Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

Name: Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head of garlic; 300g pasta of choice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), chopped; Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making this Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta for family gatherings. The aroma of roasted garlic fills the kitchen, setting a cozy atmosphere as we gather around the dinner table. The creamy sauce, made rich with parmesan and a hint of fresh herbs, creates a delightful blend of flavors that warms the soul. As the pasta cooks to al dente perfection, I can’t help but feel excited about the delicious meal that's about to unfold. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the weekend with love and good food.

Created by

Megan Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-14T07:09:34.893Z

Every time I make this dish, I remember the first time I experimented with roasting garlic. The subtle caramelization brings out a sweetness that transforms the sauce into something special. Combined with a splash of cream and fresh herbs, it creates a comforting experience that is hard to resist. I love tossing in a handful of spinach or kale to amp up the nutritional value too!

The key to this recipe is patience—allow the garlic to roast until it’s perfectly golden and tender, releasing its wonderful flavor. Pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty bread, and you've got the perfect meal for any Sunday family gathering!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich roasted garlic flavor enveloped in a creamy sauce
Simple, earth-friendly ingredients that come together quickly
Perfectly comforting for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight

      

Understanding Roasted Garlic

Roasting garlic transforms its pungent raw flavor into a sweet, caramelized essence that adds depth to this pasta dish. The process caramelizes the natural sugars in the garlic, making it milder and adding a nutty richness. Ensure you don't over-roast it; the garlic should be golden and soft, indicated by a buttery texture when squeezed from its skin. If you notice any charring, reduce roasting time for a more balanced flavor.

To easily incorporate roasted garlic into the sauce, use a fork to mash it until smooth after you've squeezed the cloves from their skins. This adds a velvety quality to the sauce, which blends beautifully with the cream and parmesan. If desired, you can also add a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, balancing the richness of the cream.

Perfect Pasta Techniques

Choosing the right pasta is pivotal to the success of this dish. While a classic spaghetti works beautifully, consider using penne or fusilli to better catch the creamy sauce. When cooking pasta, make sure to salt the water generously; it should taste like the sea. This seasoning enhances the pasta's flavor, making every bite more delicious. Keep in mind to reserve that cup of pasta water—it’s your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Cook the pasta until it's al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. This ensures it retains a firm bite, preventing it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly after being drained, especially when combined with the warm sauce, so it's okay to err on the side of undercooking slightly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When serving, consider garnishing your creamy pasta with additional grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance both the presentation and flavor. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick to the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Feel free to customize this dish with seasonal vegetables. Adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can introduce new textures and flavors, enhancing the heartiness of the meal. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based milk alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, creating a delicious vegan-friendly option without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

Ingredients

1 head of garlic
300g pasta of choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), chopped
Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale

Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve the best blend of flavors in the sauce.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a comforting bowl of Sunday Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta:

Roast the Garlic

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

Cook the Pasta

While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Make the Sauce

In a pan, whisk together the roasted garlic (squeezed out of the skins), heavy cream, and parmesan over low heat until combined. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Everything

Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, add chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. If using, gently fold in the spinach or kale until wilted.

Serve immediately with additional parmesan and herbs on top for a delightful finish.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also swap in different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This creamy roasted garlic pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the components in advance. Roast the garlic and prepare the sauce up to 2 days ahead of serving. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it's time to eat, simply reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to bring it back to life.

If you're considering making this dish for a crowd, it’s easy to double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger pot for boiling the pasta and a bigger pan for the sauce to accommodate the increased quantities. You can also keep leftover pasta in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of cream or water to help loosen the sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce seems too thick after mixing it with pasta, don't fret. Simply stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce thickens as it cools, so aim for a slightly looser texture when serving it warm.

On the flip side, if your sauce ended up too thin, you can easily rectify it by simmering it over medium-low heat to reduce it down a bit. Adding an extra tablespoon or two of grated parmesan can also help thicken the sauce while enhancing its flavor. Just be sure to stir continuously to prevent sticking and ensure an even consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta or substitute dairy with almond milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

→ How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Adding some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the flavor profile significantly.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

→ Can I use store-bought roasted garlic?

While fresh roasted garlic is preferred for flavor, store-bought can be used in a pinch if you're short on time.