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Vegan One Pot Pasta is the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner. Pasta, veggies, and sauce all cook in the same pot in 20 minutes for a satisfying and veggie-packed meal with almost no cleanup. Vegan
This Easy One Pot Pasta may just be the best low-effort weeknight dinner of all time. There’s no draining, sautéing, or fancy ingredients required—just toss the noodles, veggies, and sauce in a pot and let them do their thing! After about 20 minutes, you’ll have a saucy pot of pasta that everyone will love.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review:
“So easy and delicious just as is. I can see adding this to my regular quick menu list – it would be very easy to change up veggies and flavors for variety. Doubled the recipe for 8 guests, plenty with a bit leftover. It was a big hit – thank you!”
– Michelle
Table of Contents
A Cozy, Healthy Pasta Dinner in 20 Minutes!
We all have those evenings where the last thing we want to do is cook a big meal and then clean up aaaaall the dishes left in the sink. After a long day, I’m making this Vegan One Pot Pasta instead. It’s not just a time-saver but also a flavor-packed, customizable dinner any pasta lover will want on repeat.
There’s no draining, no sautéing, and absolutely no fancy ingredients required here. It’s an easy pasta dinner recipe after all, so just toss your veggies, pasta, and sauce in a pot and let the stove do the rest. And honestly, one pot pasta recipes taste even better than the traditional kind since the noodles simmer in tomato sauce with our veggies instead of just pasta water.
The best part? You get to pick the pasta, the sauce, and the veggies. No matter what you use, you’ll end up with a cozy, healthy dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients for This Easy Pasta Dinner
This recipe calls for 12 simple ingredients, but remember: you have control over the pasta, vegetables, and sauce, so feel free to change things up depending on what you like, what’s in season, or what you have in your kitchen.
- Pasta: any kind of dry gluten-free or regular short-cut pasta works here. I do not recommend using bean- or lentil-based pasta because it tends to fall apart in the sauce and releases more starch, yielding a gummier dish.
- Vegetables: I used a combination of tomatoes, garlic cloves, onion, mushrooms, zucchini, and fresh spinach, but you can really use whatever you want! Swap the veggies for what’s in season or what you already have on hand.
- Pasta Sauce: your pick! Any variety of tomato-based jarred pasta sauce goes here. When I have a jar on hand, I like to use this Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce.
How to Make Vegan Pasta in One Pot
- Add the pasta to a large pot along with the remaining ingredients (except the spinach).
- Heat to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the spinach.
- Once the spinach is wilted, divide the warm pasta into bowls and top with vegan parmesan. Enjoy!
Caitlin’s Cooking Tips
- Stir the pasta every 2 minutes. This will prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure each piece of pasta cooks evenly.
- The cooking time will vary depending on the pasta you’re using. I recommend starting to check on the pasta when you reach the minimum cook time written on the package instructions.
- Worried about liquid being left in the pot? Start by cooking the pasta with just 2 cups of water, then add extra splashes (up to 1/2 cup) if/when the pasta is looking dry or the sauce is too thick.
Serving Suggestions
One pot pasta is one of my favorite dinners to make after a really long day or when I just want something quick, simple, and delicious. Since the pasta is pretty simple, I like to zhuzh it up with a few toppings, like grated vegan parmesan, fresh basil, or a dollop of this Nut-Free Vegan Pesto. And to complete the meal, I’ll pair each bowl with a few pieces of vegan garlic bread and this Chopped Italian Salad.
If you’re looking for more one-pot pasta recipes, you’ll also love this Vegan One-Pot Pasta Primavera, this One Pot Vegan Jalapeño Mac & Cheese, and this One Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta!
How to Store Leftover Pasta
The pasta is best served fresh off the stove. As they sit, the noodles will absorb the sauce and become soggy.
Still, any leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to keep single servings in individual containers for easy, reheatable meals.
To reheat, either microwave the pasta or add it to a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and the pasta is saucy again.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: You can make this with your favorite gluten-free pasta. I found that brown rice pasta worked the best!
