18 Delicious Vegan Dinners Ready in Under an Hour for Quick & Easy Weeknights
Are you constantly searching for quick and satisfying plant-based meals that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition? Look no further! This curated collection of 18 vegan dinner recipes is designed to be on your table in under an hour, making weeknight cooking a breeze. From comforting pasta dishes to aromatic curries, hearty chilis, and warming soups, you’ll find an abundance of delicious options perfect for busy schedules. Plus, they all make fantastic leftovers, ideal for meal prepping throughout the week!

Life can be undeniably hectic, and often, by the time dinner rolls around, you’re either famished or simply out of energy to prepare an elaborate meal. We’ve all experienced those days when a slow, mindful cooking process is a luxurious indulgence. But what about the days when time is short, and hunger strikes fast? That’s precisely where this carefully crafted collection of recipes shines!
These 18 dishes are your ultimate culinary rescue. They represent some of my most cherished vegan dinners, meticulously chosen not only for their delightful flavors but, more importantly, for their exceptional speed and simplicity. When I confidently declare “under an hour,” I truly mean it. These aren’t recipes burdened with hidden prep steps, intricate techniques, or obscure ingredients. Instead, they are straightforward, allowing you to whip up a wholesome, plant-based meal without any unnecessary stress. They are perfectly tailored for those demanding weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever you find yourself in need of a quick yet satisfying culinary fix.
As you explore this collection, you’ll discover a delightful and diverse array of dishes. There’s a particular emphasis on richly flavored curries, comforting pasta creations, and robust stir-fries – categories known for their ability to deliver big flavors in a short amount of time. A significant advantage is that many of these recipes come together effortlessly in just a few simple steps, frequently requiring only one pot or pan. This “one-pot wonder” approach translates directly to less cleanup, which is always a huge win in any busy kitchen!
Another common, and highly beneficial, thread among all these dishes is that they consistently yield generous portions. This means delicious leftovers, which are invaluable for proactive meal preparation. By cooking a larger batch, you’re not just making dinner for one night; you’re often securing healthy, pre-made options for future lunches or even another speedy dinner, ensuring you always have a wholesome vegan meal readily available without additional effort.
My sincere hope is that these dishes quickly become new favorites in your kitchen rotation. They are meticulously designed to be both incredibly delicious and genuinely easy to prepare, helping you conquer your daily dinner dilemma with newfound ease and culinary joy. Get ready to explore, experiment, and confidently discover your next go-to vegan meal that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle!
Our Top 18 Speedy Vegan Dinner Recipes
Discover a treasure trove of 18 incredible vegan dinner recipes, all meticulously designed to be ready in under an hour! Whether you crave the hearty satisfaction of pasta, the aromatic warmth of curries, the robust comfort of chilis, or the soothing embrace of soups, this diverse collection has an abundance of options to satisfy every palate. Each dish also yields delicious leftovers, making them perfect for streamlining your weekly meal prep routine!
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Cashew Cream (Vegan)
Indulge in this incredibly rich and satisfying Creamy Tomato Pasta, made entirely vegan with a luscious cashew cream sauce. Featuring just 7 simple ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it the perfect choice for a quick yet comforting weeknight meal. Its vibrant flavors and velvety texture will impress even the most discerning palates, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare from scratch in less than an hour. A true testament to the deliciousness of plant-based cooking.
One Pot Red Lentil Chili (Vegan & Gluten Free, Stovetop)
Warm up with this hearty and incredibly flavorful One Pot Red Lentil Chili. Requiring just ten minutes of hands-on prep, this vegan and gluten-free chili is a lifesaver for busy evenings. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it’s packed with nourishing red lentils, beans, and a blend of robust spices, delivering a deeply satisfying taste that everyone in your family will adore. It’s simple, robust, and makes excellent leftovers for a convenient lunch or dinner.
Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake
Prepare to be amazed by this ultimate crowd-pleasing Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a stunning dish for your holiday table, this recipe delivers on both incredible flavor and effortless preparation. With layers of tender pasta generously coated in a rich, melty vegan cheese sauce, it’s loaded with comforting goodness and comes together quickly, making it a delicious and dairy-free alternative that everyone will enjoy.
20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta
When you need a meal in a flash, this 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta is your ultimate go-to. It’s incredibly versatile, working perfectly as a quick and light small meal or scaled up for a larger, more satisfying gathering. This recipe is not only healthy and nutritious but also bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, thanks to a homemade or quality store-bought vegan pesto. It’s truly super easy to make, proving that delicious vegan food doesn’t have to take hours to prepare, even on the busiest days.
Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce (Vegan)
Whip up this incredibly flavorful Tempeh Stir Fry with Peanut Ginger Sauce in just 35 minutes! It’s an ideal solution for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on protein or taste. The subtly nutty tempeh and crisp, colorful vegetables are coated in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy peanut-ginger sauce that makes every bite truly delicious. This vegan stir-fry is also a fantastic option for meal prep, offering both convenience and amazing taste for days to come.
Chickpea Tikka Masala (Vegan)
Experience the rich and creamy flavors of this incredibly easy and absolutely divine Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala. This plant-based twist on the beloved classic offers an indulgent taste profile with its aromatic spices and luscious sauce, all while remaining healthy and wholesome. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and yields generous portions, making it an excellent choice for meal prep throughout the week. You’ll love how quickly this flavorful curry comes together, bringing authentic Indian tastes to your table.
15 Minute Sesame Noodles with Maple Ginger Sauce
Say goodbye to takeout cravings with these incredible 15 Minute Sesame Noodles with Maple Ginger Sauce. Lightly sautéed noodles are quickly tossed in a sweet and savory maple-ginger dressing, creating a vibrant, satisfying, and shockingly fast meal in a flash. This recipe is perfect for those really busy nights when you crave something delicious and homemade but have virtually no time to spare. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful vegan dinner solution that truly hits the spot!
Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry in Sweet Ginger Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this delectable Tofu and Veggie Stir Fry, bathed in a vibrant and savory sweet ginger sauce. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a perfect quick vegan meal for any night of the week. It’s packed with colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and protein-rich tofu, offering a healthy and satisfying option that the whole family will love. Ideal for meal prep, you’ll definitely want to make extra to enjoy throughout the week.
Hummus Pasta
Discover your new favorite incredibly easy vegan pasta dish: Hummus Pasta! This innovative and quick recipe is absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, bringing a unique twist to your table. It creates a deliciously creamy, protein-packed, and flavorful sauce by simply combining cooked pasta with hummus and a few other vibrant ingredients. Highly customizable with your favorite veggies and spices, this satisfying meal comes together in just 20 minutes, offering a truly unique and speedy plant-based option.
Cheesy Baked Ziti (5 Ingredients)
Prepare for the best pasta dish you’ve ever made with this incredible 5-Ingredient Cheesy Baked Ziti! This simple yet incredibly flavorful vegan baked ziti is a true showstopper, proving that sometimes less is truly more. Loaded with divine taste thanks to its minimal ingredients, it’s remarkably easy to throw together, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special holiday gatherings. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds, guaranteed!
Red Lentil Curry – Vegan, One Pot
This Red Lentil Curry is an incredibly delicious and comforting vegan dish that comes together in just an hour! Made easily in a single pot, it’s packed with nutrient-rich red lentils and a medley of aromatic spices simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This healthy and hearty curry is not only perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal but also freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for future meal prep and unexpected busy evenings. Enjoy the wholesome goodness!
Vegan Thai Red Curry with Tofu
Prepare for a taste sensation with this Vegan Thai Red Curry with Tofu that tastes absolutely phenomenal! Boasting a short prep time, this curry is brimming with rich, bold, and authentic Thai flavors, thanks to its vibrant red curry paste and creamy coconut milk base. Learn how to create deliciously seasoned and perfectly crispy tofu to complement the sauce, adding a fantastic texture. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an incredible choice for healthy meal prep, ensuring you have delicious plant-based meals ready to go in under an hour.
Coconut Chickpea Curry (Vegan & Gluten Free)
This Creamy Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry is hailed as one of the best curries you’ll ever taste! It’s our absolute go-to for a nourishing weeknight dinner, and for good reason. Prepared entirely in one pot, this dish is bursting with incredible flavors, featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a rich coconut milk base with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices. Not only is it perfect for meal prep, but it’s also wonderfully budget-friendly, proving that delicious and healthy vegan eating can be both easy and economical.
Vegan Thai Green Curry Recipe
Bring the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with this incredible Vegan Thai Green Curry! With only 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, this one-pot wonder is perfect for a fast and flavorful weeknight meal. It’s loaded with aromatic spices, crisp fresh vegetables, and a creamy coconut milk base, creating a rich and satisfying dish that’s both naturally vegan and gluten-free. Get ready for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that truly delivers an authentic taste experience!
Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Warm your soul with this incredibly flavorful Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup. This convenient one-pot meal is brimming with tender, protein-packed lentils simmering in a rich, creamy, and aromatic curry broth. It’s the epitome of comforting food, yet surprisingly quick to make, fitting perfectly into an under-an-hour timeline. Perfect for cozy busy weeknights or as a nourishing lunch to take to work, this soup is a wholesome and deeply satisfying plant-based option for any occasion, especially when you need a quick pick-me-up.
Indian Butter Cauliflower (Vegan)
Indulge in this healthier, vegan take on a beloved classic: Indian Butter Cauliflower, which is arguably even better than takeout! Florets of cauliflower are first marinated in fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk, then perfectly pan-charred to develop deep flavor before being lovingly simmered in a rich and luscious Indian butter sauce. This dish bursts with authentic, complex flavors and boasts a wonderfully creamy texture, making it a truly satisfying and quick plant-based meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Easy Sweet Potato Curry (One Pot)
For a wholesome and effortlessly delicious meal, look no further than this Easy Sweet Potato Curry. This fantastic one-pot wonder is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Tender sweet potatoes, simmered in a rich and aromatic coconut milk base with vibrant spices, create a comforting and nutritious vegan dinner that’s both incredibly satisfying and quick to prepare. Enjoy the simplicity and incredible taste!
Aloo Gobi Masala – Cauliflower and Potato Curry
Enjoy the classic and beloved flavors of India with this delightful Aloo Gobi Masala, a hearty and aromatic cauliflower and potato curry. This dish is exceptionally flavorful, loaded with traditional Indian spices that create a warm, inviting, and deeply satisfying meal. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect vegan option for a nourishing weeknight dinner. Discover how effortlessly this wholesome curry comes together to bring authentic Indian taste to your table in no time, often in well under an hour!


















