Quick Valentine’s Day Pink Pasta Recipe

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get a little playful in the kitchen, and nothing says “I care” quite like a pink plate of pasta. I stumbled on this recipe when I wanted something romantic, creamy, and fun without being overly fussy.

The beets give the sauce that gorgeous pink hue, the cashews make it creamy, and the honey-balsamic walnuts add just enough crunch to make it feel fancy. Bonus: it’s a little unexpected, so it’s perfect for impressing your partner or loved ones without stressing over a complicated recipe.

Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)

1. Romantic Vibes: That pink color alone screams Valentine’s Day.
2. Creamy Comfort: Cashews make the sauce luxuriously smooth.
3. Flavor Layers: Beets, roasted garlic, and shallots pack depth without being heavy.
4. Crunch Factor: Honey-balsamic walnuts add a little sweet surprise.
5. Vegetable Boost: Sneaky way to get some healthy veggies in.
6. Impress Without Stress: Looks fancy, but not hard to pull off.
7. Customizable: Swap nuts, herbs, or pasta shapes to your liking.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way

• Soak Cashews Properly: Don’t skip soaking; otherwise, the sauce isn’t creamy.
• Roast Beets Fully: Undercooked beets = chunky, not smooth sauce.
• Watch the Garlic: It cooks faster than beets; don’t let it burn.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go; the vinegar and lemon can dominate if added all at once.
• Keep Pasta Warm: Add noodles to the sauce immediately so they absorb flavor.
• Toast Walnuts Carefully: They go from perfect to burnt in seconds—stay near the stove.
• Blend Smooth: For a silky texture, blend longer than you think.
• Adjust Creaminess: Add coconut or almond milk gradually to get desired thickness.

Variations You Can Mess Around With

1. Different Nuts: Pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
3. Vegan Twist: Use almond milk and skip any cheese if adding.
4. Extra Veggies: Add roasted zucchini or bell peppers.
5. Lemon Zest: For a brighter flavor.
6. Swap Pasta: Gluten-free noodles, or try gnocchi for fun.
7. Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle with Parmesan or vegan parmesan if desired.

How To Make Quick Valentine’s Day Pink Pasta?

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 tsp onion salt
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup coconut milk or almond milk
• 1 large beet or 3 small beets
• 1.5 cups cashews, soaked and drained
• 2 cloves roasted garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1–2 medium shallots
• 2 tsp black pepper

For the Garnish

• Honey-glazed walnuts
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Balsamic drizzle

Instructions

Step 1:
Soak cashews in hot water for 20–25 minutes if not done overnight. Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and wash beets, cut if desired, and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Wrap in foil along with garlic heads and roast: garlic 20–25 minutes, beets 30–45 minutes, until tender.

Step 2:
Dice shallots and sauté in olive oil with salt and pepper until translucent and slightly browned. Remove from heat.

Step 3:
Combine roasted garlic, beets, soaked cashews, and cooked shallots in a blender. Add lemon juice, white wine vinegar, vegetable stock, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and onion salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer sauce to a saucepan and keep warm.

Step 4:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat with salt, honey, and balsamic drizzle until lightly browned, then remove from heat.

Step 5:
Combine cooked noodles with pink sauce, stirring to coat. Serve topped with honey-balsamic walnuts and chopped fresh parsley.

Quick Valentine’s Day Pink Pasta Recipe

Quick Valentine’s Day Pink Pasta is a creamy, vibrant dish made with roasted beets, cashews, and a hint of lemon.

Topped with honey-balsamic walnuts and fresh parsley, it’s visually stunning, full of flavor, and perfect for a romantic or festive meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 871

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sauce

• 1 tsp onion salt
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup coconut milk or almond milk
• 1 large beet or 3 small beets
• 1.5 cups cashews soaked and drained
• 2 cloves roasted garlic
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 –2 medium shallots
• 2 tsp black pepper

For the Garnish

• Honey-glazed walnuts
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Salt
• Balsamic drizzle

Method

 

1. Soak cashews in hot water for 20–25 minutes if not done overnight. Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and wash beets, cut if desired, and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Wrap in foil along with garlic heads and roast: garlic 20–25 minutes, beets 30–45 minutes, until tender.
2. Dice shallots and sauté in olive oil with salt and pepper until translucent and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
3. Combine roasted garlic, beets, soaked cashews, and cooked shallots in a blender. Add lemon juice, white wine vinegar, vegetable stock, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and onion salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer sauce to a saucepan and keep warm.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat with salt, honey, and balsamic drizzle until lightly browned, then remove from heat.
5. Combine cooked noodles with pink sauce, stirring to coat. Serve topped with honey-balsamic walnuts and chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Pink pasta, creamy sauce, and crunchy walnuts, this is Valentine’s Day in a bowl. It’s romantic, playful, and comforting, and it shows a little extra thought went into the meal.

Don’t stress about perfection; the bright pink sauce and sweet crunch make every bite feel like a hug.

Nutritional Information

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive

How I Like to Serve This

1. Warm plates straight from the stove for a cozy Valentine’s dinner.
2. Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
3. Top with extra roasted veggies or fresh herbs.
4. Serve in shallow bowls so the sauce clings to the noodles.
5. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a playful family meal.

Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts

• Fridge-Friendly: Keeps in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Low heat on stove or microwave to preserve creaminess.
• Noodles Absorb Sauce: Leftovers may need a splash of coconut milk or stock when reheating.
• Walnuts Stay Crunchy: Store separately if possible to keep texture.
• Best Fresh: Sauce is smoothest and most vibrant the day it’s made.

FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)

Can I use raw beets instead of roasted?
Roasting brings out sweetness; raw will taste earthy and stronger.

Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, store in fridge up to 2 days; reheat gently and stir in noodles before serving.

What if I don’t have cashews?
Almonds or macadamias work, but the sauce may be less creamy.

Can I use regular cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, for a richer sauce, though coconut keeps it slightly lighter.

Do I have to make the honey-balsamic walnuts?
No, plain toasted walnuts work too, but the glaze adds a special touch.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta.

Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely—roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.