Description
Creamy Roast Garlic & Lemon Pasta Sauce is the kind of easy recipe that makes an ordinary night feel special. This quick dinner is rich, silky, bright, and packed with roasted garlic, parmesan, and fresh lemon flavor, making it one of those comforting food ideas you will want for busy weeknights, easy dinner plans, and cozy pasta cravings.
Ingredients
12 ounces linguine or fettuccine
1 whole head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until soft and golden.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine or fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Let the roasted garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the soft cloves into a bowl and mash them.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over low to medium heat. Stir in the roasted garlic until smooth and fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.
6. Add the parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Roast the garlic until fully soft so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Add the parmesan gradually over low heat to keep the sauce creamy and prevent clumping.
Use pasta water a little at a time at the end for the best silky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Roasted
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg