If you are ready to brighten up your dinner table with something vibrant, comforting, and downright delicious, you have to try this Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy ricotta, sharp parmesan, and naturally sweet beets, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The stunning pink color will catch everyone’s eye first, but it’s the rich, silky texture and balanced flavors that will keep them coming back for more. This pasta dish feels both luxurious and wholesome, making it a wonderful weeknight delight or a lovely dish to impress guests without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients laid out neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, a clear glass bowl holds two whole beets with a dark red color and rough texture. To the right, dry uncooked spaghetti pasta is arranged in a neat bundle, bright yellow and straight. Above the beets, there is a small clear bowl with thick white cream. To the left of the beets, four small clear bowls hold different ingredients: shredded pale yellow cheese, a mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, soft white ricotta cheese, and a glass bottle of yellow olive oil with a long narrow neck. The setup is simple and organized. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s fantastic about this Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe is how it relies on just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role. From the earthy sweetness of the beets to the creamy tang of the ricotta and Greek yogurt, every item is essential in creating a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and that irresistible rosy hue.

  • 1 pound spaghetti: Choose a good-quality spaghetti for ideal texture and pasta-to-sauce ratio.
  • 2 large steamed beets: These bring vibrant color and a naturally sweet, earthy flavor that’s key to the sauce.
  • ½ cup whole-milk ricotta: Adds creamy richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the sauce.
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Gives tangy brightness and extra creaminess while balancing sweetness.
  • ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese: Provides savory, nutty depth that elevates every bite.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps emulsify the sauce and adds smooth, fruity richness.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the delicate beet notes.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth to the final dish.

How to Make Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Begin by bringing a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is important because it seasons the pasta from within. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for achieving the sauce’s perfect consistency later on. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it covered to retain warmth.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, gather your steamed beets, ricotta, Greek yogurt, parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place everything into a small blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, which should take about a minute. This step transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti strands.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the stunning pink sauce over the hot pasta right in the pot. Toss everything together gently to coat every strand of spaghetti evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. This simple trick helps the sauce cling better and enhances the dish’s overall silkiness. Now your Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe is ready to be enjoyed immediately!

How to Serve Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe

A silver pan filled with a large layer of cooked light yellow spaghetti noodles that are thin and gently curled. On top, mostly centered but slightly to the lower left, there is a thick, smooth sauce layer in a bright reddish-purple color, covering part of the noodles. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish, garnish with a few shavings of parmesan cheese for an extra burst of savory flavor and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to add a touch of heat. A few fresh basil or parsley leaves make for a lovely herbaceous contrast and a pop of green that complements the brilliant pink sauce perfectly. Nuts like toasted pine nuts or walnuts also add a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is rich and creamy, it pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an earthy accompaniment. A crusty artisan bread would be great too, perfect for savoring every bit of that luxurious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, serve this Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant color of the sauce. Try swirling the pasta into nests using tongs for a refined presentation or add edible flowers for an elegant touch. Layering the pasta under a thin drizzle of extra olive oil and freshly cracked pepper makes it look as delightful as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe tastes best when stored properly. Keep the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta has absorbed too much sauce overnight, you can loosen it with a splash of warm water or broth before reheating.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture and flavor. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and gently reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

To reheat the pasta, warm it gently in a pan over low heat with a small splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess without drying out the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate and pasta to become mushy.

FAQs

Can I use raw beets instead of steamed?

It’s best to use steamed or roasted beets because raw beets can be too firm and earthy. Cooking them first softens their texture and brings out their natural sweetness, which is essential for the silkiness and flavor of this Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe.

What type of ricotta cheese works best?

Whole-milk ricotta is ideal because it’s creamy and rich, which makes the sauce smooth and indulgent. Low-fat ricotta can work but may result in a slightly less velvety texture.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal broth. Just double-check that your parmesan is vegetarian if that is a concern for you.

Can I substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just remember to adjust cooking times according to the pasta type and brand.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the ricotta and parmesan with plant-based alternatives such as almond ricotta or cashew cream cheese, and vegan parmesan. Use olive oil and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

This Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe is a delightful way to add some color, flavor, and joy to your weeknight meals. It’s approachable yet impressive, creamy but light, and guaranteed to turn heads with its gorgeous pink hue. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to pasta recipes for sharing warmth and happiness with family and friends. So go ahead, give it a whirl in your kitchen—you won’t regret it!

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Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe

Pink Beet Pasta with Ricotta and Parmesan Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant and creamy Pink Pasta recipe combines tender spaghetti with a luscious sauce made from steamed beets, ricotta, Greek yogurt, and parmesan. The sauce is blended until smooth, creating a visually stunning and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti

Sauce

  • 2 large steamed beets
  • ½ cup whole-milk ricotta
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it covered to stay warm.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, place the steamed beets, ricotta, Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a small blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  3. Combine and Serve: Pour the pink sauce over the hot pasta and toss thoroughly to combine. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • You can steam the beets yourself by wrapping them in foil and roasting or boiling until tender if you do not have pre-steamed beets.
  • Adjust the amount of pasta water to control the thickness of the sauce.
  • This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavor if preferred.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a slightly different tang.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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