This black bean pasta recipe can be made in 15 minutes with pantry ingredients. Chop up some veggies, throw in canned black beans, tomatoes and other ingredients from your pantry to make a delicious dinner.
[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
How will this pasta make your life easier?
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 Queso 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.
What makes this pasta with black beans so good?
- Pasta
- Black beans
- Corn Kernels (frozen or canned)
- Canned diced tomatoes OR salsa
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Chili Powder
- Vegetable Bouillon
- Green onion
- Cheddar cheese
How do I make this pasta with black beans?
Add pasta, diced tomatoes OR salsa, cumin, oregano, chili powder, water, and vegetable bouillon. Cook until pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
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.
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.
Transfer black bean pasta to a bowl to eat. Top with grated cheddar cheese and one green onion, sliced thinly.
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.
How can I repurpose this pasta?
Use the toppings to make Black Bean Tacos, Veggie Quesadilla, or a Vegetarian Queso Bowl.
What can I make with leftover 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.
Did you make this black bean pasta? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Black Bean Pasta
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 c water to a boil. Once water is boiling, add 3.5 oz 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, ⅛t chili powder, ¼ cup rinsed black beans, ⅓ c 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 T 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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Cate says
Love how easy and simple this recipe looks! Looks so delicious thanks for sharing!
Rebecca says
it totally is! absolutely 🙂
Erika says
Pasta dishes are the best. I love the addition of black beans too.
Rebecca says
aren't they?! and yes
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
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!