Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce offers a luscious blend of roasted garlic, fresh lemon, and Parmesan cheese, creating a bright yet comforting sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. The sauce is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a delicious weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 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 roasted cloves into a bowl.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of 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.
- Prepare the Sauce: 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 meld the flavors.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Heat the mixture through for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it does not boil.
- Include Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Mix in Parmesan: Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a cream alternative.
- Roasting garlic ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator helps speed up preparation on busy days.
- To make the sauce gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta varieties.
Keywords: creamy pasta sauce, roast garlic pasta sauce, lemon parmesan sauce, easy pasta sauce, garlic lemon pasta, Italian pasta sauce
