Name: Beet Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup finely diced onion (from 1 small onion); 2 cups cooked beets (steamed or roasted); ½ cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound pasta; Lemon zest; Cracked black pepper; Additional Parmesan cheese

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Introduction

This vibrant beet pasta sauce offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Creamy, earthy, and full of color, it’s a simple way to add both nutrition and elegance to your meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup finely diced onion (from 1 small onion)
2 cups cooked beets (steamed or roasted)
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound pasta
Lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and/or additional Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Stir and cook for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and very soft.
Step 3: Add the cooked beets to the skillet and stir to coat them in the oil and onion mixture. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
Step 4: Transfer the onion and beet mixture, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese to a blender. Blend until very smooth, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta with as much beet sauce as you like. Season to taste with salt and pepper. You may have some sauce leftover, which can be stored for another meal.
Step 6: Serve the pasta with additional Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, cracked black pepper, or any other preferred toppings.

Tips & Variations

Roasting the beets instead of steaming enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the sauce’s flavor.
For a vegan option, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast.
If the sauce is too thick, use extra pasta water to thin it out while blending for a smoother texture.
Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an herby twist.

Storage

Store leftover beet pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned or pre-cooked beets for this sauce?

Yes, canned or pre-cooked beets work well and save time. Just be sure to drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

What type of pasta works best with beet sauce?

Any pasta shape you like will work, but noodles with some texture like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli help the creamy sauce cling better. Thin strands like spaghetti or linguine also taste great.