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Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce

Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce for Cozy Nights

This Creamy Roast Garlic and Lemon Pasta Sauce is your secret weapon for a delightful culinary experience in under 45 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Consider using half-and-half for a lighter alternative.
  • 1 bulb Garlic (roasted) Roast until golden and soft for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Butter can replace it for a richer flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed) Avoid bottled juice for freshest taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Zest from one lemon is perfect.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Fine sea salt is suggested.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly cracked offers the best flavor.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Pecorino Romano works as an alternative.
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Pasta Any pasta shape like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
For Garnish
  • to taste Fresh Parsley Basil or chives work beautifully as well.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap a bulb of garlic in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden brown, then cool slightly and squeeze the cloves into a bowl.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the squeezed roasted garlic and mash into a paste with a fork. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic paste. Cook over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, ensuring it doesn't boil.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and zest, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to enhance flavors.
  6. Gradually stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Toss the drained pasta in the saucepan with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
  8. Serve garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Perfect for a cozy dinner, this sauce can be adjusted with extra veggies or proteins to enhance the dish. Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

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