One Pot Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta {one pot meals vegetarian so easy!}

This is a busy time of year and I’m finding that my clients want to get back to basics. That usually means getting more streamlined with meal planning, grocery shopping, prepping, and batch cooking healthy dinners. My clients almost always use dinner leftovers for lunch so making enough is absolutely critical. Enter this beautiful one pot vegetarian enchilada pasta recipe. It’s plant-forward, packed with protein, and can be made in under 20 minutes. If you’re searching frantically for one pot meals vegetarian dinners perfect for leftovers, this one’s for you. 

Benefits of “Dump and Go” meals

If you’re after one pot meals (vegetarian) you’re in the right place. There are so many opportunities for one pot meals. You’ll also see them referred to as ‘dump and go’ and what that means is literally, dump all the ingredients in and walk away. It’s so very simple. I love these types of recipes for beginner cooks, for people with chronic health conditions or pain that make it hard to stand or prep for periods of time, for very busy people, or for young cooks (ie older kids and teens). If you think that meal prep takes a long time…think again!

Health Benefits of Beans

Did you know that all types of beans are healthy? They’re high in fiber, contain plant-based protein, absolutely no fat at all, and are packed with vitamins and minerals. Colors in foods often indicate the presence of anti-inflammatory antioxidants. That couldn’t be more true than with black beans. 

Whether you choose black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, white beans, or black eyed peas, you can’t go wrong with using beans for your protein in a dish like this. 

Personally, I buy them canned and rinse them before use to cut down on the salt. You’re welcome to make your own from scratch but it does add to the time it takes them to be ready to eat. Instant pots and pressure cookers can really speed up the process but keep in mind that canned beans are very nutritious, affordable, and heart healthy. 

Health Benefits of Pasta

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: pasta can be part of a healthy, balanced diet! Yes: it’s a carb but we need carbs to fuel body and mind. Whole grain carbohydrates contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber that. are critical for your health. Don’t fear the carb…embrace it. You can get even more of a health benefit if you choose whole wheat or a bean/lentil pasta. These options contain more fiber and more protein than traditional pasta and that’s what I use in this one pot vegetarian enchilada pasta recipe.

Making the One Pot Black Bean Enchilada Pasta

This type of dump and go meal is absolutely effortless, quick, easy and perfect for a busy weeknight. If you need some help in the kitchen, you’re leaning into more meal prep or if you’ve got a partner with low cooking skills or even a tween or teen at home, this is a recipe that they can make on their own. You’ll use on-hand ingredients (you probably have all of these right now!) that can be opened and tossed in together to create a perfect dish. This is how you do it (with pics!) 

Combine all ingredients

The first step really is the only prep step! You literally combine the first 8 ingredients and that’s it. You want to use a really big soup pot or very large, deep skillet. I have one that I use for soups and stews and large quantities and that’s exactly what you’re looking for here. Choose a very big pot. 

I love to use whole wheat, lentil or bean pasta because it’s higher in fiber and nutrition than typical white pasta. This recipe is written with penne but feel free to use any other type of past you want to or have on-hand. Macaroni or shells would be great.

I use low-sodium veggie broth for this recipe but you’re welcome to use a non-vegetarian broth or stock or use a regular-sodium variety instead. This really is up to your preference and what you got at the store lately. 

I wrote above about how much I love canned beans so while black is what I used, feel free to sub pinto beans or white beans for a different look and texture. I do like to wash the beans before I use them to cut down on salt. If you want to boost the protein, consider using two cans. 

Hands off cooking

The other night, I was making this while finishing up some work in the evening and my husband wanted to jump on the Peloton bike. I knew that we didn’t have time to cook an in-depth meal and that we’d both be hungry within 30 minutes or so. I popped everything into the pot, brought it to a boil, then turned it down, set the timer for 15 minutes, and got back to finishing my work. This is such a hands-off way to cook. Please be sure to keep an eye on your stove, though, for safety.

Serving and Storing

Once it’s done, you can serve this One Pot Vegetarian Enchilada Pasta dish immediately. It’s so delicious hot with a little extra shredded regular or vegan cheese and some fresh avocado. The cilantro really brightens up the flavors, too. If you want to, you can add a squeeze of lime or some hot sauce for a little more zest. You could also add some dairy or non-dairy sour cream or a little guacamole on top. Feel free to make this your own. Every time I whip it up, it’s slightly different and I love that about the recipe.

If you want more super simple meals or one pot meals vegetarian dinners, try these Champagne Nutrition favorites:

Healthy Vegetarian Sheet Pan Nachos
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta

Healthy Minestrone Soup

Vegetarian Lasagna Casserole

Please be sure to rate and comment when you make this recipe! Let me know what worked for you 🙂

• In a large skillet or pot, combine the pasta, broth, black beans, tomatoes, peppers, corn, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning.

• Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente (slightly firm yet cooked through) and the sauce has thickened, 14-15 minutes.

• Add the cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and incorporated. Feel free to use vegan cheese for a totally vegan/dairy-free dish.

• Serve hot with any additional cheese desired, fresh cilantro, and avocado as a garnish.

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 5g