Transform roasted beets into a luxurious and velvety pasta sauce with this delectable beet pasta recipe. It’s a versatile option that pairs wonderfully with your preferred pasta, making it an ideal choice for a delightful and family-friendly weeknight dinner.
This vibrant pink pasta dish, also known as “Barbie pasta,” gained popularity on TikTok, prompting me to create my own version. While the original recipe by Kat Clark used Greek yogurt, and other variations have featured goat cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, I find that feta cheese complements the sweet roasted beets perfectly with its salty undertones.
Not only do these flavors harmonize exceptionally well, but the addition of feta cheese also contributes a protein boost to this creamy beet pasta. Whether you savor it as a vegetarian main course or a side companion to grilled meats, this colorful beet pasta sauce adds a playful twist to pasta night while increasing your veggie intake.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Effortless – If you can turn on the oven, boil water, and operate a blender, crafting this pasta is a breeze.
- Lusciously Creamy – The blend of roasted beets and feta cheese results in a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce.
- Abundant in Veggies – Sneak in more vegetables into your diet with this beet pasta.
- Radiant Hues – The tender beets infuse a bright and visually appealing pink hue to your pasta creation.
- Meal Prep-Friendly – This recipe stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it an excellent choice for prepping ahead.
Essential Ingredients
- Pasta – Opt for short-cut pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne, or go for the long pasta varieties such as spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini.
- Beets – The star ingredient for the creamy beet pasta. Red beets work beautifully, but golden beets can be a delightful alternative. If preferred, you can also use pre-cooked beets (see recipe notes).
- Feta – To impart creaminess and a protein boost. Other options include plain goat cheese, mascarpone cheese, or ricotta cheese.
- Shallot – To infuse flavor into the sauce, although a small onion can serve as a substitute if necessary.
- Garlic – For an aromatic touch.
- Olive Oil – Used for roasting the beets.
- Lemon Juice – To balance the acidity in the creamy beet sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning.
Additionally, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and finely chopped herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or mint.
Dietary Variations
To Make It Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free pasta.
To Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute with 1/2 cup of canned full-fat coconut milk.
Steps to Craft Roasted Beet Pasta
- Roast the Beets: Place the beets, shallot, and garlic in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until al dente.
- Blend the Sauce: Combine the roasted beets, shallot, garlic, feta, and lemon juice in a blender with pasta water and blend until smooth.
- Mix It All Together: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the beet pasta sauce over it and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Serve Promptly: Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with additional cheese and fresh herbs as desired.
Detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Ideal Pairings for Beet Pasta
This roasted beet pasta shines as a delightful vegetarian main course. However, for added protein, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon. To boost the fiber content, serve with steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green peas, or accompany it with a simple green salad.
