Description
This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce is a luscious, rich sauce that combines the mellow flavor of roasted garlic with the bright zestiness of lemon, creating a perfect balance for your favorite pasta dishes. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this sauce delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic, which enhances its natural sweetness and mellows any sharpness.
- Prepare the Garlic: Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, then wrap it securely in foil to retain moisture while roasting.
- Roast the Garlic: Place the wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden, making them easy to squeeze out and sweet in flavor.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a saucepan, pour in the heavy cream, then add the roasted garlic cloves by squeezing them out of their skins. Incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice for brightness.
- Heat the Sauce: Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to combine the flavors and prevent the cream from scorching.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the finished sauce over your cooked pasta of choice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and fresh flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic slowly brings out a sweet, mellow flavor that’s perfect for creamy sauces.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to balance tanginess with creaminess to your preference.
- This sauce pairs excellently with fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but note the sauce will be less thick.
