Hey there, lovely foodies! Chef Emily here from vibingRecipes.com, and today I’m absolutely bubbling with joy to share my latest culinary treasure with you all: Barbie Pasta! It feels like a delightful fairy tale crafted in the cozy embrace of my kitchen, a whimsical dish that combines vibrant beets with creamy goodness, making it both a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Table of Contents
A while ago, while I was exploring creative ways to make cooking fun for my niece who adores all things Barbie, I stumbled upon the idea of creating a pasta dish that radiates joy. The first time I simmered the roasted beets, the sweet, earthy aroma flooded my kitchen, wrapping us in a warm hug. And as I swirled the creamy sauce through the pasta, the radiant pink hue took center stage, making it a dish that sparks smiles and giggles with every bite. I watched her twirl the pasta with bright eyes, and in that moment, I knew—it was a special recipe that everyone would adore. So grab your aprons, and let’s create some magic in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time!
- Quick Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Nutritious: Packed with beets and a hint of cream, it’s a wholesome choice.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The colorful presentation and delicious flavors will impress family and friends.
- Fun for All Ages: Kids will love helping out and eating this vibrant dish!
Ingredients
- 360g pasta (any shape you love): Choose fun shapes like bows or spirals for extra enjoyment!
- 1 garlic clove: A flavor powerhouse; be sure to finely chop it to release its magical aroma.
- 250g beetroot (cooked and diced): These sweet beauties are not only nutritious but also give the pasta its stunning color!
- 100g cream cheese: Adds a rich creaminess that balances perfectly with the earthy beets.
- 80ml heavy cream: This will elevate the dish and create a dreamy sauce!
- 100ml feta cheese (crumbled): A zesty touch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the beets.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A splash of this liquid gold brings everything together beautifully.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those glorious flavors.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and add your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions until it’s just tender—this will take about 8-10 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen with cozy memories of family dinners.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While your pasta cooks, melt a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped garlic and sauté until it’s golden and fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. The sweetness of the garlic will dance through the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen!
Step 3: Prepare the Beet Sauce
Add the diced beets to the skillet, along with the cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir them together gently until the cream cheese melts into the sauce. Feel free to add a splash more cream if you want a silkier sauce!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the rest. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the beet sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water if you’d like a thinner texture—you want it creamy but not overly thick!
Step 5: Crumble and Serve
Remove from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The delightful contrast of flavors and colors will make your heart sing! Serve it warm, and watch faces light up!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: An al dente bite adds a lovely texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed!
- Cream Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more pasta water to loosen it up.
- Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil for freshness!
- Colorful Add-Ins: Feel free to add in some spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Delight: Swap out feta for goat cheese for a tangy twist!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sassy kick.
- Seasonal Veggies: Toss in some sautéed seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Plate your Barbie Pasta with a sprinkle of extra feta and some fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the beets ahead of time and store them in the fridge for about 3 days. The pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Leftovers
Get creative with your leftovers! Toss them into an omelet for a vibrant breakfast, or mix with cooked chicken for a hearty lunch salad.
Freezing
Although I’d recommend enjoying this fresh, you can freeze the pasta. Store in airtight containers, and ensure you label it. It can last up to a month!
Thawing
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results!
Reheating
I recommend reheat this dish by adding a splash of olive oil or a bit more cream in a skillet over low heat for that creamy consistency. You can also microwave it, stirring frequently until warmed through!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and is a healthier twist.
What if I can’t find beetroot?
No worries! You can use pre-packaged beetroot or even try roasted sweet potatoes for a different yet delicious result.
Is there a vegan option?
Definitely! Substituting cream cheese with a vegan option and skipping the feta will create a lovely plant-based version.
Can I double this recipe?
Sure! Just ensure your skillet is large enough to handle the increased volume.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, dear friends! Barbie Pasta is not just a dish; it’s a colorful celebration of flavor that brings joy to your table. I hope you find as much happiness in creating and devouring this delightful dish as my niece and I did. So gather around the kitchen, let laughter be the main ingredient, and enjoy every moment. Until next time—happy cooking!
With love and cozy vibes,
Chef Emily
Barbie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and add your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—this will take about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 2: While your pasta cooks, melt a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped garlic and sauté until it’s golden and fragrant—about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the diced beets to the skillet, along with the cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir them together gently until the cream cheese melts into the sauce.
- Step 4: Once your pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the rest. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the beet sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water if you’d like a thinner texture.
- Step 5: Remove from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm.