5-ingredient Vegan Dinner Recipes

Hey, friend! You know those days, right? The ones where you get home and you’re just done. The fridge looks empty, the pantry is a disaster, and you’re pretty sure everyone in the house is already hungry. That was me last Tuesday. I was staring at a couple of canned goods and some tired-looking spinach, and I thought, “Okay, we need a miracle here.” That’s how this little easy vegan dinner recipe was born. It’s my absolute lifesaver. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps, just a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a hug. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you that simple can be wonderful. And let me tell you, it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. This is the perfect quick vegan dinner for those busy, crazy days when you just need something delicious and stress-free.

What You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe? You probably already have these things! These are the five superstars that make this magic happen.

• 1 (16-ounce) box of pasta, any shape you love (like penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach (a big handful or two)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

Quick Swap! No chickpeas? Use any canned beans you have, like cannellini beans or black beans. Don’t have fresh spinach? Frozen works just as well—just toss it in and let it wilt.

Tools You’ll Use

See? Nothing fancy here.

• A large pot
• A colander or strainer
• A wooden spoon

How to Make It

Trust me, you’ve got this! We’re gonna get this done in about 20 minutes, tops.

1. First things first, get that large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the water—it helps the pasta taste even better.
2. While the water is heating up, you can get the sauce ready. Pour the big can of crushed tomatoes right into the same pot you’re using for the pasta. This is a one-pot wonder, after all!
3. As soon as the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it according to the directions on the box.
4. Once the pasta is in the pot, add the drained chickpeas and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir. You want it all to get cozy together.
5. When the pasta is about a minute or two away from being done, toss in the spinach. It will wilt down super fast. I always pack in a little extra because it just melts away.
6. Right before you take the pot off the heat, stir everything again so the spinach is nice and soft and the sauce is mixed in well.
7. Now, the most important step! Grab your colander. You’re gonna drain the whole pot—pasta, sauce, chickpeas, and all—into the colander. This might seem weird, but it works! It gets rid of all that extra water and leaves you with a thick, yummy sauce.
8. Pour the finished pasta back into the pot, give it a final stir, and you’re ready to eat!

Healthy Tips

This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s a healthy vegan recipe, too! Here’s why.

• Chickpeas: These little beans are powerhouses! They have lots of fiber to help your tummy feel good and protein to give you energy to run and play all day. They’re like nature’s tiny energizer bunnies.
• Spinach: You probably know spinach is good for you. It’s packed with vitamins that help you stay strong and keep your eyes healthy. It’s like a superfood in disguise!

To make this dish even healthier, you can use whole-wheat pasta. It has more fiber and keeps you full for longer. Another great idea? You can always add more veggies. Shredded zucchini or chopped mushrooms would be a great way to sneak in some extra goodness!

• Nutrition Facts (per serving, about 4 servings):
  • Calories: approx. 450
  • Protein: approx. 18g
  • Fiber: approx. 10g

Make It Your Own

The best recipes are ones you can play with! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, or sprinkle on some nutritional yeast at the end for a cheesy flavor. You could even add some chopped garlic or onion when you start the sauce if you have a little extra time. My kids love it when I stir in a spoonful of vegan pesto, too. Get creative!

Share the Love!

I hope this dish becomes your new go-to for those busy nights. It’s a reminder that cooking for yourself and your family doesn’t have to be a big, scary thing. It can be easy, quick, and full of love.

Did you try it? Did you add your own special twist? Tell me how your dish turned out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear from you.