Is Pasta Vegan? Part 8: One-Pot Wonders & Gnocchi Bakes

🍲🔥 The easiest vegan pasta meals come together in one pot (or pan!)—no draining, no fuss. Plus, we’re upgrading gnocchi from side to main dish status with two showstopping bakes.

SEO Keyword Focus: “Pasta Vegan”

One-Pot Vegan Pasta Recipes

1. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta 🍅🌿

Flavor Profile: Tangy, rich, with garlicky depth

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne (or gluten-free)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup coconut milk (full-fat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Step-by-Step

1. In a deep skillet, sauté garlic in 1 tbsp oil until fragrant.
2. Add uncooked pasta, broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, simmer 12 mins until pasta is al dente.
4. Stir in spinach and coconut milk until wilted.

Pro Tip: Finish with 2 tbsp nutritional yeast for cheesiness.

Source: The Vegan One-Pot Cookbook by Sabrina Fauda-Rôle

2. Smoky Lentil Bolognese Pasta 🍖➡️🌱

Flavor Profile: Meaty, umami, with wine depth

Ingredients

• 8 oz rigatoni
• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup red wine (optional)

Step-by-Step

1. Sauté 1 diced onion + 2 grated carrots in olive oil.
2. Add lentils, tomatoes, wine, and 3 cups water.
3. Stir in uncooked pasta, simmer 20 mins until tender.

Hack: Top with walnut “parm” (blitzed walnuts + nooch).

Source: Vegan Richa’s Instant Pot Cookbook

Vegan Gnocchi Bakes

3. Crispy Gnocchi & White Bean Bake 🥔🍅

Flavor Profile: Pillowy, herby, with crispy edges

Ingredients

• 1 lb store-bought vegan gnocchi
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp rosemary, chopped

Step-by-Step

1. Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan.
2. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 mins until gnocchi is golden.

Pro Tip: Add 2 cups chopped kale last 5 mins.

Source: The Vegan Sheet Pan Cookbook by Karissa Besaw

4. Spinach-Artichoke Gnocchi Casserole 🧀🌱

Flavor Profile: Creamy, cheesy, with briny pops

Ingredients

• 1 lb gnocchi
• 1 cup cashew cream
• ½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• ¼ cup vegan mozzarella shreds

Step-by-Step

1. Boil gnocchi 2 mins, drain.
2. Mix with cashew cream and artichokes.
3. Top with cheese, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 mins.

Hack: Swirl in 1 tbsp pesto before baking.

Source: Vegan Casseroles by Julie Hasson

Pasta Vegan Pro Tips

One-Pot Success

✔ Use broth instead of water for flavor infusion.
✔ Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Gnocchi Hacks

• No-boil method: Roast or air-fry straight from the package.
• Homemade swap: Use sweet potato gnocchi (see Part 5).

Storage

❄️ Freeze one-pot pastas in portions (reheat with splash of plant milk).

Final Answer: Is Pasta Vegan in One-Pot Meals?

✅ Yes! These recipes use:

• Egg-free pasta
• Plant-based proteins (lentils, beans)
• Dairy-free creams (coconut, cashew)

Watch for: Pre-made gnocchi with eggs (check labels!).

Which recipe will you try first? Tag #VeganPastaPot!

Sources Recap:

1. The Vegan One-Pot Cookbook (Creamy tomato pasta)
2. Vegan Richa’s Instant Pot Cookbook (Lentil bolognese)
3. The Vegan Sheet Pan Cookbook (Gnocchi roast)
4. Vegan Casseroles (Spinach-artichoke bake)

Missed earlier parts? Find cold salads, lasagna, and more in our series!