- Creamy One Pot Pasta: The starch from the pasta will naturally make the sauce creamy, but if you want a creamier dish, stir in 1/4 cup of vegan parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, or cashew cream at the end.
- Water Substitute: Swap the water for an equal amount of vegetable broth or imitation “chicken” broth for more flavor.
- Add Plant Protein: Add 1 or 2 diced Italian vegan sausages or a can of drained and rinsed white beans to give the pasta a protein boost.
- More Vegetable Ideas: You can change up the veggies as much as you’d like. Green peas, diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and broccoli florets are all welcome here!
- For a Flavor Boost: Got a few extra minutes? Try sautéing the onion in the oiled pot until translucent, then add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Sauté for another minute, then continue with the recipe from step 1. This seasoned oil will add a little more flavor to the pasta!
Recipe FAQs
Any variety of regular or gluten-free noodles works, except for lentil- or bean-based pasta. You could also use long pasta, like spaghetti, but it’s harder to stir and tends to stick together more while it cooks.
This can happen if too much water is added. The sauce should thicken as it simmers, but if you’re worried about the pasta overcooking, scoop it out with a slotted spoon before reducing the sauce.
Yes, you can easily swap the fresh veggies for the bag of mixed frozen vegetables. No need to thaw them—just toss them right in the pot.
Enjoy! If you make this recipe and decide to share it on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @FromMyBowl + #FromMyBowl! I would also love it if you could leave a comment below with a recipe rating! Thank you for the support 😊
Easy One Pot Pasta | Healthy Pasta Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry pasta*, gluten-free or regular
- 8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini ends trimmed and quartered
- 3 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cups pasta sauce of choice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prep: Add the uncooked pasta to a large pot (or pan with deep sides). Add the remaining ingredients – except for the spinach – and mix well. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
- Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and cook the pasta for 10 to 14 minutes, until al-dente. Stir the mixture every 2 minutes to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. (Note: cooking times will vary based on the type of pasta used. I suggest you start to check for doneness based on the minimum cook time on the package instructions)
- Serve: Turn the heat off and fold the spinach into the pasta. Once the spinach has wilted, divide the pasta into serving bowls and top as desired. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
- Pasta: This recipe will work both gluten-free and gluten-full pasta, so use what works for you! I suggest you use shorter pasta shapes (such as penne, rotini, shells, macaroni) over longer noodles as they cook more evenly in this method. If you are using gluten-free pasta, I have found that brown rice pasta works best.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add, subtract, or substitute any of the veggies here!
- “Fancy” Pasta: If you have a few extra minutes, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your pan over medium heat and saute the onion for 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic, italian seasoning, and chili flakes and sauté for 1 minute. Then proceed with the recipe from step 1 — this seasoned oil will add a little more flavor to the pasta!
Nutrition
Can this be modified to be made in the Instant Pot? I’m guessing it would just be less water but not sure how much to add.
It probably could, but I havent tested that. I do have other Instant Pot pasta recipes on the blog though!
This was a hit with my whole family! So delicious and easy. Thank you!
I saw this video on YouTube, marked it, and then found it again on Google so I knew I had to try it. It was the easiest thing I’ve ever made, could not be more simple. Anyone can do it! And on top of that, it was delicious! I did add a little cheese because pasta, come on lol. But I tasted it before that and it was very good. I’ll definitely be keeping this in my rotation. It also made A LOT which is great. If covid ever ends & I have to cook for people again this is gonna be the one.
Thanks so much for the kind words! So glad you enjoyed it and hope you get to make it for some friends soon!
Its so good! I’ll definitely be making this more 🙂
Yay! Thanks for making!
I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this recipe. It’s SO delicious and amazingly easy. I usually add double the chili pepper because I love spice. I will never get tired of this pasta. <3
Sounds awesome! Extra spice is always welcome.
Gets all the stars since it is an easy and wholesome meal to cook. Quick to make too!
