Valentine’s Day is all about love, romance, and indulging in delicious food. But who says you need a fancy restaurant to celebrate? This year, skip the reservations and surprise your loved one (or treat yourself!) with a stunning, creamy beet pasta that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Inspired by @keirarecipes‘s rigatoni, this dish is a showstopper—luscious, velvety, and packed with earthy-sweet flavors. The deep pink hue makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day, while the rich, cheesy sauce ensures every bite is pure comfort.
Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this easy, restaurant-worthy recipe that will make your Valentine’s dinner unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beet Pasta
✅ Stunning Presentation – The vibrant pink sauce is a feast for the eyes.
✅ Rich & Creamy – A luxurious blend of ricotta, roasted garlic, and melted cheeses.
✅ Perfect for Date Night – Simple enough for home cooking but elegant enough for a special occasion.
✅ Versatile – Works with any pasta shape, gluten-free options, or added proteins like shrimp or chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beet Sauce:
- 2 cups roasted beets (about 2-3 medium beets)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 head roasted garlic (or 3 cloves minced garlic)
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus ¾ cup later)
For the Pasta:
- 1 box (16 oz) rigatoni (or pasta of choice)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh)
For the Cheese Finish:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup pasta water (as needed)
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
- Fresh burrata cheese
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Beets & Garlic
(Skip this step if using pre-cooked beets.)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap whole, unpeeled beets in foil with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool, then peel the beets.
2. Blend the Beet Sauce
- In a food processor, combine:
- Roasted beets
- Ricotta
- Roasted garlic (squeezed from the cloves)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Blend until smooth and velvety.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Boil rigatoni (or your pasta of choice) in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. Make the Creamy Beet Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt butter + olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant (30 sec).
- Pour in the beet sauce + ¾ cup heavy cream, stir well.
- Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the Cheese & Pasta
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with fresh burrata (let it ooze over the pasta!).
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, herbs, and red pepper flakes for a kick.
Tips for the Perfect Beet Pasta
🔥 Extra Creamy? Add a splash more heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone.
🌶 Want Heat? Stir in chili oil or Calabrian chili paste.
🍝 Pasta Choice Matters: Rigatoni holds sauce well, but pappardelle or fettuccine also work.
🧀 Cheese Swaps: Try goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangy twist.
Why This Recipe Works for Valentine’s Day
💖 Romantic Color – The natural pink hue is eye-catching and festive.
🍷 Pairs Perfectly with Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Rosé complements the earthy beets.
⏳ Make-Ahead Friendly – The beet sauce can be prepped a day in advance.
Final Thoughts
This creamy beet pasta is a showstopping, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, it’s a delicious, vibrant, and memorable meal.
Will you be making this for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to tag @keirarecipes if you try her rigatoni! ❤️
More Valentine’s Day Recipes You’ll Love:
- Decadent Chocolate Truffles in 10 Minutes
- Strawberry Balsamic Glazed Salmon
- The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Happy cooking, and Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕🍝