This black bean pasta for one can be made in 15 minutes with pantry ingredients. IT's got simple, inexpensive ingredients (canned tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheese, and spices) and so much flavor.
[This recipe was originally posted in November 2018. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
Table of contents
If you're like me and ALWAYS have pasta on hand, this easy black bean pasta is a great way to eat noodles, but to enjoy different flavors in it.
Plus, all the toppings would be great in this Refried Bean Tacos, Veggie Quesadilla, or Vegetarian Burrito Bowl.
So you could prep each ingredient (minus the pasta) individually and eat them in different dishes throughout the week. Want any more pantry meal inspiration? Check out these 20 easy pantry meals for one.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the black bean pasta recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick visual + description of what's in this recipe.
- Pasta: use whatever shape you prefer.
- Black beans
- Corn Kernels: frozen, canned, or fresh would work
- Canned diced tomatoes OR salsa: if you've got salsa, this is a great way to add extra flavor to your black bean pasta.
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Chili Powder
- Vegetable Bouillon: I use vegetable (or chicken) bouillon paste with water instead of broth. This is a great cooking for one hack.
- Green onion: it's a great garnish!
- Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.
1. Add pasta, diced tomatoes OR salsa, cumin, oregano, chili powder, water, and vegetable bouillon. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Bring water to a boil. Once water is boiling, add pasta, diced tomatoes OR salsa, and vegetable bouillon paste. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Once pasta is fork tender, drain excess water and return to pot. Add black beans, frozen or canned corn kernels. Keep stove on, mix together until all ingredients are mixed together, and beans & salsa are warmed.
4. Transfer black bean pasta to a bowl to eat. Top with grated cheddar cheese and one green onion, sliced thinly.
Storage/Reheating Tips
This black bean pasta will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. It won't freeze well.
To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave, covered until warmed through. The water will help soften your noodles and create a silkier sauce.
Substitutions/Tips
- Use spaghetti or whatever type of pasta you have on hand.
- Add more water if it mostly gets absorbed.
- Add other veggies that you have, like corn, onion, cabbage, or fresh tomatoes.
- Other great add-ins: chopped avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
FAQ
Instead of a traditional spaghetti, make a black bean pasta. This pasta has the usual diced tomatoes, and also corn, black beans, cumin, oregano, and other flavors.
You can add corn, lime juice, avocado slices, sliced onions, chicken, pulled pork, and shrimp to this pasta with black beans.
Tomatoes, salsa, cheese, green onion are a few tasty toppings for black bean pasta.
How to repurpose this pasta
Use the toppings to make Black Bean Tacos, Veggie Quesadilla, or a Vegetarian Queso Bowl.
What to make with leftover ingredients
When you're cooking for one, you often have leftover produce, cans of whatever ingredient, etc. Here are a couple ideas on how to use up the leftover ingredients. It'll help you save money by wasting fewer ingredients.
- Diced Tomatoes: Pumpkin Chili with Ground Turkey or Green Lentil Curry
- Black Beans: Black Bean Tacos, Veggie Quesadilla, Vegetarian Queso Bowl.
- Green Onion: even if it's not in the recipe, they'd be great in any of the recipes above.
- Cheddar Cheese: 10 Minute Queso, Protein Packed Mac & Cheese, Single serving Mac and Cheese.
Did you make this black bean pasta? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Black Bean Pasta for One
Equipment
- can opener
- cutting board
- knife
- pot with lid
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 3.5 oz pasta
- ½ can diced tomatoes OR salsa
- 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon or chicken
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ cup black beans
- ⅓ cup corn kernels frozen or canned
- 1 whole green onion
- 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Bring ¾ cup water to a boil. Once water is boiling, add 3.5 ounces pasta, ½ can diced tomatoes OR salsa, and 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Once pasta is fork tender, drain water and return to pot. Add ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon oregano, ⅛ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ cup rinsed black beans, ⅓ cup frozen or canned corn kernels. Keep stove on, mix together until all ingredients are mixed together, and beans & salsa are warmed.
- Drain excess water. Transfer to bowl to eat. Top with 2 Tablespoons grated cheddar cheese and one green onion, sliced thinly.
Notes
- Use spaghetti or whatever type of pasta you have on hand.
- Add more water if it mostly gets absorbed.
- Add other veggies that you have, like corn, onion, cabbage, or fresh tomatoes.
- Other Topping Ideas: chopped avocado, cilantro, lime wedges
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Heidy says
This Easy Black Bean Pasta was excellent and so hearty and filling. Great recipe the entire family enjoyed it including the kids.
Rebecca says
great to hear!
Anita says
The black bean alone is plenty delicious. I can eat them as is even without the pasta. 🙂
Rebecca says
right! it's good with pasta or other grains
Erika says
Pasta dishes are the best. I love the addition of black beans too.
Rebecca says
aren't they?! and yes
Cate says
Love how easy and simple this recipe looks! Looks so delicious thanks for sharing!
Rebecca says
it totally is! absolutely 🙂