Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce Recipe
This creamy roast garlic and lemon pasta sauce combines the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic with the bright freshness of lemon, blended smoothly with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple yet elegant sauce that elevates any pasta dish, perfect for a comforting meal with a hint of zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 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 fully 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
- Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor, making it deliciously sweet and creamy in the sauce.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This sauce pairs well with any type of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: roast garlic pasta sauce, creamy lemon pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, roasted garlic recipe, lemon cream sauce, Parmesan pasta sauce
