Name: Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound short-cut pasta, such as rigatoni; 1 pound red beets (about 2 large beets); 1 shallot, or small onion; 4 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 ounces feta (about 1 cup crumbled); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh herbs, finely chopped, for garnish; Additional feta or parmesan cheese (optional); Lemon zest (optional); Parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 85 reviews

There is something truly magical about the vibrant colors and earthy sweetness of beets combined with the creamy tang of feta in this Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to turn simple ingredients into a stunning, comforting dish that feels both special and wholesome. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this pasta brings joy with every bite, balancing luscious roasted flavors with the crisp brightness of fresh herbs and lemon juice. It’s a perfect celebration of color, texture, and taste all stacked on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl full of uncooked rigatoni pasta with a yellow color and ridged texture, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a smaller white bowl containing white cubes of feta cheese with a crumbly texture. Another small white bowl holds fresh green parsley leaves. On the surface are two whole dark purple beets with rough skin, a purple shallot with smooth skin, and four garlic cloves with their papery brown skins partially peeled. The arrangement is simple and natural, with ingredients spaced apart. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each one plays a vital role in creating the depth of flavor and beautiful presentation of this dish. From the sweet earthiness of the fresh beets to the creamy feta and zesty lemon juice, every item has its moment to shine.

1 pound short-cut pasta (rigatoni recommended): The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy beet sauce and keep every bite satisfying.
1 pound red beets (about 2 large): Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and creates the lovely base for the sauce.
1 shallot or small onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a gentle bite that complements the beets beautifully.
4 cloves garlic: Roasted whole for mellow flavor that enhances the sauce without overpowering.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Important for roasting and adding richness to the sauce.
4 ounces feta cheese (about 1 cup crumbled): This provides a salty creaminess that balances the sweet beets perfectly.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten all the flavors and tie the dish together.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the beets and pasta and bringing out their natural tastes.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.
Fresh herbs (finely chopped): Parsley or dill for a fresh, colorful finish that enlivens every forkful.

How to Make Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Beets

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving the beets a thorough wash. Peel away the skins and slice the beets into 1/4 to 1/2-inch wedges. Place the beet slices, along with halved shallot and whole garlic cloves, in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and toss. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes until everything is tender and aromatic. Roasting brings out the deep, natural sweetness crucial for this sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the beets roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rigatoni until just al dente. Remember to scoop out about a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta – this liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce texture later.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the roasted vegetables are cool enough to handle, remove the shallot ends and peel the garlic cloves. Into a high-speed blender, add the roasted beets, roasted shallot and garlic, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and half a cup of reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more pasta water little by little if you want a thinner sauce. This creates a vibrant pink sauce that feels luxuriously rich but fresh.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and pour the beet and feta sauce over it. Gently toss or stir to ensure each piece of rigatoni is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. The creamy texture clings beautifully to the pasta’s ridges, making every bite a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe immediately with extra crumbled feta or parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and perhaps a little lemon zest to brighten things up. This is when the dish truly shines — colorful, comforting, fresh, and bursting with vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with bright red rigatoni pasta coated in a smooth, creamy sauce. The pasta pieces are evenly coated and stacked, each tube showing its ridged texture and hollow center. Scattered on top are small white crumbles of cheese and finely chopped green herbs, adding contrast and a fresh look. In the top right, a small white dish holds a pile of chopped green herbs, while a white and gray striped cloth napkin lies next to it on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon rests near the bottom left of the main bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives add a beautiful color contrast and a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or shaved parmesan on top provides an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness to complement the sweet beet sauce. A hint of lemon zest gives a lively, aromatic lift to the dish, which brightens each forkful wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the acidity of the pasta sauce. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans provide a crisp counterbalance to the soft pasta. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the stunning beet sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe in individual shallow bowls or on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, inviting feel. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can turn the dish into an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also drizzle a bit of good olive oil or a balsamic glaze on top for added flavor complexity and an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep the pasta separate or mixed with the sauce—it holds up nicely either way, though it’s good to stir before reheating to redistribute the creamy sauce.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe, place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. Note that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing but the flavor remains delightful and comforting.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce feels too thick or dry. You can also microwave the pasta in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly without losing its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal for holding the thick beet sauce, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work wonderfully too. The key is choosing a pasta with ridges or twists to trap the sauce.

Is it necessary to peel the beets before roasting?

Peeling before roasting ensures a smoother sauce and prevents any bitter skin pieces from altering the dish. However, if you roast them whole and peel after they cool, that works too—just be sure to remove all skins thoroughly for the best texture.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with something else?

You can swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta salata for a similar salty, creamy effect. For a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese and add nutritional yeast for an extra umami boost.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free short-cut pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so this swap is easy and still delicious.

Will the beet color stain my kitchen or clothes?

Beets are vibrant and can stain surfaces and fabrics. Be cautious when handling and use cutting boards and utensils that are easy to clean. Wearing an apron and wiping spills promptly will help keep your kitchen spotless.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up your pasta nights with a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, this Beet Pasta with Roasted Beets and Feta Recipe is a must-try. It’s an absolute joy to make and even more joyful to eat, delivering comforting textures alongside fresh, vibrant flavors. Gather your ingredients, get roasting, and prepare for a meal that feels like a warm, flavorful hug. You’re going to love this one!