This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Penn chapter.

As the overachieving, determined, and social Penn students that we are, we barely have enough hours in the day to get all of our work done, go to all of our meetings, and see all of our friends. Who has time to cook food, let alone spend time going to Frogro to buy fresh produce?

I know it’s easy for us to fall into food ruts. At Penn we either buy the cheapest and simplest foods that Frogro has to offer, or we pick up from one of a few staple places (thank you, Chipotle, Sweetgreen, Hummus, Greek Lady and Metro). I get it. I’m as guilty of this as the next girl. But for the most part I try my best to cook my own meals. I know it may seem daunting and time consuming, but I promise it’s worth it. You’ll put better food into your body – and spend less money doing it. Studies show that cooking your own meals and using fresh produce, leads to healthier eating and less spending. What could be better than that? Even if you aren’t the type to care about healthy eating, everyone likes to save money! So why not give it a try?

In order to get you started, here are a few of my favorite 1-pot dishes that are easy to make, affordable, and delicious. Even if you have never cooked a meal in your life, I guarantee you’ll be able to make one of these recipes. P.S. All recipes can be modified to accommodate your taste and to feed fewer or more people! Enjoy!

1. One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/one-pot-pasta-spinach-tomatoes

2. Chicken with Tomatoes and Mushrooms

http://www.marthastewart.com/316032/chicken-with-tomatoes-and-mushrooms#One-Pot%20Meals|/275672/one-dish-dinners/@center/854190/comfort-food-recipes|316032

3. Spicy Peanut Chicken

http://www.marthastewart.com/921828/spicy-peanut-chicken#One-Pot%20Meals|/275672/one-dish-dinners/@center/854190/comfort-food-recipes|921828

4. Three-Cheese Skillet Lasagna

http://www.marthastewart.com/338181/three-cheese-skillet-lasagna#One-Pot%20Meals|/275672/one-dish-dinners/@center/854190/comfort-food-recipes|338181

5. Brown Rice and Broccoli Cheddar Pie

http://everybodylikessandwiches.com/2008/09/brown-rice-broccoli-cheddar-pie/

References:

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract;jsessionid=CCDC1536DB34763D2ADE50C347564AA9.journals?aid=9671907&fileId=S1368980014001943