Making Lifestyle photo for recipe blog featuring one serving of spaghetti in a bright solo kitchen setup is easier (and tastier) than you might think. With just one pan, pantry staples, and about 20 minutes, you’ll have a cozy, saucy dinner without the mountain of dishes. No meat, no dairy, no leftovers, just a satisfying solo meal made your way.
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I’ve been cooking single-serving recipes for years not just for convenience, but because I genuinely love building flavors in small, focused batches. This recipe might just become your go-to on weeknights when you don’t want to think but still crave something homemade, warm, and deeply slurpable.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step — from picking the right pasta and veggies to how to balance the sauce without cream or oil. You’ll also get tips for swapping ingredients, a full recipe card, answers to common vegan pasta questions, and helpful links to other one pot vegan meals to keep your solo dinners exciting.
A Kitchen Sink Kind of Night
When You Want Dinner, Not Dishes
You know those nights when cooking feels like a chore and even one extra pan feels like betrayal? That’s where this vegan one pot spaghetti for one steps in. It’s the kind of meal you throw together when you’re wiped but still want something homemade, hot, and slurp-worthy — without wrecking your whole sink.
Mine started with a half-used box of spaghetti, a couple lonely cherry tomatoes, and garlic (always garlic). One pot. No measuring cups. Just a wooden spoon and a craving for pasta that didn’t come from a freezer tray.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
Built for One (But Big on Comfort)
When you cook pasta, sauce, and seasoning all in the same pot, you get something magical — the noodles soak up the flavor, the starch thickens the sauce, and cleanup is practically nonexistent. That’s the real beauty of this one pot vegan spaghetti: it tastes like you tried harder than you did.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself by choice or by circumstance, this recipe gives you something warm, filling, and made just for your plate — no leftovers, no waste, and no extra dishes. It’s fast, flexible, and seriously comforting.
What You’ll Need for Vegan One Pot Spaghetti for One
Basic Pantry Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best parts of making vegan one pot spaghetti for one is how simple the shopping list is. You probably have most of it already — we’re talking spaghetti, garlic, a little onion, canned tomatoes, and broth or water. Everything cooks in the same pot, which means the pasta soaks up every bit of flavor from the sauce as it simmers.
Here’s the no-fuss core ingredient list:
| Ingredient | Amount (For One) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry spaghetti | 3–4 oz | Break in half for easier stirring |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp | Optional — skip for oil-free |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | More if you love garlic |
| Onion (chopped) | 2 tbsp | Use shallot for a milder flavor |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | 1/2 cup | Or use fresh blended tomatoes |
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup | Use water + salt if needed |
| Dried basil or Italian seasoning | 1/2 tsp | Add chili flakes for heat |
Make It Your Own with Easy Swaps
One Pot, Infinite Variations
The beauty of vegan one pot spaghetti for one is flexibility. Want it creamy? Add a splash of unsweetened oat milk near the end. Need protein? Toss in lentils or a handful of frozen peas. Craving comfort? Sprinkle in some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan just before serving.
Here are a few simple ideas to change it up without complicating the process:
- Add greens: Toss in spinach, kale, or arugula during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Switch the sauce: Stir in a spoonful of tahini or vegan pesto for a richer, nutty flavor.
- Go gluten-free: Use brown rice spaghetti or chickpea pasta — just adjust cooking time and water slightly.
How to Cook Vegan One Pot Spaghetti for One
One Burner. One Pot. One Happy Cook.
Making vegan one pot spaghetti for one is as easy as toss, stir, and simmer. There’s no draining, no sauce splatter from another pan, and no need to babysit multiple burners. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce as it cooks, giving you rich, clingy noodles with barely any effort.
Here’s how to do it — just follow this basic flow:
Step-by-Step Method
- Sauté your aromatics
In a small saucepan or deep skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil (optional) over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Stir for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant. - Add tomatoes and broth
Stir in ½ cup crushed tomatoes and 1 cup veggie broth (or water with a pinch of salt). Mix in dried herbs like basil or Italian seasoning. - Add dry spaghetti
Break 3–4 oz of dry spaghetti in half and place it right into the pot. Press it down gently so it touches the liquid. - Simmer and stir
Bring the pot to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover loosely, and simmer for 10–12 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to keep noodles from sticking. - Taste and adjust
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt, black pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes if desired. - Finish with flavor (optional but awesome)
Stir in a splash of plant-based milk for creaminess or a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe. Add fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil on top if you’re feeling fancy.
One Pot Tips to Nail It Every Time
Timing and Texture Matter
- Don’t over-boil the liquid at the beginning — it evaporates fast in small batches.
- If it starts drying out before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth or water.
- Want it saucier? Stir in an extra spoonful of tomatoes after cooking.
This method is forgiving, fast, and perfect for solo weeknights. Plus, if you’re ever in the mood to switch it up, this vegan one pot spaghetti for one also pairs beautifully with these flavor-loaded low-carb pots or something from your one-pot dinner stash.
FAQ
Can I make vegan one pot spaghetti for one without using oil?
Yes, absolutely. You can skip the oil and sauté your garlic and onion in a splash of vegetable broth or water instead. This keeps the dish completely oil-ree without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure not to crank the heat — a gentle simmer helps release all those aromatics.
What vegetables go best in vegan one pot spaghetti for one?
Soft, quick-cooking veggies like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work really well. You can stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay vibrant but tender. Need inspiration?
How do I make it creamy without adding cream?
A splash of unsweetened oat milk or cashew milk stirred in at the end does the trick. Or, if you’re craving a cheesy twist, try adding a spoonful of nutritional yeast or a swirl of vegan tahini sauce. All the richness, none of the dairy.
How long does it take to cook vegan one pot spaghetti for one?
From prep to plate, about 20 minutes — and that includes chopping your garlic. Most of the time is hands-off while the pasta simmers. It’s one of the fastest recipes in the one-pot vegan dinner rotation that still feels like a real meal.
Vegan One Pot Spaghetti for One
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: One Pot Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan one pot spaghetti for one is the ultimate cozy dinner made simple — fast, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes with no mess and no leftovers.
Ingredients
3–4 oz dry spaghetti (broken in half)
1 tsp olive oil (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped onion
1/2 cup crushed canned tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth (or water + pinch of salt)
1/2 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: splash of unsweetened plant milk, nutritional yeast, chili flakes
Instructions
1. Heat oil (or broth for oil-free) in a small pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in dried herbs and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Add the spaghetti, pressing it down into the liquid. Reduce heat, cover loosely, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Check pasta for doneness and sauce thickness. Add more broth if needed.
5. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes.
6. For added creaminess, stir in a splash of plant milk or sprinkle with nutritional yeast.
7. Serve hot, straight from the pot — no straining, no mess.
Notes
- Break pasta in half for easier stirring.
- Add quick-cooking veggies like spinach or mushrooms in the last 2 minutes.
- To make it creamy, stir in oat milk or vegan pesto before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan one pot spaghetti for one, single serving pasta, easy vegan dinner
One Pot. One Plate. One Satisfying Dinner.
No mess, no stress, no leftovers going sad in your fridge. This vegan one pot spaghetti for one is here for your solo weeknights, your last-minute cravings, and your “I need dinner now” moments. Whether you go classic or toss in your favorite twists, this recipe is proof that small-batch doesn’t mean boring.
Need more solo dinner wins? Check out One-Pot Dinners to keep your solo menu fresh and flavorful.
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