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Beet Pasta Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 100 reviews

A vibrant and creamy beet pasta sauce made with cooked beets, garlic, onion, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. This sauce is blended to a smooth consistency and tossed with pasta, creating a uniquely colorful and flavorful dish that is both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce 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

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta

Optional Toppings

  • Lemon zest
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: 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 before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and finely diced onion. Stir and cook for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and very soft, ensuring the flavors are well developed.
  3. Warm Beets: Add the cooked beets to the skillet and stir to coat in the olive oil and aromatics. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  4. Blend Sauce: Transfer the beet, garlic, and onion mixture to a blender. Add ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend until very smooth, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a smooth, pourable sauce consistency.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the desired amount of sauce to the cooked pasta, tossing well to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Any remaining sauce can be saved for later in the refrigerator or freezer.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta and serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and optional lemon zest and cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • You can steam or roast the beets beforehand; roasting adds a deeper flavor.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of pasta water added.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • This sauce works well with any pasta shape including penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.
  • For a vegan version, substitute ricotta and Parmesan with vegan alternatives.

Keywords: Beet pasta sauce, creamy beet sauce, Italian pasta sauce, ricotta pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta recipe