Roasted Garlic Pasta

Hey, pasta lovers! If you’re in the mood for a comforting yet flavorful dish, look no further than this roasted garlic pasta. The slow-roasted garlic creates an incredibly sweet and savory flavor that’ll leave you wanting more. Paired with creamy sauce and your favorite pasta, it’s a perfect meal for any night of the week. Let’s dive into how you can make this easy, garlic-filled masterpiece!

Method

Roast the Garlic

Start by roasting your garlic, as this will infuse your pasta with a rich, sweet flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take a whole head of garlic and slice off the top, just enough to expose the cloves. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil, ensuring each one is coated, and then wrap the garlic bulb in foil. Place it on a baking sheet and roast it for about 30 minutes, or until the garlic becomes soft and golden brown. This slow roasting process will mellow the garlic’s strong flavor, making it sweet and caramelized.

Cook the Pasta

While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions. Make sure you don’t overcook the pasta – you want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, ready to be combined with the garlic sauce.

Make the Garlic Sauce

After the garlic has roasted to perfection, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into a skillet. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat, and then mash the garlic with a fork or the back of a spoon. Add olive oil to the skillet and stir everything together until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring occasionally to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Use tongs or a pasta spoon to toss the pasta and coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Make sure all the pasta is evenly covered in the delicious sauce. Taste the pasta and season it with salt and pepper to your liking, adding more as needed.

Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta is well-coated in the garlic sauce, plate it up! Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top for an even cheesier dish. Serve your roasted garlic pasta hot, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness!

Necessary Tools 

  • Baking sheet (for roasting the garlic)
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Skillet (for making the sauce)
  • Garlic press (optional, but helpful)
  • Tongs or pasta spoon

Roasted Garlic Pasta

Recipe by Justin SelkCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (your favorite kind)

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 head of garlic (you’ll want to roast the whole thing!)

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Roast the Garlic  Start by roasting your garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice off the top of the garlic bulb (just enough to expose the cloves), drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes until it’s soft and golden brown.
  • Cook the Pasta  While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Sauce  Once the garlic is done roasting, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins into a skillet with butter. Mash the garlic with a fork, then add the olive oil. Stir it around until the garlic is fragrant, and add the heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then stir in the parmesan until it’s nice and creamy.
  • Combine the Pasta and Sauce  Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve and Garnish  Plate your pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the garlicky goodness!

Notes

  • Roasting garlic  Make sure not to burn the garlic while roasting it. Keep an eye on it to ensure it becomes soft and golden, not charred.
  • Heavy cream  Stir the sauce constantly while adding the cream to avoid it curdling.
  • Pasta  Don’t overcook the pasta! Follow the instructions on the package for the perfect al dente texture.

Serving Suggestions 

  • Pair this pasta with a simple side salad for a fresh balance of flavors.
  • Top with extra parmesan or even some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
  • Want some crunch? Serve with a side of garlic bread for that extra garlic punch.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that garlic has been used in cooking for over 5,000 years? It’s believed to have health benefits, too, from boosting your immune system to helping reduce blood pressure. So, while this pasta is delicious, it’s also a bit of a superfood!

Conclusion 

This roasted garlic pasta is the perfect mix of comfort and flavor. With its creamy, garlicky sauce and just a few simple ingredients, you can make a meal that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to something special, this pasta will hit the spot. Happy cooking!

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