Looking for easy and delicious Vegan Dinner Ideas For Two? Skip the takeout and impress your date with a homemade meal that’s both satisfying and kind to the planet. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based cooking, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Vegan pasta dinner for two
Creamy Vegan Pasta Perfection
Let’s start with a classic: pasta! This creamy vegan pasta dish is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight date night.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup vegan white wine (optional)
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and mushrooms to the skillet and cook until mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes more.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the vegan white wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the coconut milk, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Chef’s Tip: For a richer flavor, try using roasted garlic in this recipe. Simply roast a whole head of garlic in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until soft. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the skillet along with the onion.
Close-up of creamy vegan pasta
Flavorful Vegan Burrito Bowls for Two
Embrace bold flavors with these customizable vegan burrito bowls. They’re packed with nutritious ingredients and are perfect for a satisfying and fun dinner date.
Ingredients:
- For the rice:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the toppings:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 avocado, diced
- Vegan sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice: Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice, 1 1/2 cups water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Prepare the black beans: While the rice is cooking, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Top with the black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and avocado.
- Add your favorites: Drizzle with vegan sour cream and garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Chef’s Tip: To make this recipe even easier, use pre-cooked rice. You can find pre-cooked brown rice in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
These are just two ideas to inspire your next vegan dinner for two. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Both the pasta and burrito bowl components can be prepped in advance. The pasta sauce can be made up to two days ahead and reheated, while the burrito bowl ingredients can be chopped and stored separately for easy assembly.
2. What are some other vegan dinner ideas for two?
Looking for quick vegan meal ideas? Try a lentil soup, veggie burgers, or tofu stir-fry. There are endless possibilities! You could also opt for vegan summer dinner recipes like salads or light pasta dishes.
3. Can I freeze any leftover pasta sauce?
Yes, the pasta sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor to the pasta sauce. If you don’t have any, you can try using a vegan Parmesan cheese or simply omit it.
5. Can I use different vegetables in the burrito bowls?
Of course! Feel free to customize your burrito bowls with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
6. What are some other vegan protein options for burrito bowls?
Tempeh, tofu crumbles, or lentils would all be great sources of plant-based protein in these bowls.
7. Where can I find more vegan penne pasta recipes?
Check out our website for a variety of delicious and easy vegan penne pasta recipes. We also have a great selection of crock pot recipes vegan and easy vegan lunch ideas.
Enjoy these vegan dinner recipes for two, and happy cooking!
