Name: One-Pot Vegetarian Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Italian

Jule’s Menu Verified

January 30, 2026

This simple one-pot vegetarian pasta is on the table in under 20 minutes and creates hardly any washing up. Thanks to fresh baby spinach, red pesto, and canned white beans, this meatless recipe becomes a balanced, healthy, and super easy meal for your evening at home, and it can be adapted in countless ways.

From the Cook

1/7

One-Pot Vegetarian Pasta

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on Jule’s Menu.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Peel the shallot and garlic and finely dice them. Add the oil, diced shallot, and garlic to a pot and sauté with a generous pinch of salt. Once the shallots turn translucent, add the sugar and let it caramelize for about 30 seconds.

Reduce the heat slightly and deglaze with the tomatoes and water. Bring the sauce briefly to a boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Meanwhile, drain the beans, rinse them under running water, and let them drain in a colander. Wash the baby spinach thoroughly and let it drain well.

Then remove the lid and stir in the white beans and the pesto. Season with salt, pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Finally, fold in the spinach and stir until it wilts and reduces in volume.

Divide the one-pot pasta between two plates and serve, if desired, with fresh basil or Parmesan.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Pesto Power Boost 🌶️
Toast the red pesto in the pan for 30-45 seconds before adding liquid to enhance its deep, roasted flavor profile and intensify the overall dish's complexity.
Bean Texture Secret 🥫
Rinse cannellini beans thoroughly and pat dry before adding to ensure they remain intact and don't become mushy during the one-pot cooking process.
Acid Balance Technique 🍋
Add lemon juice at the very end of cooking to brighten flavors and create a fresh, vibrant finish without losing the citrus's delicate notes.
Liquid Ratio Mastery 💧
Use a 1:1.5 pasta-to-water ratio to ensure perfect al dente texture and create a natural, silky sauce without draining.
Spinach Wilting Pro Tip 🥬
Fold baby spinach in off-heat to prevent overcooking, allowing residual warmth to gently wilt leaves while maintaining their bright green color and nutritional integrity.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.