Overview

Roasted Garlic Cream Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the sweet, mellow taste of roasted garlic with a creamy sauce. This pasta is perfect for a comforting dinner and can be made in under an hour!

Ingredients

For the Roasted Garlic:

• 1 head of garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Making the Roasted Garlic Cream Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Garlic: Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap it in aluminum foil.
3. Roast: Place the wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the skillet. Use a fork to mash them into a paste.
3. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Roasted Garlic Cream Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550
Protein	12g
Fat	35g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Toss in some spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic Cream Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the sweet and savory notes of roasted garlic. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. Enjoy this delightful recipe!