If you’re anything like me, you know how difficult it is to find the motivation to actually make food, since I am unfortunately out of the loop of the cafeteria. I grew up with a very loving mom who loved to cook, so food was never really a problem I had to worry about…until now. You can only order takeout so many times before getting concerned about the buildup of boxes. Here are a few of my favorite quick and easy meals that are so yummy and never fail to make me happy.
Pasta!
Starting off with a classic favorite of mine. Normally I go with my staple of angel hair noodles and whatever sauce is cheapest, but try switching up the noodles! Lately, I have been getting rotelle noodles, which adds to the difference in texture and overall meal enjoyment.
Peanut Butter Banana Toast
Another classic and quick meal. This is my favorite breakfast on-the-go meal, it’s easy and quick to eat when I am running late to class…which is often. I toast my frozen bread (since I don’t often eat it quickly enough before it expires) and spread a generous amount of peanut butter, chop some bananas, and bingo-bango you’re ready for breakfast.
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
This is a new meal for me since I have been vegetarian for the last three years, but recently I wanted to branch out and really delve into cooking. While your rice is being cooked, you simply grab your chicken breast, chop it into smaller bite-sized pieces, then put that into a plastic bag with teriyaki sauce (my favorite is the sweet teriyaki). Mix it together, then throw it on the stove and cook it! Once your chicken and rice is cooked, pour your final drops of teriyaki, and you’re all set!
Mac n Cheese
Another childhood favorite of mine is a nice bowl of mac n cheese with apple slices. Thankfully, I have a lifetime supply of Kraft mac and cheese boxes from Costco, but if you’re without one, it’s still super easy to make! Grab your noodles, preferably elbow macaroni noodles, boil them in water, drain, and add a ton of cheese! Cheddar, swiss, all the cheeses you have in your fridge! Finish with cutting up your apple of choice, for some refreshing in-between bites.
Quesadillas (with sauce!)
Quesadillas are probably the most versatile meal you could make for yourself, whether you go with the classic cheddar cheese in between or add your favorite meat. Feel free to add taco sauce! This is one of my favorite life hacks for spicing up a simple meal. If you have more time for your ‘dilla, add some beans, chicken, tomatoes, or even sour cream! Quesadillas were meant for the mumbo-jumbo of food supplies in your pantry.
Sandwich Melts
Much like the quesadilla, sandwiches and sandwich melts are the perfect meal for any college student. Add your favorite lunch meats onto some open facing bread, sprinkle your favorite cheese on top, put it in the toaster, microwave, or other heating utilities you have available, and heat up your next meal!
Hopefully you will enjoy these easy meals and they can get you cooking more often!