blogpost_vegan-dinner-recipe-list

7 One-Pan Vegan Dinners for Busy Weeknights – Easy, Delicious, and Minimal Cleanup!

Looking for delicious vegan dinners that don’t require a sink full of dishes? These one-pan meals are a busy cook’s dream, perfect for weeknights when you want something flavorful, healthy, and easy to clean up. Using a single pan doesn’t mean sacrificing variety or taste—these recipes are packed with bold flavors, nutritious ingredients, and a comforting homemade touch. From hearty stews to roasted veggie dinners, let’s dive into seven satisfying one-pan vegan dinners that’ll save you time and make weeknight meals a breeze!

1. One-Pan Chickpea and Veggie Curry

This chickpea curry is creamy, comforting, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Full of protein and fiber, it’s a filling dinner that’ll warm you up on a cool evening.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until softened.
  2. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add coconut milk, chickpeas, bell pepper, and zucchini. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Stir in spinach until wilted, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice or naan.

2. Sheet Pan Fajitas

These vibrant fajitas are as colorful as they are tasty. Made with bell peppers, onions, and protein-packed black beans, they’re perfect served with tortillas or over a bed of greens for a lighter option.

Ingredients

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas and toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange sliced peppers, onions, and black beans on a baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender.
  4. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

3. One-Pan Pasta Primavera

This pasta primavera brings together pasta and veggies in a light, flavorful sauce that cooks all in one pan. It’s fresh, colorful, and ready in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add zucchini, tomatoes, broccoli, pasta, vegetable broth, and almond milk. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce is creamy.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil.

4. One-Pan Mexican Rice and Beans

Packed with protein, fiber, and spices, this Mexican-inspired rice and bean dish is both filling and delicious. Serve it with avocado slices or a dollop of vegan sour cream.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
  2. Stir in rice, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, and chili powder.
  3. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, until rice is tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with avocado or vegan cheese.

5. One-Pan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Orzo

This creamy orzo dish is cozy, comforting, and totally dairy-free. The tomato and spinach add a pop of flavor and color, making it as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ¼ cup coconut milk (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Stir in orzo, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  3. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
  4. Add spinach and coconut milk, if using, then season with salt and pepper.

6. Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Tray Bake

This tray bake is loaded with colorful veggies and hearty chickpeas, seasoned with Mediterranean spices and roasted to perfection. It’s a versatile, customizable dish that’s great with a side of couscous or quinoa.

Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange chickpeas, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
  3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until veggies are tender and chickpeas are crispy.
  4. Serve as is or over grains, topped with fresh herbs.

7. One-Pan Sweet Potato and Black Bean Hash

This sweet potato hash is a satisfying, nutrient-dense dish that’s perfect for dinner or even breakfast. It’s hearty, colorful, and full of flavor!

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large sweet potato, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Avocado and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, until sweet potato is tender.
  2. Stir in black beans, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, until heated through.
  3. Serve with sliced avocado and fresh cilantro.

Conclusion

These one-pan vegan dinners make it easy to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without spending a lot of time on cleanup. From pasta and curries to roasted veggies and hearty hashes, there’s something here for everyone. Try out these recipes for your next busy weeknight, and enjoy the simplicity and flavor of one-pan cooking!