Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce offers a delightful blend of rich, roasted garlic and bright, zesty lemon. It’s a quick and elegant sauce that elevates any pasta, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 bulb garlic, roasted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and soft. Let it cool, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and mash it into a paste with a fork. Cook for about 2 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and heat for 3-4 minutes, avoiding boiling, until fully combined and warm.
5. Step 5: Add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Step 6: Gradually add grated Parmesan while stirring until it melts and integrates into the sauce.
7. Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
• Use gluten-free pasta if desired, ensuring to check cooking times on the package.
• Fresh basil can be used as an alternative garnish to complement the lemony flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce separately from the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I roast garlic in advance for this recipe?

Yes, you can roast garlic up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. This helps save time when preparing the sauce.

What pasta types work best with this sauce?

This creamy sauce pairs well with a variety of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne, which hold the sauce nicely and complement the rich flavors.

Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic with zesty lemon and creamy Parmesan for a delicious and comforting pasta dish. Perfectly paired with your choice of pasta, this sauce is simple to prepare and packed with vibrant, fresh flavors that elevate any meal.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 bulb garlic, roasted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta of your choice
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and roast for about 30-35 minutes until golden and soft. Allow it to cool, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and mash it into a paste using a fork. Cook for about 2 minutes to meld flavors.
4. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring until well combined. Let the mixture heat through for 3-4 minutes, avoiding boiling.
5. Include Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop flavors.
6. Mix in Parmesan: Gradually fold in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat each piece. Adjust consistency by adding reserved pasta water little by little if sauce is too thick.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• To roast garlic faster, you can halve the bulb and wrap with foil, but whole bulb roasting enhances sweetness.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and improve coating on pasta.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce will be less rich.
• Fresh parsley adds brightness; consider basil or chives as alternatives.
• This sauce pairs well with any pasta type, especially fettuccine, linguine, or penne.

Keywords: roast garlic pasta sauce, creamy pasta sauce, lemon garlic pasta, homemade pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta recipe