Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce
A luscious and tangy pasta sauce combining the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic with bright lemon zest and creamy richness, perfect for elevating any pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 12 ounces pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine or linguine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Once garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a blender or bowl.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper to the mashed garlic. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- In a large pan, gently warm the sauce over low heat until heated through, stirring frequently.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy roast garlic and lemon sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For an extra touch, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat or toss in sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.