Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

Name: Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or penne; 4 heads of garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Hearty Collection

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta! It's a delightful dish that brings comfort and cozy vibes to our family gatherings. The rich, creamy sauce, combined with the aromatic roasted garlic, creates an inviting aroma that fills my kitchen. Each bite is a flavor explosion, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a relaxing Sunday evening, this pasta is sure to impress everyone around the table and create lasting memories together.

Created by

Hester Lockwood

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:17:37.878Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was taken aback by how simple yet delicious the dish turned out. Roasting the garlic really brings out its sweetness and imparts a lovely depth to the creamy sauce. The addition of freshly grated parmesan elevates the flavor profile, making it perfect for a Sunday family dinner.

I’ve found that using a mix of fettuccine and penne noodles adds interesting textures to each bite. Don't forget to sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops each pasta strand
Roasted garlic enhances the flavor profile dramatically
Quick and easy recipe perfect for busy Sundays

The Importance of Roasting Garlic

Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, pungent flavor into a sweet and mellow delight. When you roast the garlic, the heat breaks down the allicin compound, which is responsible for its aromatic bite, resulting in a creamy texture that's perfect for sauces. You'll know it's ready when the cloves are soft and golden, with a sweet aroma filling your kitchen. This step is crucial, as it deepens the overall flavor of the pasta, creating a richer and more rounded dish.

While roasting garlic does take some time, the hands-on effort is minimal, requiring just a bit of olive oil and aluminum foil. You can roast more heads at once and reserve them for future recipes! The roasted garlic can add depth to anything from soups to spreads, making it a versatile ingredient. I often recommend roasting extra to have on hand; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

Utilizing heavy cream is essential for this recipe because it creates a luxuriously rich texture that clings to the pasta beautifully. If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream, but be cautious. If using low-fat options, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as those variations could curdle if heated too quickly. Stir the cream gently with the roasted garlic paste over medium heat until you achieve a glossy result.

The key to achieving the perfect sauce lies in the timing and temperature. After adding the parmesan, continue stirring off the heat to prevent separation. The cheese should melt smoothly into the cream, creating a cohesive sauce. Also, remember to reserve that cup of pasta water! The starchy water is invaluable for adjusting the sauce’s consistency, ensuring it adheres beautifully to the pasta without being too runny.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This creamy pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Feel free to add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for protein. Fresh veggies such as spinach or cherry tomatoes can also enhance the dish's flavor profile while adding color and nutrients. If you're looking for a twist, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat or a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish can be partially made ahead of time. You can roast the garlic and cook the pasta in advance, storing them in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy the meal, just heat the cream and combine everything. The pasta may soak up some of the sauce upon reheating, so adjust with a bit of reserved pasta water for freshness. This way, you can enjoy creamy roasted garlic pasta any day of the week!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or penne
4 heads of garlic
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best results!

Instructions

Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off the garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap them in aluminum foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft.

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 before draining.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.

Serve

Transfer the creamy pasta to plates, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy your delicious Sunday dinner!

Pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of spiciness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce separates or becomes grainy, it could mean that the cream was heated too quickly or combined with cold garlic. To fix this, return the pot to low heat and gently stir. Adding a little more reserved pasta water while continuously stirring can help bring everything back together. Maintaining a stable temperature when adding dairy is crucial in preventing these textural issues and achieving a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Another common issue could be undercooking the pasta. Ensure you taste your pasta a minute or two before the package timing indicates to avoid an overly chewy texture. The word 'al dente' means toothsome, and it should have a slight firmness when bitten into, which allows it to hold up against the creamy sauce.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Leftover creamy roasted garlic pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Gently warm it on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. Microwaving is an option, but be cautious; a few intervals with stirring give the best results without compromising texture.

If you’d like to freeze the pasta, consider freezing the sauce and pasta separately. The cream can sometimes alter in texture when thawed. When ready to enjoy, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on low heat before adding freshly cooked pasta, ensuring a delightful creamy texture is retained.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable to accommodate larger gatherings. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities while keeping the roasting time for garlic the same. This dish works equally well with 24 oz of pasta; just make sure to use a larger pot for boiling and more substantial skillet for combining. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste while keeping an eye on the balance of flavors as the quantity increases.

When planning to scale, preparing a slight excess of sauce is advisable. Since pasta will absorb sauce, having a little more will help ensure each serving is perfectly coated. The same principles apply when serving a smaller group; feel free to halve the recipe without compromising the results, making this a versatile dish for any occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this pasta dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ What should I serve with this pasta?

A fresh green salad and some crusty bread pair beautifully with this dish.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This sauce works well with any pasta shape you prefer—just adjust cooking times accordingly.