Valentine Pink Pasta Beet (Print Version)
A vibrant pink pasta dressed in creamy beet sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz dried fettuccine or linguine
→ Beet Sauce
02 - 2 medium beets (about 9 oz), peeled and diced
03 - 1 small onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - ½ cup heavy cream
07 - ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
08 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
09 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
10 - ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Garnish
12 - Fresh basil leaves, for serving
13 - Extra Parmesan cheese
# How to Prepare:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beets and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beets and set aside. Reserve the boiling water for the pasta.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
03 - In a blender or food processor, combine cooked beets, sautéed onion and garlic, cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
04 - Cook the pasta in the reserved boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
05 - Return the beet sauce to the skillet and heat gently over low heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky sauce.
06 - Divide among plates, top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The stunning natural color creates instant wow factor without any artificial dyes
- Creamy, velvety sauce that tastes indulgent while being surprisingly simple
02 -
- The sauce can turn slightly brownish if overcooked, so keep heat low and gentle when combining
- Reserving pasta water is non-negotiable—it contains starch that helps sauce cling perfectly
03 -
- Wear kitchen gloves when handling beets unless you want pink-stained hands for days
- Blend the sauce longer than you think necessary—silky smoothness is worth the extra minute