Meredith Hayden’s Viral TikTok Pink Pasta Copycat Recipe

Meredith Hayden’s viral TikTok pink pasta from 2022 took the internet by storm, combining roasted beets, goat cheese, and pistachios for a creamy, vibrant sauce that perfectly coats rigatoni. This eye-catching dish is as beautiful as it is delicious—rich, tangy, and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to impress your friends with something a little different, this pasta is a must-try.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

This pink pasta is everything you love about comfort food, with a bold twist. The roasted beets bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce, while the goat cheese adds richness and tang. A sprinkle of pistachios gives the dish a satisfying crunch, and fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing pop of flavor. Plus, it’s all made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

What Is Meredith Hayden’s Pink Pasta?

Meredith Hayden’s viral pink pasta is a clever twist on a traditional pasta sauce. Instead of relying on heavy cream or tomato-based sauces, the star of this dish is roasted beets blended with goat cheese, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The result is a smooth, vibrant sauce that coats the rigatoni beautifully, while the pistachios and mint garnish add layers of flavor and texture. This dish is the perfect blend of indulgence and freshness, making it the ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties.

Cooking Tips

• Don’t skip the roasting step: Roasting the beets intensifies their natural sweetness and brings out their deep color, which is essential for that gorgeous pink hue.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water from your pasta helps bring the sauce together, making it creamy and smooth.
• Taste as you go: Depending on the sweetness of your beets, you might need to adjust the salt and cayenne to balance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rigatoni works perfectly to hold onto the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle would all be great options.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like your food with a little more heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or even some crushed red pepper flakes when blending the sauce.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beet sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently with a splash of pasta water before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I substitute the goat cheese?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use cream cheese, ricotta, or even mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this pink pasta is entirely vegetarian. It’s also a great option for those looking for a gluten-free meal—just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta!

How to Store

If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan with a little extra pasta water to loosen the sauce.

How to Freeze

To freeze, store the pasta (without the pistachios or mint) in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of pasta water.

Ingredients

• 3 medium-large beets, washed, peeled, and quartered
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp pistachios, toasted and chopped
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Kosher salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 lb rigatoni (or another short pasta type)

Step-by-Step Instructions