Name: Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce offers a delightful balance of rich creaminess and bright citrus notes. Roasted garlic adds depth and sweetness, making this sauce a perfect complement to your favorite pasta. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress any dinner guest.

A white plate holds a serving of round tortellini pasta in a creamy, light brown sauce that covers them evenly. Thin yellow strips are scattered among the pasta, adding a touch of color. The dish is sprinkled with coarse black pepper and small red flakes, adding texture and contrast. On the right side of the plate, a silver fork rests partially in the sauce. The plate is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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.
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.
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 release the flavors.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until combined. Warm the mixture for 3-4 minutes without letting it boil.
Step 5: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 6: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and fully incorporated.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free or low-carb version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
Make extra roasted garlic to keep on hand for spreading on bread or mixing into other dishes.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Pasta is best freshly tossed with the sauce, but leftovers can be combined and reheated carefully.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a serving of round tortellini pasta covered in a thick, creamy light brown sauce. The sauce appears smooth with a few specks of black pepper and small thin yellow strips scattered throughout. The tortellini have a soft, slightly glossy texture, and a fork rests on the right side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted garlic?

Fresh garlic will have a sharper, more pungent flavor compared to roasted garlic’s mellow sweetness. If using fresh garlic, sauté it gently in olive oil for about a minute to avoid bitterness.

What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

This sauce pairs well with long pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti, as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni also works if you prefer.