Yay! Thanks so much!
Hi!
Could someone tell me how much pasta that would be equivalent to in grams?
Hey! That’s roughly 225 grams!
I’ve made this pasta now SEVERAL times, and I have yet to get sick of it. I absolutely love it! So easy to prepare, contains accessible ingredients and tastes phenomenal. I really appreciate your detailed instructions and relevant recommendations throughout this recipe. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Happy to hear you’ve been enjoying it! Thanks for making it!
Made it tonight, and wow, what yummy (and pretty) results with minimal effort! Great recipe with so many options! Especially if you have a variety of veggies that need used up! I bought a zucchini and onion for this recipe, but basically went through our salad shelf and tossed in anything that was nearing eol. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sounds awesome! Glad you liked it and were able to use up all those veggies!
I’m sorry I’m a little confused, so we add the pasta sauce and water together to cook the pasta??
Hey! That’s right! It’s a one pot recipe so everything just goes straight in minus the spinach!
This recipe was so easy to make and so delicious! I added some of Kelly’s Gourmet Cheezy Parm on top!
Ooh that sounds so good!
Excellent!
Why thank you!
I won’t rate this recipe yet because something went wrong… Instead of the salt I subbed in the no- chicken base mixed into boiling water and poured that over the pot and I’m wondering if that is why my pasta ended up gummy in the end? I have to say, the flavors were delicious!
Hi Mardy! One Pot pasta can be more gummy than traditional cooking methods, it mostly depends on the type of pasta you use. In the blog post I suggest using brown rice pasta!
I have a few questions, if that’s okay?
1. Do you think this would freeze well if I divided it into individual portions?
2. I would like to add some pulses for extra protein. Do you think 2 cans would be okay (I love beans!) or would this require adding more liquid to the recipe?
Thank you!
Pasta doesn’t freeze well, so I wouldnt suggest that. I think adding canned beans would be okay, but I would actually suggest stirring them into the pasta once cooked and letting them sit (with pan on low heat) until they are warmed.
I just made this and it blew my mind, I’m obsessed!
Thanks so much!
This was delicious!!! My family loved it! Super easy, definitely going to make it regularly!
Yay! Glad they all liked it!
Do you think it would be alright to freeze?
Pasta doesn’t freeze well, so we dont suggest that!
Hello! Do you have any suggestion for the sauce? I would like to make it at home.
Can I substitute the cherry tomatoes for regular ones?
Thank you so much. Kisses!
You could use an 8 ounce tomato instead of grape or cherry!
Is this tomato paste?
No, it’s pasta sauce
Can I sub the yellow onion for a red onion?
In a pinch, sure! It does change the taste a bit but if you’re not always buying/able to buy red onions it’s not a big deal!
Hi, I made this last night but doubled everything to feed my family of 5 (and have leftovers if possible) and it seemed at first like not enough water, then when the pasta was done it seemed like too much water. It wasn’t like yours in your pics or insta reel, it was watery not thick and starchy. Almost was like pasta soup. That being said it was absolutely delicious but I want to make it again but have it be like your pics. Should I use less water? I always have trouble when doubling recipes for some reason. Any suggestions to make it just like your pics/reel?
Thank you!
I think this would be a difficult recipe to double, because it would take longer to cook and make sure the pasta is cooked well. It also depends on the type of pasta you are using! For future reference, I would suggest starting with 1/2 cup less water, and only adding more if you think you need it
It was perfect the first time. This is very really unique helpful information.I learn so much from you as well! Thank you so much for sharing your helpful information. Keep it up.
Thanks so much!
I was wondering if you could refrigerate this and heat it up like in 1-3 days. I know sometimes reheating pasta isn’t as good as eating it fresh
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days!
Do you think some vegan faux chicken would be good to add for some extra protein? Or would you suggest something else?
Thank you!
If you’re wanting extra protein, sure! This is a really fun recipe to customize and add whatever speaks to you. Faux chicken would work well!