Then, pour in vegetable broth and add red pepper flakes.
3. Next, bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat.
4. Simmer until the pasta is cooked.
5. Finally, season with salt, serve, and enjoy!