When I first discovered this beetroot pasta recipe, I was immediately captivated by its vibrant color and earthy flavor. As someone who loves experimenting with fresh, wholesome ingredients, I wanted to create a dish that was both visually stunning and delightfully satisfying. The first time I prepared it, the kitchen was filled with a sweet, earthy aroma that made my mouth water instantly. My family couldn’t wait to dig in, and I realized that this recipe wasn’t just food—it was an experience.
You will love this beetroot pasta for so many reasons. First, it’s a celebration of natural flavors, highlighting the sweetness of fresh beetroot without overwhelming your palate. Its creamy, smooth sauce clings perfectly to every strand of pasta, creating a comforting texture that makes every bite feel indulgent yet wholesome. What’s even better is that it’s easy to make and doesn’t require hours of preparation or complicated techniques. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe adapts beautifully.
This dish is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a light lunch on its own, serve it as a side with grilled vegetables, or add a protein like grilled chicken or turkey bacon for a more filling meal. It pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes, from fettuccine to penne, allowing you to customize it according to your pantry.
Another reason to love this recipe is its affordability. With simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store, you can create a gourmet-looking meal without spending a fortune. The key components—beetroot, garlic, cream, chicken ham, and pasta—come together seamlessly, delivering a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients for Beetroot Pasta
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300g pasta of your choice
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2 medium-sized fresh beetroots, peeled and chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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100g chicken ham, diced
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50g turkey bacon, chopped
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150ml cream (or dairy-free alternative)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
This combination of ingredients is simple yet packed with flavor. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, combined with the savory notes of turkey bacon and chicken ham, creates a balanced, delicious dish that everyone will love.
How to Prepare Beetroot Pasta
Preparing this beetroot pasta is easier than it looks, and the results are absolutely rewarding. With a few simple steps, you can create a dish that is creamy, flavorful, and visually stunning. The key is to cook each component carefully while keeping everything fresh and vibrant.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
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Prepare the beetroot: While the pasta is cooking, peel and chop the beetroots into small cubes. This ensures they cook quickly and blend smoothly. You can also boil the beetroot in water until tender, about 15–20 minutes, or roast them in the oven for a deeper flavor.
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Cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the turkey bacon pieces. Cook until they start to crisp slightly. Then, add the diced chicken ham and sauté for another 2–3 minutes. Both ingredients should be golden and aromatic, creating a savory base for the sauce.
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Prepare the beetroot sauce: In a blender or food processor, add the cooked beetroot cubes along with the minced garlic and cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a little more cream to reach the desired consistency.
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Combine ingredients in the skillet: Pour the beetroot sauce into the skillet with turkey bacon and chicken ham. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 3–5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Mix pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beetroot sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until it reaches a silky, smooth texture.
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Adjust flavors: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of herbs such as parsley or chives to enhance freshness.
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Serve immediately: Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnishing with additional herbs if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the creamy texture and vibrant color at its best.
Quick and Easy Tips
This recipe is designed to be approachable for anyone. Preparing the beetroot in advance or using pre-cooked beetroot can save time. Similarly, using pre-sliced turkey bacon and diced chicken ham reduces preparation time. With these small adjustments, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable Options
You can personalize this beetroot pasta easily. For a richer flavor, add a handful of grated cheese on top before serving. For a lighter version, use a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also include roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for extra variety.
Popularity and Appeal
This dish is loved by many because it balances earthy sweetness, creamy texture, and savory accents perfectly. Its bright pink hue makes it visually appealing, while the flavors satisfy both children and adults. Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a family dinner, beetroot pasta impresses effortlessly.
PrintThis beetroot pasta is an easy, delicious, and visually stunning dish. The creamy beetroot sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, turkey bacon, and chicken ham, creating a balanced, flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it is versatile, affordable, and customizable.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 300g pasta of your choice
- 2 medium-sized fresh beetroots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g chicken ham, diced
- 50g turkey bacon, chopped
- 150ml cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the beetroot: Peel and chop beetroot into small cubes. Boil until tender (15–20 minutes) or roast in the oven for deeper flavor.
- Cook turkey bacon and chicken ham: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add turkey bacon, cook until slightly crisp. Add chicken ham and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Blend the beetroot sauce: In a blender, combine cooked beetroot, minced garlic, and cream. Blend until smooth. Add reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Combine sauce and meat: Pour beetroot sauce into the skillet with turkey bacon and chicken ham. Cook over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix pasta with sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute pasta shapes depending on preference.
Pre-cooked beetroot can save preparation time.
Optional: Add grated cheese or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
FAQs About Beetroot Pasta
1. Can I use canned or pre-cooked beetroot?
Yes, you can use canned or pre-cooked beetroot to save time. Just drain and rinse them before blending. This shortcut will slightly change the flavor, but the dish will still be delicious.
2. What pasta types work best?
This recipe works well with fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Long pasta like spaghetti allows the creamy beetroot sauce to coat each strand beautifully.
3. Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the cream with a plant-based cream alternative and omit the turkey bacon or chicken ham, or use plant-based substitutes. The flavor will remain rich and satisfying.
4. How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftover beetroot pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
5. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beetroot sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently warm the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.
6. Is it suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Cook pasta and sauce separately, then mix portions when ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from becoming soggy while allowing you to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal anytime.