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Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce

Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce for Effortless Nights

This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce makes dinner effortless, combining rich flavors with a zesty twist for a delightful meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 head garlic (roasted) fresh garlic can be used but reduce quantity
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil any neutral oil can work
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh is best but bottled can be used
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest can be omitted if not available
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to your preference
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper fresh ground preferred
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated) or Pecorino Romano
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound pasta any variety such as spaghetti or penne
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley can be replaced with basil or omitted

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Medium saucepan
  • large pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap a whole head of garlic in aluminum foil and roast for 30–35 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add roasted garlic, mashing with a fork for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Heat through on medium-low for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Gradually add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and thickened.
  7. Add drained pasta to the saucepan, tossing with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove.

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