Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

Name: Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne works great); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; Black pepper to taste; 1 bulb of garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Authentic Kitchen

I absolutely adore making this Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta whenever I want to impress family and friends. The combination of roasted garlic, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make. I often find myself savoring this rich flavor while enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon, and it’s the perfect recipe for a cozy gathering or a quiet evening at home. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it regularly too!

Created by

Bethan Rowcroft

Last updated on 2026-01-14T05:01:35.378Z

During one of my weekends, I experimented with roasted garlic in a cream sauce, and it was a game-changer. I learned that roasting garlic mellows its sharpness, providing a rich depth of flavor that enhances every bite of pasta. The aroma wafting through my kitchen was irresistible, drawing everyone to the table.

I also discovered that adding a splash of pasta water before serving helps to bind the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to each piece of pasta. This small tip transformed my dish from good to great!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, savory flavor from roasted garlic
Creamy, dreamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any Sunday gathering

Mastering the Roasting Technique

Roasting garlic is a transformative process that brings out its natural sweetness and creates a rich, mellow flavor that is crucial for this dish. When you roast the garlic at 400°F (200°C), make sure to monitor it closely after the 25-minute mark. You're looking for a soft, golden hue and a fragrant aroma. If you over-roast it, you risk developing bitterness, which can alter the overall taste of your creamy sauce.

After roasting, squeezing the garlic cloves out of their skins should be effortless. If they resist, they may need a bit more time in the oven. Use a fork or your fingers to mash the roasted garlic into a paste before adding it to the sauce. This will ensure that it blends smoothly, resulting in a creamy texture without any bits of garlic.

Creating the Perfect Creamy Sauce

For an ultra-rich sauce, use high-quality heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese not only adds flavor but also aids in emulsifying the sauce, creating a glossy texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk, but be prepared for a subtle difference in richness.

When stirring the sauce, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cream to separate, leading to a curdled texture. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce begins to bubble gently. This technique ensures a smooth, velvety consistency that perfectly coats every piece of pasta.

Serving and Storing Your Pasta

This creamy roasted garlic pasta is best enjoyed fresh and hot right after preparation. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, cook the pasta just until al dente and allow your sauce to cool before combining them. Store the two separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce over low heat and add a splash of reserved pasta water to bring it back to life.

For garnishing, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. You can also experiment with grated lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will introduce a delightful kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Ingredients

Gather these fantastic ingredients to create your delicious dish:

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne works great)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce

1 bulb of garlic
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to adjust any seasonings to your taste!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a sumptuous dish:

Roast the Garlic

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in aluminum foil. Roast for about 30 minutes until soft and golden.

Cook the Pasta

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

Prepare the Sauce

Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a saucepan, adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir over low heat until the cheese melts, then season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley, black pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy pasta!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider including sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach in the pasta. Also, don't skip the reserved pasta water
it helps to create a silky sauce.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to tailor the pasta to your preferences or dietary needs. Gluten-free pasta options work wonderfully in this recipe, though cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to follow the package guidelines. You can also try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a hearty twist that adds extra fiber and protein.

If you're looking to pack more vegetables into your meal, consider adding sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes. They not only contribute nutrition but also infuse the dish with vibrant colors and additional textures, making your Sunday dinner even more delightful.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your sauce is too thick, it's generally a sign that it needs some moisture. Adding reserved pasta water gradually while stirring is the ideal solution. The starchy water helps to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor. Conversely, if it becomes too thin, simmering it on low will help thicken it up, bringing it back to the desired creamy consistency.

In case the garlic flavor ends up too strong, balance it with a bit more cream and cheese. This will mellow out the sharpness and bring the flavors back into harmony. Additionally, if you accidentally added too much salt, a few teaspoons of sugar can help neutralize the saltiness and lift the overall flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative that adds extra fiber.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Substitute the cream with cashew cream and use a vegan cheese option.

→ What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk with cornstarch as a thickener.

→ Can I add protein to this pasta?

Yes! Grilled chicken or shrimp makes a wonderful addition to this pasta dish.