---
title: Crushed Beets & Whole Wheat Spaghetti
servings: 4
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/crushed-beets-and-whole-wheat-spaghetti-5566221afd2cb9046d8b456b
prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 20 minutes
time required: 35 minutes
difficulty: medium
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
  - Tree Nuts
tags:
  - Veggie
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 885
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights: []
nutrition:
  calories: 712
  protein: 23
  fat: 38
  carbohydrates: 82
  fiber: 12
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Pasta%20Recipes/crushed-beets-whole-wheat-spaghetti.avif"
---

Bring a #large pot{} of water to a boil with a large pinch of @salt{}. Once boiling, add @whole wheat spaghetti{12%ounce} to the boiling water and cook for ~{8-10%minutes}, until al dente. Reserve @pasta water{⅓%cup}, then drain.

Meanwhile, halve, peel, and thinly slice @red onion{2%unit}. Mince or grate @garlic{4%clove}(divided) and crush 1 garlic clove with the side of your knife. Zest and halve @lemon{2%unit}. Thinly slice @basil{2%bunch} leaves and reserve the stems.

![Step 3](step-3.jpg)
Roughly chop @pre-cooked beets{16%ounce}. In a #medium bowl{}, mash the beets with a fork or potato masher until completely smooth. Mix in @olive oil{½%tbsp}, the minced garlic, and a pinch of @salt{} and @pepper{}.

![Step 4](step-4.jpg)
Heat a #large pan{} over medium heat, then add @hazelnuts{2%ounce} and cook, tossing, until fragrant, ~{2-3%minutes}. Set aside to cool, then roughly chop.

![Step 5](step-5.jpg)
In the same pan you toasted the hazelnuts in make the basil oil: heat @olive oil{2%tbsp} over medium heat along with the basil stems and crushed garlic. Cook for ~{2-3%minutes}, until fragrant. Set basil oil aside in a #small bowl{}.

![Step 6](step-6.jpg)
In the same pan, add the onion and cook, tossing, for ~{5%minutes}, until soft. Season with salt and pepper. Add the beet mixture, pasta, pasta water, and a squeeze of lemon to the pan. Cook, tossing until thoroughly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

#Plate{} the pasta, then drizzle with basil oil and dollop with @ricotta cheese{8%ounce}. Sprinkle with lemon zest, basil, chopped hazelnuts, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!