Name: Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon: A Luxurious Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 whole heads garlic; 1 large lemon; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small shallot, minced (or 1/4 cup yellow onion); 1/2 cup non-alcoholic white wine or vegetable broth (optional); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 lb (450g) pasta; Salt for pasta water

Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon is a rich and flavorful dish that combines roasted garlic and fresh lemon in a creamy base. This incredible pasta sauce takes your culinary experience to new heights. The mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic pairs beautifully with the vibrant tang of fresh lemon, resulting in a sauce that’s luxurious yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this sauce is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon

This Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon sauce is not just delicious; it comes with a host of benefits. Firstly, it’s versatile; perfect as a lemon garlic cream sauce for chicken or a delightful creamy garlic lemon dip for veggies. Secondly, it’s rich in flavor while being vegetarian-friendly, suitable for almost any dietary preference. Here are more reasons to fall in love:

Easy to make with common ingredients.
Perfectly balances rich and zesty flavors.
Can be used in various dishes, including creamy garlic lemon pasta.
Great for meal prep; just store and reheat.
Offers a unique twist on traditional pasta sauces.
Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.

Ingredients for Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon

Gather these items:

2 whole heads garlic
1 large lemon
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small shallot, minced (or 1/4 cup yellow onion)
1/2 cup non-alcoholic white wine or vegetable broth (optional)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb (450g) pasta
Salt for pasta water

How to Make Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice tops off garlic heads; place garlic and halved lemon on foil/dish. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil (1 tbsp on garlic, 1 tbsp on lemon), sprinkle garlic with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-45 min until tender. Let cool. Mince shallot; chop parsley and basil (reserve some basil for garnish).
Step 2: Once cooled, squeeze garlic cloves into a bowl and mash. Scrape lemon pulp and juice into another bowl. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté shallot until translucent (3-5 min). Add non-alcoholic white wine or broth (if using); simmer 2-3 min, reducing by half.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in mashed garlic, lemon pulp/juice; cook 1-2 min. Pour in heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 min to thicken. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in parsley.
Step 4: Boil heavily salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1-1.5 cups starchy pasta water, then drain pasta.
Step 5: Transfer hot pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss vigorously over low heat. Gradually add reserved pasta water (1/4-1/2 cup) until sauce is glossy and coats pasta well. Remove from heat, stir in remaining basil.
Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy with a crisp green salad.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon

Keep these in mind:

For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon to taste.
Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
To enhance the creaminess, consider adding more heavy cream.
Fresh herbs will elevate the flavor significantly.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon

This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few ideas:

As a delicious coating for grilled chicken, using a lemon garlic cream sauce recipe.
Mixed into roasted garlic lemon mashed potatoes for an extra kick.
As a dip for fresh vegetables, creating a garlic lemon cream dip perfect for any gathering.

Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon: A Luxurious Pasta Sauce - Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon

To store, keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore its creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon?

The secret lies in roasting the garlic and lemon to enhance their flavors. This process caramelizes the garlic, making it sweet and mellow, which balances beautifully with the tangy lemon.

Can I make Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving for the best flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Also, remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste for the perfect balance.

Variations of Creamy Roast Garlic Lemon You Can Try

Here are a few variations to keep your meals interesting:

Try adding spinach for a creamy garlic lemon pasta with greens.
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

With its rich texture and vibrant flavors, this creamy garlic lemon vinaigrette offers endless possibilities!