Blushing Beetroot Pasta Love 💘
A vibrant and delicious beetroot pasta dish perfect for a romantic meal. Featuring roasted beetroots, shallots, garlic, and feta blended into a creamy pink sauce with rigatoni.
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Blender
- Large Pan
Ingredients
- 2 medium beetroots washed and chopped
- 7 oz feta cheese crumbled (reserve some for topping)
- 4-5 medium shallots peeled and sliced in half
- 6 garlic cloves skin removed and left whole
- 0.5 lemon juiced
- 10.5 oz rigatoni (about 2/3 of a 1-lb box)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh mint or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Get Ready to Roast: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with convection, or 400°F (200°C) if using a regular oven.
- 2. Prep the Veggies: Give your beetroots a good wash, removing any dirt, then chop them. Peel the shallots and halve them. Place the chopped beetroots, halved shallots, and whole garlic cloves in a baking dish.
- 3. Bake to Perfection: Drizzle the vegetables with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- 4. Add the Feta: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Add the feta cheese to the tray, then re-cover with foil. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are super tender.
- 5. Cook the Pasta: While your veggies are roasting, cook the rigatoni according to the package directions, but aim for one minute less than suggested to keep it al dente. Before draining, make sure to save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – it's crucial for the sauce!
- 6. Blend the Magic Pink Sauce: Once the roasted veggies are beautifully tender, carefully transfer them from the baking dish to a blender. Add the fresh lemon juice and two large ladles (about ½ cup) of the reserved pasta water. Blend until the sauce is incredibly smooth and vibrantly pink.
- 7. Combine and Serve: Pour this gorgeous pink sauce over your drained pasta in the same pan. Cook on low heat, stirring gently, until the sauce beautifully coats the pasta and thickens to your liking. If it's too thick, add a splash more pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes if desired.
- 8. Enjoy Your Romantic Meal: Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh mint or basil, any reserved crumbled feta, and perhaps a side of fresh greens for a complete, healthy meal.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 499kcal
Total Carbs: 69g
Net Carbs: approx. 62g
Fats: 15g
Protein: 19g This vibrant and delicious beetroot pasta is perfect for a romantic meal. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes for your preferred level of spice.
Calories: 499kcal
Total Carbs: 69g
Net Carbs: approx. 62g
Fats: 15g
Protein: 19g This vibrant and delicious beetroot pasta is perfect for a romantic meal. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes for your preferred level of spice.
