Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe
A luscious and comforting Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce that perfectly balances the rich roasted garlic, tangy lemon, and savory Parmesan for a delightful pasta experience. This sauce is easy to make, combining roasting, stovetop cooking, and fresh ingredients to create a velvety and flavorful dish perfect for any pasta lover.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Garlic
- 1 bulb garlic, roasted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 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
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
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, or until golden and soft. Allow it to cool, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl.
- 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.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and mash it into a paste using a fork. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Let the mixture heat through for about 3-4 minutes, taking care not to let it boil.
- Include Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Mix in Parmesan: Gradually fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat each piece. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best bright and fresh flavor.
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starch which helps thicken and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- This sauce pairs well with long pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
Keywords: Creamy pasta sauce, roasted garlic sauce, lemon pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, Italian pasta recipe, garlic lemon sauce, Parmesan cream sauce
