Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta
There's something truly magical about what happens to garlic in the oven. The sharp, pungent cloves transform into soft, caramelized gems with a deep, sweet, and nutty flavor. That incredible transformation is the heart and soul of this Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta. This dish proves that you don't need a long list of complicated ingredients to create a meal that feels both comforting and elegant. We're taking simple pantry staples and elevating them into a restaurant-quality dish with a velvety, rich sauce that will have you falling in love with garlic all over again. If you're ready for your new favorite weeknight dinner, you're in the right place.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
- 1 head of roasted garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the skillet and mash them into the butter with a fork, creating a paste.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked, drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.