Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

Name: Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 300g pasta of your choice; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Recipes

I absolutely love making my Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta for family gatherings. The rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic blends beautifully with a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, making each bite a comforting experience. I find that taking the time to roast the garlic really enhances its sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Plus, this dish is quick to put together, so I can spend more time enjoying brunch with loved ones rather than laboring in the kitchen.

Created by

Elowen Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:21:35.002Z

Creating this Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta was a little adventure that I look forward to each week. I remember the first time I experimented with roasting garlic; it transformed the dish by adding a depth of flavor that you just can't achieve with raw garlic. I've also found that using a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese gives it the perfect creamy texture that envelops each strand of pasta.

The first time I served this pasta during a family gathering, everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! I love how you can easily customize it with some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add extra nutrients and flavor. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough to prepare on a Sunday afternoon.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy, garlicky goodness that's comforting and satisfying
Roasting garlic brings out a sweet, mellow flavor that is irresistible
Quick to prepare, allowing for more time with family and friends

The Magic of Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, pungent flavor into a sweet, mellow delight that perfectly complements the creaminess of the sauce. As it roasts, the cloves become soft and spreadable, offering a rich depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Watch for a golden-brown color on the outside when it’s done—this indicates that the sugars have caramelized brilliantly, enhancing the garlic's natural sweetness.

For best results, ensure that the garlic is tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to create a steaming effect that aids in softening its texture. If you find that your roasted garlic is still a bit tough, pop it back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. The end result should be a paste-like consistency that merges seamlessly into the creamy sauce, making each bite a delight.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

The heavy cream in this recipe is crucial for achieving that luscious, velvety texture that clings to the pasta. I recommend using full-fat cream to ensure it thickens properly and creates a satisfying mouthfeel. As you combine it with the roasted garlic, keep the heat on medium and stir gently to prevent the cream from boiling, which could lead to curdling. You're aiming for a glossy, uniform sauce before adding the pasta.

If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but keep in mind that it will yield a slightly less rich flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using a combination of coconut cream and nutritional yeast. This will still bring a creamy texture while enhancing the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This creamy garlic pasta pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to add protein and additional texture. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables such as spinach or peas; simply stir them in during the last minute of cooking the pasta to ensure they remain vibrant and fresh. A sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest can brighten the dish, adding a wonderful contrast to the creamy richness.

To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the roasted garlic and sauce separately, then mix them with the cooked pasta just before serving. If storing leftovers, keep the pasta and sauce separate to maintain the creamy consistency when reheating; add a splash of reserved pasta water to the pan when warming up to restore that luscious texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious pasta dish:

Ingredients

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

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect creamy garlic pasta:

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, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden.

Cook the pasta

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

Make the sauce

In a pan over medium heat, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with a fork. Add the heavy cream, salt, and pepper; stir until well combined and heated through.

Combine and finish

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is well coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.

Congratulations! Your Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta before serving. You can also top it with crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.

Ingredient Tips

When selecting your pasta, consider shapes with ridges, such as penne or fusilli, which trap the creamy sauce better than smoother varieties. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free options, they can be used as direct substitutes without compromising the overall dish.

For a bolder flavor, experiment with different cheese varieties. A sharp Pecorino Romano can add a nice touch, or for a hint of smokiness, try smoked Gouda. Just remember to adjust the amount of cheese based on the strength of the flavor to keep balance in your dish.

Potential Troubleshooting

If the sauce seems too thick or clumpy once you mix in the pasta, don't hesitate to add more reserved pasta water gradually. This watery consistency is key for achieving that silky quality. Remember that pasta water not only thins the sauce but also adds saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor.

In case you find it too salty after all the ingredients have been combined, you can balance it out by adding a splash of fresh cream or a squeeze of lemon juice. Both options help that rich flavor while cutting through the saltiness, resulting in a harmonious dish.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat to avoid separating the cream. Toss in a little extra cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy qualities.

This pasta also freezes well, though it's best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. You can freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for single servings, making it convenient for quick meals. When ready to eat, simply reheat the thawed sauce and mix it with fresh pasta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will work well and add a nice nutty flavor.

→ What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a different taste.

→ How long can I store the leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it doesn't contain any meat.