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2 ingredient pink pasta

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If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and ridiculously easy dinner, this 2 Ingredient Pink Pasta is about to become your new favorite. It’s creamy, naturally vibrant, and ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re making a simple Valentine’s Day dinner, hosting a Galentine’s gathering, or trying to impress your toddler who is currently obsessed with anything pink — this recipe delivers.

The magic? Cooked beets and cottage cheese blended into a silky, blush-colored sauce that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier.

Why You’ll Love This Pink Pasta

This recipe looks gourmet, but it’s made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. The beets create that gorgeous naturally pink color (no food dye needed!), while cottage cheese transforms into a creamy, protein-packed sauce when blended. A splash of reserved pasta water ties everything together into a smooth, glossy finish.

It’s balanced, satisfying, and family-friendly — with an optional spicy kick for adults.

My 3 year old daughter is completely obsessed with the color pink. When I told her we were going to have pink pasta for dinner she was SO excited. She helped me make it, loved the color and as a result ate an entire bowl. My husband and I loved it too! Subtle beet taste and who can say no to a big cozy bowl of noodles? It was a perfect, quick weeknight dinner. The cottage cheese adds protein but you’re welcome to serve the pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp to boost that.

I’ve made different variations of this pasta and they used to include a long list of ingredients. I love the simple combination of beets and cottage cheese! I highly recommend buying already cooked beets which saves you A L O T of time vs having to cook your own.

The 2 ingredient pasta is exactly what you need to try when you are short on time and are looking for a fun new pasta recipe. Perfect way to sneak in extra nutrients and make your meal a FUN color without any fake dyes! Let me know if you make this, I’d love to know what you think!

How To Make 2 ingredient pink pasta

The Ingredients

Cooked Beets

I love using the pre-cooked beets from Trader Joe’s for convenience. They’re tender, naturally sweet, and ready to blend straight from the package.

Substitutes:

  • Roasted fresh beets (wrap in foil and roast at 400°F for 45–60 minutes)

  • Steamed beets

  • Vacuum-packed cooked beets from any grocery store

Beets not only give this pasta its vibrant pink hue, but they also add natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants.

Cottage Cheese (1 cup, Good Culture recommended)

Good Culture cottage cheese is thick, creamy, and high in protein, making it perfect for blending into a smooth sauce. Once blended, it becomes velvety and rich — no one will guess it started as cottage cheese.

Substitutes:

  • Whole milk ricotta (slightly richer, less protein)

  • Greek yogurt (tangier flavor)

  • Dairy-free cottage cheese or plain cashew cream for a dairy-free option

Reserved Pasta Water

Never skip this step! The starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce while creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to the noodles.

Substitutes:

  • Vegetable broth (in a pinch)

  • Additional milk (less ideal, but works)

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and finishes the dish perfectly.

Substitutes:

  • Pecorino Romano

  • Nutritional yeast (for dairy-free option)

  • Asiago

Dry Pasta

Use your favorite shape! Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully.

Substitutes:

  • Gluten-free pasta

  • Chickpea or lentil pasta (adds extra protein)

  • Whole wheat pasta

Salt, Pepper & Chili Flakes

Salt enhances the sweetness of the beets, black pepper adds subtle warmth, and chili flakes give adults that perfect spicy contrast.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Add cottage cheese and beets to a high speed blender and set aside
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously and add pasta
  • Cook until al dente (usually one minute less than package instructions)
  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the noodles
  • Add 1/3 cup of pasta water to the beets and cottage cheese, blend until smooth
  • Toss pasta with sauce and let simmer for 2 more minutes
  • Serve with lots of grated parmesan cheese, black pepper & chili flakes for a little spice

Recipe Tips

  • If your sauce is too thick stir in more pasta water.
  • You can add a table spoon of butter to the pot after tossing with the sauce if you want it a little more silky.
  • If you're worried about the taste of beets, add half of the amount.
  • Add lots of grated parmesan, this adds a really nice salty ending.
 

 

2 ingredient pink pasta

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 440

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz pack of cooked beets
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 3 cups dry pasta
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
  • Pepper & chili flakes for serving

Instructions

  • Add cottage cheese and beets to a high speed blender and set aside
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously and add pasta
  • Cook until al dente (usually one minute less than package instructions)
  • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the noodles
  • Add 1/3 cup of pasta water to the beets and cottage cheese, blend until smooth
  • Toss pasta with sauce and let simmer for 2 more minutes
  • Serve with lots of grated parmesan cheese, black pepper & chili flakes for a little spice

Notes

  • If your sauce is too thick stir in more pasta water.
  • You can add a table spoon of butter to the pot after tossing with the sauce if you want it a little more silky.
  • If you're worried about the taste of beets, add half of the amount.
  • Add lots of grated parmesan, this adds a really nice salty ending.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 23gFat: 9gFiber: 5g

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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