Pink pasta sauce recipe – easy, creamy, delicious

So, we all know that pasta night is a weekly tradition in most households, right? It’s quick, easy, and always a hit with the kids. I’m usually serving my hidden veggie pasta sauce. But every now and then, it’s fun to switch things up a little— cook something a little more colorful, a little more exciting.

And today, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that not only looks beautiful but is also packed with nutrients: My Pink Pasta Sauce Recipe, made with beetroot and feta cheese! Trust me, this is one of those meals that will not only make your taste buds dance but also give your body a boost of goodness.

Now, you might be wondering, “Why on earth would I put beetroot in my pasta sauce?” Well, let me tell you—it’s a game-changer. Beetroot has this amazing natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy richness of feta cheese, creating a sauce that’s both creamy and earthy. And before you ask, yes, my kids love it. 

The gorgeous pink note isn’t just for show, either. It’s the result of beetroot’s rich pigments, which have a ton of health benefits, from boosting energy to helping with digestion. And if you’re a fan of the simple, rustic vibes of homemade pasta sauces, this pink pasta sauce recipe will quickly become a regular in your rotation.

Now, let’s talk about how beetroot actually affects the pasta. When you blend beetroot into the sauce, it creates this silky, smooth texture that coats your pasta beautifully. The feta cheese brings in a creamy, slightly salty contrast. It’s like the best of both worlds: wholesome, comforting, and oh-so-nutritious. And let’s be real—beetroot in pasta is a great way to sneak in some veggies while delivering a cool wow effect! 

I absolutely love this dish. It’s quick, delicious and nutritious. Whether you serve it as a super easy dish on Valentine’s Day, or as a fun Barbie themed dinner, this dish is guaranteed to wow. Let’s dive into the details. 

Pink Pasta Sauce Recipe Ingredients

Beetroot. If you’ve ever handled beetroot you’ll know it gives everything it touches a lovely pink hue. So what better ingredient to use for a pink pasta dish? 

Feta cheese. Healthier than double cream and absolutely delicious, feta helps us create a super creamy pasta dish. 

Lemon juice. For those of you looking for an extra spike, a splash of white wine like sauvignon blanc is a great alternative. 

Garlic cloves. What can I say, garlic is delicious and a key ingredient in any delicious pasta sauce. 

Olive oil

Chives

Thyme

Salt and black pepper

Additionally: Pasta. Spaghetti is great, otherwise use penne pasta or any other kind of pasta you like. 

How to Make This Pink Pasta Sauce Recipe

Cook the beetroot: If you are using fresh beetroot, boil it until tender, about 30 minutes. You can speed up the process by cutting it into smaller chunks first. I usually use organic pre-boiled beetroot, simply because it’s an easy option to have in the fridge. Whichever option you choose, allow the beetroot to cool before processing it. 

Boil your pasta: In a large pot of salted water, boil your pasta until al dente. Usually, pasta cooks for around 10 minutes. Keep the drained pasta aside until needed.

Prepare the sauce:  In a large blender (I’m using a Vitamix), combine beetroot, feta, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy—this is your pink pasta sauce!

Combine with pasta: Place your pasta into a serving dish and pour the pink sauce over it. Mix well to thoroughly combine.

Serve and enjoy: Garnish your pink pasta dish with fresh basil or a little crumbed feta. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Pink Pasta Sauce Recipe

Okay, let’s be real. This pink pasta sauce recipe is everything you’ve ever wanted in a pasta dish. It’s creamy, dreamy, and so ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a special Valentine’s dinner or feeding little ones who are still getting the hang of vegetables, this creamy pasta sauce is a total winner. Plus, it’s a great way to get in those healthy beets (without anyone complaining about eating their greens!). The sweetness of the beetroot, combined with the tang of feta, creates a truly addictive flavor you won’t be able to resist.

It’s also one of those amazing pasta recipes for busy weeknights or even dinner parties because it looks way fancier than it is! Just toss your pasta with that gorgeous pink pasta sauce, add a side salad and some garlic bread, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal. And the best part? You can make the creamy pink sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making dinner a breeze!

Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the beets! If you boil them yourself, keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender but not mushy. Overcooked beets can lose their flavor.

Adjust the creaminess: If you like your sauce on the thicker side, add a little extra feta cheese, or even a little mozzarella cheese for a less intensive flavour. For a lighter sauce, use less feta or opt for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese.

Herb swap: If chives or thyme aren’t your thing, try using basil or parsley instead for a different flavor profile. If you like it spicy, add a few red chili flakes and a pinch of sugar.

Make it vegan: For a vegan version of this pink pasta recipe, simply swap the feta for a plant-based cheese.

Use your pasta of choice: This pink sauce recipe with its simple ingredients is a great match for any type of pasta shape. Use gluten-free pasta if you have intolerances or serve with your favourite cooked pasta.

Easy Substitutes 

Feta: Instead of feta, try goats cheese for a tangier kick or ricotta for a creamier texture. While cream cheese seems like an easy substitute to create a creamy sauce, it might need some more flavour addition like parmesan cheese or a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a similar tanginess to feta cheese.

Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works just as well. For those sensitive to garlic, try spring onions or half a shallot. A little onion powder also works, but creates a slightly different flavour profile.

Out of fresh herbs? Use a little Italian seasoning or fresh spinach to top off this delicious pasta recipe.

Trust me, once you try this pink pasta sauce recipe, you’ll be hooked! Not only is it delicious and fun to eat, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some nutritious veggies and create something that’s both satisfying and visually stunning.

Because the sauce is made with chilled ingredients it’s also ideal to pack as lunch. My kids love taking it to school in a chilled thermos, and their friends almost always beg their mums to ask for the recipe. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not, you’ll love how easy it is to make and how great it makes you feel! Enjoy this beauty on your next pasta night—you won’t regret it.