This creamy pink beet pasta sauce for toddlers is naturally colorful, high in protein, and made with hidden veggies for an easy, nourishing family meal.
This sauce is one of those recipes that looks fun and special but is secretly packed with goodness. The bright pink color makes it exciting for toddlers, while the creamy texture and mild flavor keep it familiar and comforting. It’s blended smooth, easy to toss with pasta, and filled with protein and veggies—all without added sugar or complicated steps.
You will love Creamy Pink Beet Pasta Sauce because:
- The naturally pink color makes pasta fun for toddlers
- Packed with hidden veggies and protein
- Creamy and mild—perfect for sensitive toddler palates
- Blends smooth and coats pasta beautifully
- Works for quick weeknight dinners and leftovers
Creamy Pink Beet Pasta Sauce is made with:
- Roasted Beets: These provide that incredible pink color and a natural sweetness that toddlers love.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy, protein-packed base that makes the sauce feel rich and satisfying.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the beets.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats that are essential for brain development and helps the sauce feel silky smooth.
- Broth or Bone Broth: My favorite way to thin the sauce while adding extra protein and minerals.
- Lemon Juice: A quick squeeze brightens the flavor and helps maintain that vibrant pink hue.
- Garlic Powder: Gives the sauce a mild, savory depth without being overpowering for tiny palates.
How to make Creamy Pink Beet Pasta Sauce:
- Blend: Add the roasted beets, ricotta, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder to your blender.
- Thin: Pour in 1 1/4 cups of broth to start.
- Smooth: Blend on high until the mixture is completely silky and vibrant pink.
- Adjust: If the sauce is too thick, add the remaining 1/4 cup of broth until it reaches your desired “pourable” consistency.
- Serve: Toss with your favorite cooked pasta over low heat for a minute until warmed through and beautifully coated.
Substitutions:
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for an extra protein boost.
- You can use vegetable broth or chicken broth, but I love bone broth for the extra protein boost
Recipe Tips:
- Roasting the beets ahead of time keeps this recipe quick and easy.
- Blend longer than you think for the smoothest texture.
- Start with less broth and add more gradually to control thickness.
- When warming the sauce with the pasta, keep the heat low. Overheating can cause the ricotta to grain and the pink to lose its vibrancy.
Taste and Texture:
This sauce is ultra-creamy with a mild, slightly sweet flavor from the beets. The parmesan and lemon balance everything out, making it savory but gentle—perfect for toddlers who prefer familiar flavors.
Serve and Store:
Serve warm tossed with your favorite pasta, or use it as a spread for toast or a dip for soft veggies.
Serve: Serve over pasta with an extra sprinkle of parmesan or a few hemp seeds for added nutrition.
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This sauce freezes beautifully! Store in silicone trays or jars for up to 3 months for a quick future dinner.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy:
- Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce for Toddlers (Easy + Protein-Packed)
- Cheesy Turkey and Kale Meatballs for Toddlers: Easy High-Protein Family Recipe
- Healthy Toddler Chicken Nuggets with Hidden Veggies (Easy Baked Recipe)
Creamy Pink Beet Pasta Sauce for Toddlers (High-Protein & Hidden Veggies)
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted beets
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1¼ –1½ cups broth or bone broth
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add more broth as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve.
