Easy and Creamy Beet Pasta Sauce

Are you tired of the same old tomato or Alfredo sauce on pasta night? Let’s shake things up with a sauce that’s as vibrant in color as it is in flavor! Our creamy beet pasta sauce recipe is here to turn your dinner table into a canvas of pink delight. This recipe not only boasts a gorgeous hue but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a hit for both your palate and your health. Whether you’re a beet lover or just looking to add more veggies to your diet, this pink pasta sauce is a must-try. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!

What is Beet Pasta Sauce Made Of

This beet pasta sauce is crafted from roasted beets, olive oil, red onion, garlic, Greek yogurt, and crumbled feta cheese, blended together to create a smooth, creamy consistency. It’s a rich and flavorful pink pasta sauce that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with tangy feta and creamy yogurt, perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta. Optional garnishes like fresh herbs add a fresh, aromatic touch to this delicious sauce.

How to Cook Raw Beets

To cook raw beets, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them individually in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skin, which should come off easily after roasting. This method preserves the beets’ natural flavors and nutrients, making them ready to eat or use in recipes.

For full detailed directions on how to roast perfect beets and well as tips and tricks, check out: Simple Oven Roasted Beets.

Beet Pasta Sauce Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized beets, roasted and peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 12 ounces (about 340g) of Barilla pasta of your choice 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Beet Pasta Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them individually in aluminum foil.

2. Place the wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

3. Remove the beets from the oven, allow them to cool slightly. Cut them into small pieces and set them aside.

4. While the beets are roasting, in a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted beets, caramelized onion, and garlic. Add the Greek yogurt and crumbled feta cheese to the blender and blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. 

7. Pour the pink beet sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

8. Heat the pasta over low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through.

When ready to serve, transfer the creamy pink pasta to serving plates. I garnished mine with extra feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds. You can also garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

What to Serve With Beet Pasta

Beet pasta, with its vibrant color and subtle sweet flavor, can pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are six great options to serve with beet pasta:

1. Grilled Chicken or Fish: Lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish complement the earthiness of beet pasta without overwhelming its flavor. Choose seasoning that aligns with the pasta’s seasoning to create a cohesive dish.
2. Goat Cheese Salad: A salad featuring goat cheese, mixed greens, and a balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the sweetness of beet pasta. The creaminess of goat cheese and the acidity from the dressing balance the pasta’s earthy tones. Suggested: Apple and Goat Cheese Salad with a Maple Vinaigrette.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, or carrots can add a lovely texture and additional layers of flavor to the meal. Season them simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper to let their natural tastes shine through. Suggested: Spiced Oven Roasted Vegetables on a Yogurt and Tahini Sauce.
4. Garlic Bread: A classic side, garlic bread offers a crispy, savory counterpoint to the pasta’s sweetness. It’s also great for soaking up any sauce or dressing on the plate. Suggested: Easy Homemade Garlic Bread.
5. Sautéed Greens: Greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, sautéed with garlic and a splash of lemon juice, provide a bright and slightly bitter contrast to the rich, sweet notes of beet pasta. Suggested: Simple Sautéed Greens.
6. Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with thin slices of fennel and citrus segments, dressed in olive oil and citrus juice, can lighten the meal and add a bright, tangy note. Suggested: Winter Citrus Salad.

How to Store Beet Sauce Recipe

Storing this beet pasta recipe correctly ensures that you can enjoy its delicious flavors even after the initial meal. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

1. Cool Down: Allow the cooked beet pasta and sauce to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which could make the pasta soggy.
2. Separate Storage: If you’re making this recipe in advance, store the beet sauce and cooked pasta separately. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture and makes reheating more versatile. However, if you’ve already mixed the sauce with the pasta, it’s still fine to store them together.
3. Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store the beet pasta or sauce in the refrigerator. This prevents the pasta from absorbing other flavors from the fridge and also keeps it moist.
4. Refrigerator Storage: The beet pasta or sauce can be stored in the refrigerator. Ensure your fridge is set to a safe temperature, below 40°F (4°C), to keep the pasta fresh.
5. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you’d like to store the beet sauce for longer, it freezes well. Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing the pasta mixed with sauce is possible, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
6. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed. If reheating from frozen, allow the sauce to thaw in the refrigerator first for best results.

Following these storage tips will help you enjoy your beet pasta sauce recipe to its fullest, even days after making it!

How Long Does Beet Pasta Sauce Last

Beet pasta sauce will typically last in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The key to maximizing its shelf life is ensuring it’s cooled to room temperature before storing it to prevent bacterial growth and keeping it sealed to avoid contamination and absorption of other fridge odors.

Can You Freeze Beet Pasta Sauce

If you’re looking to extend the life of your beet pasta sauce, you can freeze it. Properly stored in a freezer-safe container or bag, beet pasta sauce can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to leave some space for expansion when freezing liquids. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.