Prepare to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this stunning Creamy Beet Pasta Sauce! Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of pasta that looks like it's been painted by an artist - deep, rich magenta swirls coating perfectly cooked noodles, promising a flavor experience that's as bold and beautiful as its color. This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a conversation-starting, Instagram-worthy dish that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests marvel at your cooking prowess.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium beets, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the beet sauce. If you haven't already done so, cook the beets until tender. This can be done by boiling them for about 30-40 minutes or roasting them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Once cooked, peel and chop the beets into smaller pieces.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked beets, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, pour the beet sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to warm the sauce and meld the flavors together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beet sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired creaminess.
- Once the pasta is evenly coated, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the creamy beet pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious and vibrant dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beets: For the most vibrant color and flavor, select firm, deeply colored beets without any soft spots.
- Cooking Beets: Roasting beets in the oven intensifies their natural sweetness compared to boiling. Wrap them in foil to keep them moist.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, smooth texture.
- Garlic Tip: For a milder garlic flavor, briefly sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding to the sauce.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture when garnishing.
- Make Ahead: The beet sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making meal prep easier.
- Dietary Variation: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
