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Creamy Pink Pasta Recipe with Easy Beet or Tomato Sauce

creamy pink pasta - featured image

Soft, perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious, velvety pink sauce made with beets or tomatoes. A stunning and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked beets, peeled and chopped (for beet version)
  • 1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes (for tomato version)
  • ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a skillet or saucepan, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add the cooked beets or crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  4. Carefully transfer the beet or tomato mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add the cream or coconut milk and blend again until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Return the sauce to the skillet and add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using, and garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or additional cheese before serving.

Notes

[‘Wear gloves while peeling beets to avoid stained fingers.’, ‘Opt for canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.’, ‘Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.’, ‘Roasting beets in advance enhances their natural sweetness and makes peeling easier.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: pink pasta, creamy pasta, beet sauce, tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, kid-friendly, comfort food