Jamie Oliver has long been celebrated for his approachable and delicious cooking style, especially when it comes to quick weeknight meals. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to add more plant-based dishes to their repertoire, Jamie’s vegan recipes offer a perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling dinner time, or just someone who loves tasty, wholesome food, these recipes are crafted to be both satisfying and easy to prepare. From vibrant veggie-packed pastas to warming curries and nutritious bowls, Jamie Oliver’s vegan weeknight meals prove that eating plant-based doesn’t have to be complicated or boring.
Get ready to transform your dinner routine with these fantastic recipes that bring the best of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s vegan weeknight meals stand out because they focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients combined in creative ways that burst with flavor. They are designed for busy schedules, requiring minimal prep time and everyday kitchen equipment.
These dishes are not only packed with nutrients but also showcase how diverse and delicious vegan cooking can be—proving that plant-based meals can easily satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Another reason to love these recipes is their versatility. Each meal can be customized with what you have on hand, making them perfect for reducing food waste and accommodating different tastes or dietary preferences.
Plus, they often come together in under 30 minutes, meaning you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your food.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 courgette (zucchini), sliced
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 200g dried pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan for pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and sliced courgette. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle the smoked paprika and ground cumin over the vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
- Combine chickpeas and tomatoes: Add the drained chickpeas and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the chickpeas are heated through.
- Mix pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the frying pan and toss everything together gently. Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final touch: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. For a cheesy, nutty flavor, sprinkle nutritional yeast if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Swap out veggies based on seasonality or preference. For example, add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted aubergine for a different twist.
For extra protein, toss in some toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds just before serving.
To make this recipe nut-free, avoid toppings like nuts and instead add a handful of cooked lentils or tofu cubes.
Jamie’s tip: Always save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This versatile vegan pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad of mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something extra cozy, pair this dish with a bowl of Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe—it complements the flavors perfectly and adds a comforting element to your weeknight dinner.
For dessert, why not try the delightful Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe? It’s a sweet treat that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s vegan weeknight meals are a game-changer for anyone seeking quick, wholesome, and flavorful plant-based dinners. These recipes prove that vegan cooking can be simple without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based dishes, these meals bring vibrant colors, textures, and aromas to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
By embracing fresh, seasonal ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, you can create satisfying meals that nourish your body and delight your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to customize these recipes with your favorite vegetables or spices to make them truly your own.
And if you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, check out the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy vegan pasta sauce alternative.
Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every bite of these vibrant, easy vegan meals perfect for any weeknight!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Recipes Jamie Oliver Weeknight Meals
Description: A collection of delicious and easy-to-make vegan recipes inspired by Jamie Oliver's weeknight meals. Perfect for quick, nutritious dinners that everyone will love.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 100g spinach leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in bell pepper and zucchini, cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve garnished with fresh coriander.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 45 g
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