Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce
This creamy roast garlic and lemon pasta sauce combines rich, roasted flavors with a bright citrus zest for a silky, irresistible pasta topping that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 12 oz cooked pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Once cool, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out into a bowl and mash into a smooth paste.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the roasted garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine well with the garlic.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to incorporate.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal.