Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce is a luscious, tangy sauce that perfectly complements any pasta. With the aromatic depth of roasted garlic, the brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, and the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan, this sauce transforms a simple pasta dish into an elegant and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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). Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for about 35-40 minutes until tender and golden brown. Let it cool.
- Cook the Pasta: While the garlic is roasting, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the cream and gently mash to combine. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Add Parmesan and Adjust: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat each strand. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds a sweet depth to the sauce.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
