Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe

There is something truly magical about the way vibrant colors and creamy textures come together in the Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe. This dish isn’t just a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes—the earthy sweetness of roasted beets combined with the richness of cashew cream creates an irresistibly smooth and luscious sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or brighten up a cozy night in, this recipe is a delightful plant-based take on pink sauce pasta that is easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and perfectly comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtfulness behind each ingredient. Every component plays a key role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, vibrant color, and tantalizing taste.

  • 3/4 cup Heaping soaked raw cashews: These are the creamy base of the sauce, giving it a rich texture without dairy.
  • 3/4 cup Water: Helps blend the cashews to a perfectly smooth consistency.
  • 2 cloves Garlic: Adds a savory punch to balance the sweetness of the beets.
  • 1 small Red beet, peeled and cubed: The star ingredient for that gorgeous pink hue and earthy flavor.
  • Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and brings the sauce to life.
  • 1/3 cup Dry white wine: Adds a light acidity and subtle complexity.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus notes.
  • 1 box of your favorite pasta (we prefer fettuccine): Choose a pasta that holds sauce well to enjoy every bite.
  • 1/3 cup Starchy pasta water: The secret weapon for a silky sauce that clings beautifully.
  • 1 Tbsp Extra-virgin Olive oil: Used to roast the beets, bringing out their natural sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Stock: Adds depth and rounds out the sauce without overpowering.
  • Vegan Parm for serving: A salty, nutty finish to sprinkle on top.

How to Make Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews

The first step is soaking your cashews, which is essential for that ultra creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, boiling them for 10 minutes works as a quick alternative. Make sure they’re drained and rinsed thoroughly to avoid any grit sneaking into the sauce.

Step 2: Roast the Beets

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Wrap your cubed beets in foil after drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with a little salt. Roasting for 50 to 60 minutes softens them perfectly and intensifies their natural sweetness, which is crucial for this recipe’s flavor and vibrant color.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, roasted beets, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Begin by adding just a few beet cubes to control the color—you want that stunning pink without overpowering the sauce. Blend on high for about 2 minutes until everything is silky smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is coming together, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to save about 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it will help loosen the sauce and allow it to cling effortlessly to each strand.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your luscious pink beet cream sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then pour in the white wine, vegetable stock, and reserved pasta water. Let everything simmer on low for a few minutes to marry the flavors and warm through completely. This is your moment to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, toss your cooked pasta into the skillet and stir carefully until each piece is beautifully coated in that gorgeous pink sauce. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and creamy goodness.

How to Serve Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate your dish effortlessly. Sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese for a cheesy, savory touch or add fresh parsley for a bright, herbal contrast. Toasted pine nuts or cracked black pepper also add delightful texture and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with crisp green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia can also round out the meal, balancing the creamy pasta with crunchy, savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in deep bowls and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to highlight the vibrant pink. Drizzle a bit of olive oil around the edges for added sheen and appeal. If entertaining, consider plating individual portions with a lemon wedge for guests to squeeze over for extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though it’s rare to have much!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a quick stir with a splash of water or broth will bring it back to its silky consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce separately in portions before mixing with pasta. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cooked pasta together as the texture will suffer when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little water or vegetable stock to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is possible but may result in uneven texture, so stovetop reheating is best to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use canned beets instead of roasting fresh ones?

Yes, canned beets can be a convenient shortcut! Just be mindful that canned beets are often softer and have a different flavor intensity, so start with less and adjust to get your preferred pink color and taste in the sauce.

Is this Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe gluten-free?

The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free if you choose gluten-free pasta varieties. Just swap out the regular pasta for one that suits your dietary needs, and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have white wine—can I substitute it?

Absolutely! You can replace white wine with extra vegetable stock or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious and bright.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Adjust the thickness by adding more soaked cashews or reducing the amount of water for a thicker sauce. If it’s too thick, gently thin it out with reserved pasta water or vegetable stock until you reach your desired texture.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Toss in some crispy tofu cubes, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed chickpeas to boost the protein. They pair wonderfully with the creamy pink sauce and add satisfying bites.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend trying the Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe enough. It transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary, vibrant meal that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether it becomes your weeknight staple or a fancy dinner treat, this recipe promises smiles, compliments, and the joy of sharing a colorful plant-based delight. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe

Vegan Pink Beet Sauce Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking if applicable)
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking if applicable)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This vibrant and creamy Best Pink Sauce Pasta recipe features a unique blend of roasted beets and soaked cashews to create a luscious, naturally pink sauce. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is enhanced with garlic, fresh lemon juice, white wine, and vegetable stock, delivering a rich and flavorful plant-based meal suitable for vegans and those seeking a wholesome, colorful pasta experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Heaping soaked raw cashews, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 small Red beet, peeled and cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/3 cup Dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable stock
  • 1 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil

Pasta Ingredients

  • 1 box of your favorite pasta (preferably fettuccine)
  • 1/3 cup Starchy pasta water (reserved from cooking)
  • Vegan Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Soak Cashews: Soak the raw cashews overnight in water to soften. If short on time, boil cashews for 10 minutes instead to achieve a similar texture.
  2. Roast Beets: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wrap the peeled and cubed red beets in tin foil, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 50 to 60 minutes until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Prepare Pink Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, water, roasted beet cubes, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, and salt. Begin by adding a few beet cubes and blend on high for about 2 minutes until smooth, adjusting the amount to reach your desired pink color.
  4. Cook Pasta: Boil your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water to use later in the sauce.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the blended pink sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the dry white wine, reserved starchy pasta water, and vegetable stock. Reduce to low heat and simmer until warmed through, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the pink sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat every strand with the creamy sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with vegan Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for a fresh and cheesy finish if desired. Enjoy your colorful and nutritious pink sauce pasta.

Notes

  • Soaking cashews overnight yields the creamiest sauce but boiling is a quick alternative.
  • Roasting beets intensifies their sweetness and color, essential for the signature pink hue.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and improve texture.
  • Adjust beet quantity for lighter or deeper pink sauce color.
  • Use vegan Parmesan or fresh herbs depending on dietary preference or availability.

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