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Creamy Roast Garlic & Lemon Pasta Sauce

Creamy Roast Garlic & Lemon Pasta Sauce


  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A silky, comforting pasta sauce made with sweet roasted garlic, cream, Parmesan, and fresh lemon for a bright finish. This easy dish feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

1 whole head garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

12 ounces pasta

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1/4 cup reserved pasta water, plus more as needed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until soft and golden. Cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves out.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

3. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter.

4. Add the roasted garlic and mash it into the butter and oil until smooth and fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined.

6. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.

7. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

8. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.

9. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.

10. Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Roast the garlic until fully soft so it blends smoothly into the sauce.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and texture.

Add pasta water slowly so the sauce stays creamy instead of thin.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 430mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: creamy roast garlic lemon pasta sauce, roasted garlic pasta, lemon parmesan pasta, creamy pasta sauce