• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Nourish Nutrition Blog

  • NUTRITION SERVICES
  • ABOUT
  • FREE GUIDE-Cooking for One
  • RECIPES
  • MEAL PLANNING GUIDE
  • FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • NUTRITION SERVICES
  • ABOUT
  • FREE GUIDE-Cooking for One
  • RECIPES
  • MEAL PLANNING GUIDE
  • FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Index » Pasta Dishes

    Black Bean Pasta for One

    April 13, 2020 Updated April 16, 2024 By Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD Cooking for One, One Pot/One Pan Meals, Pantry Dinners, Pasta Dishes, Vegetarian Dishes

    Jump to Recipe
    black bean pasta and cheese on top in a white bowl with ingredients around it.
    close up of black bean pasta with text overlay

    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.

    black bean pasta in a white bowl with ingredients around it

    [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

    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Storage/Reheating Tips
    • Substitutions/Tips
    • FAQ
    • Other good pasta recipes
    • How to repurpose this pasta
    • What to make with leftover ingredients

    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, tomatoes, black beans, corn, spices, broth, and cheese on a table
    • 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.

    pasta, water, tomatoes, and spices in a black pot

    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.

    pasta, tomatoes, corn, and black beans in a black pot

    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.

    black bean pasta in a white bowl

    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

    How do you make spaghetti less boring?

    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.

    What is good with black bean pasta?

    You can add corn, lime juice, avocado slices, sliced onions, chicken, pulled pork, and shrimp to this pasta with black beans.

    What are good toppings for black bean pasta?

    Tomatoes, salsa, cheese, green onion are a few tasty toppings for black bean pasta.

    pasta with black beans and cheese on top in a white bowl with ingredients around.

    Other good pasta recipes

    • Canned Tomato Pasta for One
    • Carbonara with Lemon
    • Chicken Bacon and Mushroom Pasta
    • Pesto Pasta for One
    • One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    • Single Serving Mac and Cheese

    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!

    square image of black bean pasta with cheese in a bowl

    Black Bean Pasta for One

    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.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, main
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Author: Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN

    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
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @NourishNutriCo or tag #NourishNutriCo!

    Want time saving tips to make recipes like this black bean pasta delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Cooking for One Time Saving Tips.

    Recipes are great, but you’ll need a simple 3 step process to create a meal plan that make cooking easy & helps you stop wasting food. Check out this expertly developed meal planning guide to get started. 

    More Pasta Dishes

    • close up of mushroom, green bean pasta in bowl
      Mushroom Green Bean Pasta for One
    • close up of mac & cheese with breadcrumbs in bowl
      Single Serving Baked Mac and Cheese (5 ingredients!)
    • close up of pasta with mushrooms, bacon, and chicken with a fork in it
      Chicken Bacon and Mushroom Pasta for One
    • pesto pasta with parmesan cheese on top
      Pesto Pasta for One

    About Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN, CD

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian who has been cooking for one for over 10 years. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heidy says

      April 15, 2020 at 11:39 am

      This Easy Black Bean Pasta was excellent and so hearty and filling. Great recipe the entire family enjoyed it including the kids.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 17, 2020 at 8:53 am

        great to hear!

        Reply
    2. Anita says

      April 15, 2020 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      The black bean alone is plenty delicious. I can eat them as is even without the pasta. 🙂

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 17, 2020 at 8:53 am

        right! it's good with pasta or other grains

        Reply
    3. Erika says

      April 15, 2020 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      Pasta dishes are the best. I love the addition of black beans too.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 17, 2020 at 8:53 am

        aren't they?! and yes

        Reply
    4. Cate says

      April 15, 2020 at 9:23 am

      Love how easy and simple this recipe looks! Looks so delicious thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        April 17, 2020 at 8:54 am

        it totally is! absolutely 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Rebecca in a kitchen making guacamole with chips and dips on counter

    Hi I'm Rebecca

    I'm a registered dietitian and solo cook. I'm here to help you make cooking for one easier and more fun!

    About Rebecca

    popular posts

    • chili with toppings and slices of bread on side
      Chili Without Tomatoes
    • glass jar with oats, chia seeds, and frozen berries in it
      Overnight Oats with Yogurt (5 flavor combinations)
    • glass bowl of red and green cabbage and shredded carrots
      Red Wine Vinegar Coleslaw
    • close up of beef, sauteed spinach, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl
      Thai Inspired Beef and Spinach Bowl

    spring recipes

    • three rows of sliced beets on a plate
      Beets in a Pressure Cooker (Make as many as you want!)
    • close up of beets, cheese, arugula, lemons on plate
      Beet Salad with Goat Cheese for One
    • bowl of browned brussels sprouts and asparagus
      Easy Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts For One
    • strawberry sauce in glass jar
      No Cook Strawberry Sauce (no added sugar)

    EATING DISORDER NUTRITIONIST

    featured on

    logos of media outlets Rebecca of Nourish Nutrition Co has contributed to

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Free Guide

    • Click Here for your Cooking for One Time Saving Tip Sheet!

    About

    • About Rebecca
    • Nutrition Services
    • Cooking for One Recipes
    • Meal Planning for One

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Recipe/Food Photography Services

    Salt Lake City based virtual dietitian | eating disorders | cooking for one

    [email protected] | 385-215-9458 | F: 385-259-7761

    Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

    Copyright © 2024 Nourish Nutrition Co

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.