Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

Name: Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 300g pasta of your choice; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Rustic Meals

I love treating myself to a delicious plate of creamy roasted garlic pasta on Sundays. There's something so comforting about the rich flavors of roasted garlic combined with a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly. This dish is simple to make yet feels luxurious, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend meal. The aroma fills my kitchen and the creamy texture is just what I crave. I can hardly wait to dig in to this satisfying dish that brings me joy every time I make it.

Created by

Xenia Radcliffe

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:29:35.223Z

When I first stumbled upon the concept of roasting garlic, I had no idea how transformative it could be for pasta dishes. I remember the first time I tried it; the sweet, nutty aroma wafted through my kitchen and I couldn't wait to taste the results. The garlic mellows out significantly when roasted, creating a silky, creamy sauce that truly elevates the pasta experience.

What I learned during my experimentation is not to rush the roasting. Allow the garlic to caramelize to perfection for a deeper flavor, and don't hesitate to add a splash of pasta water when tossing the sauce with the pasta. It helps to marry the flavors beautifully while achieving that perfect creamy consistency.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy texture that's irresistibly satisfying
The fragrant aroma of roasted garlic fills your kitchen
Simple ingredients come together to create a gourmet meal

      

Understanding Roasted Garlic

Roasted garlic is a transformative ingredient in this recipe, lending a deep, sweet flavor that significantly enhances the overall dish. When roasted, garlic becomes creamy and mellow, which serves as a beautiful contrast to the richness of the heavy cream. The process not only softens the sharpness of raw garlic but also ensures that its aromatic compounds are released, creating a comforting aroma as it cooks. This is why it's essential to take your time roasting the garlic until it achieves a golden-brown color for the best flavor.

If you find yourself short on time, you can consider using garlic powder as a substitute, but be mindful that the depth of flavor will differ. As a guideline, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every head of garlic called for, but remember that the taste will not be as rich. If you're aiming for a more intense garlic profile, adding a pinch of garlic powder along with the roasted garlic purée can give that extra kick without overpowering the dish.

Perfecting Your Pasta

The choice of pasta can dramatically affect the overall enjoyment of your dish. I recommend opting for shapes like fettuccine or pappardelle that have broader surfaces to embrace the creamy sauce. Cooking the pasta to al dente is crucial; this means it should be firm to the bite, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes for most dried pasta types. This texture allows it to hold its shape and prevents the dish from becoming mushy when combined with the creamy sauce.

Don't forget to reserve that important cup of pasta water! The starchy water is a fantastic way to adjust the consistency of your sauce—by adding it gradually, you can achieve a silky finish. If you find your sauce is too thick, a splash of the reserved water can bring everything together beautifully without losing flavor while still maintaining that luxurious creamy texture.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Garnishing is the final touch that can elevate your Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta. Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also contributes a bright, herbaceous note that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the pasta. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some freshly grated lemon zest which can enhance the dish's brightness and balance the creaminess.

If you're planning to pair this dish with a side, a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta wonderfully, providing a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a glass of white wine, like a chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, can enhance the meal beautifully, making your Sunday dinner feel extra special.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

1 head of garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
300g pasta of your choice
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the cream. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the saucepan. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creaminess.

Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a nice heat that balances the creaminess.

Make-Ahead Tips

For those busy Sundays, you can prepare the roasted garlic in advance. Once it's cooled and squeezed out from the cloves, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This way, when you're ready to make your pasta, you can blend it directly into the cream for a quick and easy meal, saving you both preparation and cooking time.

The creamy sauce can also be made ahead of time; just reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it back to the right consistency before tossing it with the freshly cooked pasta.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, store your creamy pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Stir in a little bit of additional cream or reserved pasta water to maintain that creamy consistency.

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream may not hold up well, leading to a grainy texture when thawed. However, if you need to make ahead, consider freezing the roasted garlic separately, allowing you to whip up the sauce fresh when you're ready to enjoy the dish again.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite proteins. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta can be a delightful addition to the creamy roasted garlic pasta, making it a more filling meal.

For a vegetarian twist, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus. Simply sauté them briefly before tossing them with the pasta, ensuring the vegetables remain vibrant and slightly crisp, adding both flavor and texture to your dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add a nutty flavor and is a healthier option.

→ Is there a vegan alternative to the cream?

Yes! You can use coconut cream or cashew cream for a delicious vegan version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream.

→ Can I freeze this pasta dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before adding the cream. Reheat and add cream just before serving.