Save There is something deeply comforting about the aroma of garlic slowly roasting in the oven. This Roasted Garlic Cream Pasta turns that simple scent into a luxurious meal, featuring a silky sauce that coats every strand of al dente fettuccine. It is a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for a quiet weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends.
Save The secret to this recipe lies in the patience of roasting the garlic bulbs until they are golden and soft. Once mashed into the butter and shallots, they create a savory base that elevates the heavy cream and milk into a masterpiece of Italian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 whole garlic bulbs
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 350 g (12 oz) fettuccine or spaghetti
- Salt, for pasta water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) milk
- 60 g (2 oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves.
- Step 2
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Step 3
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4
- Mash the roasted garlic into a paste and add to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5
- Pour in the cream and milk, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6
- Stir in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Simmer gently until the cheese melts and the sauce is velvety.
- Step 7
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the roasted garlic is mashed thoroughly into a smooth paste before adding the liquids to prevent lumps in your sauce. When simmering the cream, keep the heat at a medium-low level to avoid breaking the sauce; a gentle bubble is all you need for a velvety finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. To boost the nutritional value, try stirring in a handful of fresh baby spinach or some sautéed mushrooms right before adding the pasta to the sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish warm with a generous dusting of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness of the cream.
Save Whether you're treating yourself after a long day or hosting a small gathering, this Roasted Garlic Cream Pasta is sure to impress. Simple ingredients, when treated with care, transform into a truly memorable meal that you will want to make again and again.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?
Yes, roast the garlic up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before using.
- → What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
Fettuccine and spaghetti are ideal, but pappardelle, linguine, or even penne work wonderfully. Wider ribbons help catch the creamy sauce better.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when adding cream. Avoid boiling vigorously, and ensure the Parmesan melts gradually with gentle stirring.
- → Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use dairy-free butter. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a similar umami depth.
- → What's the purpose of reserved pasta water?
Starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and adjusts consistency. It creates a silkier finish and helps the sauce coat the noodles evenly.
- → How do I know when the roasted garlic is ready?
The cloves should be soft enough to squeeze out easily when pressed. The bulbs will appear golden-brown and smell incredibly fragrant.