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Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce is a luscious and flavorful dish combining the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic with the bright zest and juice of fresh lemon. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a balanced blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce

  • 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

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice

For Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the garlic bulb tightly in aluminum foil and roast it in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are golden and soft. Once roasted, let it cool and then squeeze the softened garlic cloves into a bowl.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and mash it into a smooth paste with a fork. Cook the garlic paste for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  4. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it well with the garlic paste. Heat the mixture gently for 3-4 minutes, making sure it doesn’t come to a boil to preserve the cream’s richness.
  5. Include Lemon: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, then continue to cook for another 2 minutes so that the citrus flavors meld beautifully with the creamy base.
  6. Mix in Parmesan: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts fully and incorporates smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy, thickened texture.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat, garnish the pasta with fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

  • You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne work particularly well with creamy sauces.
  • If you want to reduce calories, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though this will slightly lighten the texture and flavor.
  • The reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helping it cling better to the noodles.
  • Roasting garlic mellows its pungency and gives a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the lemony brightness.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet.

Keywords: Creamy pasta sauce, roast garlic sauce, lemon pasta sauce, Parmesan pasta sauce, creamy Italian sauce, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/creamy-roast-garlic-and-lemon-pasta-sauce-recipe/