Valentine Pink Pasta Beet Sauce (Printable Version)
Romantic and vibrant pasta with creamy beetroot sauce, ideal for a special occasion. Beautiful pink color, delicious earthy flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 ounces dried fettuccine or linguine
02 - Salt, for pasta water
→ Beet Sauce
03 - 2 medium cooked beets (approximately 9 ounces), peeled and cubed
04 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
05 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1.5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Garnish
13 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
14 - Chopped fresh basil or parsley
15 - Freshly cracked black pepper
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in the cubed cooked beets to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Carefully transfer this mixture to a blender or food processor.
04 - To the blender, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and achieves a creamy consistency.
05 - Return the beet sauce to the skillet and gently warm it over low heat. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the warm beet sauce. Toss diligently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated and thoroughly heated. Serve immediately in individual bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, and freshly cracked black pepper.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This recipe delivers an absolutely stunning, naturally vibrant pink hue that will impress everyone at the table, no artificial colors needed.
- You'll be amazed at how quickly this elegant dish comes together, making it perfect for a special weeknight or a relaxed celebration without hours in the kitchen.
02 -
- Always, always reserve some pasta water; it's your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency, making it silky and helping it cling to the pasta beautifully.
- While pre-cooked beets are a godsend for convenience, a little extra effort to roast fresh beets yourself will reward you with an even deeper, sweeter, and more complex flavor in your sauce.
03 -
- Always taste your sauce and pasta together before serving; this allows you to fine-tune the seasoning, ensuring the balance of lemon, salt, and pepper is absolutely perfect.
- For the best color and flavor, ensure your beets are deeply colored; paler beets might result in a less vibrant pink, so pick the brightest ones you can find.