Description
Creamy Roast Garlic & Lemon Pasta Sauce is a rich, silky pasta recipe that turns simple ingredients into an easy dinner packed with cozy flavor. Roasted garlic adds a mellow depth, fresh lemon brings brightness, and Parmesan melts into the sauce for a smooth finish that feels restaurant worthy. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner nights, pasta cravings, comfort food menus, and simple food ideas when you want something creamy, fresh, and satisfying.
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
1 whole head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until soft and golden.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Let the roasted garlic cool slightly, then squeeze the soft cloves into a bowl and mash them into a paste.
4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over low to medium heat. Add the roasted garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir gently until smooth and warmed through.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt and black pepper. Add the reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce is silky.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Roast the garlic until fully soft so it blends smoothly into the sauce without any harsh bite.
Keep the heat gentle after adding the lemon and cream so the sauce stays silky.
Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the noodles better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 547
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
Keywords: creamy roast garlic lemon pasta sauce, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner, quick dinner, pasta sauce, food ideas, comfort food, lemon pasta, roasted garlic pasta