Name: Roasted Beet and Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 9 ounces fresh beets, trimmed, peeled, and quartered (roughly 3 medium beets); 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 large zest peel from an orange; 6 cloves of garlic, peeled; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 16 ounces dried pasta of your choice; ¼ cup kosher salt (for pasta water); 1 cup reserved pasta water (from cooking); 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed and divided (5 ounces for sauce, 3 ounces for garnish); ¼ cup orange juice; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; ½ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped; Additional kosher salt and black pepper for seasoning (to taste); Extra olive oil for finishing drizzle

Jump to Recipe·4 from 63 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a stunning, flavorful dish that feels both comforting and elegant, the Roasted Beet and Feta Pasta Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This dish perfectly balances the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, all tossed into tender pasta with a bright splash of orange and fresh herbs. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, this recipe brings vibrant color, delicious texture, and unique flavor to the table in a way that feels effortless and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A plate filled with pasta coated in a bright pink creamy sauce, the pasta is curly and all covered evenly, sitting in a white ceramic plate with a brown rim. On the upper side, there is a white bowl filled with chopped green herbs and on the right, a black bowl with white cheese pieces. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy sweetness of fresh beets to the luxurious creaminess of feta, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that bring the dish to life.

9 ounces fresh beets, trimmed, peeled, and quartered: Fresh beets are the vibrant heart of this dish, roasting down to a tender, naturally sweet base.
3 sprigs fresh thyme: Thyme adds a subtle earthy aroma that complements the beets beautifully.
1 large zest peel from an orange: The orange zest infuses a lively citrus brightness into the roasts.
6 cloves of garlic, peeled: Roasted garlic brings mellow richness and depth.
½ teaspoon and ¼ cup kosher salt, plus more for seasoning: Salt is crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning: Freshly cracked pepper adds warmth and a gentle kick.
3 tablespoons and ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for finishing: Good olive oil enriches the sauce with silky texture and fruity notes.
16 ounces dried pasta of your choice: Use your favorite shape to hold onto the luscious beet sauce.
8 ounces feta, cubed and divided: Feta’s tanginess cuts through the sweetness, adding a creamy tangy element.
¼ cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the sauce with acidity and subtle sweetness.
½ to 1 cup pasta water (reserved): Pasta water helps create a silky sauce that perfectly coats every strand or piece of pasta.
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds an extra layer of acidity to balance the flavors.
½ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped: Fresh dill lends a fragrant herbal finish with lively green notes.

How to Make Roasted Beet and Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Beets

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place the peeled and quartered beets in a roasting pan along with fresh thyme sprigs, orange zest, and the peeled garlic cloves. Season everything with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper, then toss in olive oil to coat. Cover the pan tightly with foil to seal in moisture, then roast for 40 minutes until the beets are tender and infused with the fragrant herbs and citrus.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

About halfway through roasting the beets, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s essential for creating that silky sauce later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside while keeping the pot handy.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the beets are roasted, add them to a blender along with roasted garlic, fresh thyme leaves (discard the stems and orange zest), half of your cubed feta, fresh orange juice, olive oil, reserved pasta water, and red wine vinegar. Blend everything on high until smooth and creamy. This vivid sauce will become the vibrant coating for your pasta, capturing all the roasted, tangy, and fresh flavors in one luscious mix.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and pour the beet-feta sauce over it. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece with that gorgeous pink sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gently loosen it with more reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency. Warm everything together on low heat if the pasta has cooled down.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve the pasta in bowls or plates, then scatter the remaining feta cubes across the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped dill, a crack of black pepper, and a final drizzle of olive oil. This finishing touch not only adds flavor but makes the dish visually inviting.

How to Serve Roasted Beet and Feta Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a metal pot filled with two layers of food. The bottom layer is light yellow pasta with a curly, ridged texture, filling the pot almost to the top. On top of the pasta, there is a thick, smooth sauce of bright deep pink color spread unevenly over the center. The pot handle is shiny silver and the pot sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the creamy texture of the sauce and the pale pasta coils. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh dill is my personal favorite garnish because it lends a bright, herbal note that lifts the dish. You can also add a few extra crumbles of feta for bursts of tangy creaminess or some toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil helps bring everything together and adds a beautiful sheen.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing salads to contrast its rich flavors. Think simple green salads with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber and herb salad. Roasted vegetables or crusty artisan bread also complement the dish nicely if you want a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve the Roasted Beet and Feta Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls and garnish each portion with artistic sprigs of dill and feta crumble. You can also present portions in small mason jars for a charming picnic-style lunch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top adds an extra pop of color and elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but be sure to add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water when reheating to keep the sauce luscious and avoid dryness.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Package in freezer-safe containers with a little extra sauce if possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of water or olive oil to revive the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil. Stir frequently to ensure the sauce stays smooth and coats the pasta evenly without drying out or sticking.

FAQs

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh beets?

While canned beets can save time, roasting fresh beets adds a deeper, sweeter flavor and better texture, which is key to this recipe’s success. If you must use canned, make sure to dry and rinse them well to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta shape that holds sauce well is great here—think fusilli, penne, or farfalle. The sauce clings nicely to ridged or twisted shapes, giving each bite maximum flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can swap out feta for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely. Try adding nutritional yeast or a creamy cashew sauce to mimic the cheese’s tang and creaminess for a delicious vegan twist.

Is the orange juice necessary?

The orange juice adds a vital bright, citrusy note that balances the earthiness of the beets and tang of the feta. It really lifts the entire dish, so I highly recommend it for that perfect flavor balance.

How do I know when the beets are done roasting?

The beets are done when they are fork-tender and easily pierced all the way through. Roasting covered with foil keeps them moist and tender without drying out.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal to impress guests, the Roasted Beet and Feta Pasta Recipe is a true winner. It’s bursting with color, flavor, and texture, yet surprisingly simple to make. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen too!