Description
This vibrant and creamy beet pasta sauce combines the earthy sweetness of beets with fresh herbs and nuts, creating a luscious, colorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. The sauce is blended to silky perfection and gently warmed before tossing with al dente pasta. Finished with tangy feta, fresh basil, and crunchy nuts, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 1 can sliced beets (375 g, about 1 heaping cup), drained
- ½ cup pine nuts
- Juice of 1 lemon (about ¼ cup)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 3 fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (pressed)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- Feta cheese (crumbled)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped walnuts or pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a food processor or a high-powered blender, combine the drained beets, pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, basil leaves, mint leaves, parmesan cheese, pressed garlic, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Warm the Sauce: Transfer the beet sauce to a pan and warm it over low to medium heat. Stir in the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and enhance its creaminess. Adjust salt if needed.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the warmed beet sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Portion the pasta onto plates and top with crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or additional pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
Notes
- Using pasta water helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Toast the pine nuts and walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger taste.
- This sauce works well with various types of pasta including penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- For a vegan version, omit parmesan and feta or use plant-based alternatives.
