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To make creamy roasted garlic pasta, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 head of garlic - 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each of these ingredients plays a key role in creating a rich, tasty dish. The garlic adds a sweet, roasted flavor, while the cream provides a silky texture. The Parmesan cheese gives depth and richness. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, and the red pepper flakes can give a subtle kick if you like a bit of heat. Gather these ingredients before starting. It makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be ready to whip up this delightful meal in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} Roasting the garlic First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take one head of garlic and cut off the top. This lets the heat reach the cloves. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil. Bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. The garlic will turn soft and sweet as it roasts. Preparing the pasta While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, save half a cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the noodles and set them aside. Combining roasted garlic and cream In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Squeeze the soft roasted garlic from its skin into the skillet. Use a fork to mash it until smooth. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed. Adding cheese Next, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the cream. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water slowly until it reaches your desired consistency. Mixing pasta with sauce Add the drained pasta to the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta gently until it is well coated in the sauce. Seasoning to taste Finally, add salt and pepper based on your taste. If you like a kick, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir in 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. Now, your creamy roasted garlic pasta is ready to serve! To roast garlic well, look for a golden color and a soft texture. Properly roasted garlic should squeeze out easily. If it smells sweet and nutty, you did it right! For a quick method, you can microwave the garlic. Cut the head in half, drizzle with oil, and wrap it in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes. It won’t taste the same, but it works in a pinch. To get the sauce just right, use reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. This water has starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If you notice clumps, whisk the sauce over low heat. This will smooth it out quickly. Herbs like fresh basil or thyme add great taste. Try adding a pinch of oregano for a twist. For cheese, try goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor. These swaps can make the dish unique and fun! Pro Tips Roast Garlic for Extra Flavor: Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows its sharpness, creating a rich flavor that enhances your pasta dish. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the dish's flavor and texture, making it taste even more delicious. Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top not only enhances the flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily boost this dish with protein. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. Cook chicken breast in a pan or grill shrimp until they turn pink. Just add them to the sauce before tossing in the pasta. If you're looking for vegetarian options, try adding chickpeas or tofu. These options work well and give a nice texture. Adding vegetables can enhance flavor and nutrition. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers work best. You can sauté these in olive oil before adding them to the pasta. Fresh tomatoes add a burst of flavor as well. Spinach is already in the recipe, but feel free to mix in kale for more greens. Don’t feel limited to just spaghetti or fettuccine. You can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for a healthier twist. Other noodle shapes like penne or farfalle also work well. Feel free to experiment with different shapes to find your favorite! When you have leftover creamy roasted garlic pasta, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. If you want to save it longer, freeze the dish. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label it with the date. To reheat creamy roasted garlic pasta, use gentle heat. You can use a skillet on low or medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help keep it moist. Stir often to prevent burning. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Avoid overheating, as that can dry out the dish. Enjoy your delicious pasta just like the first time! You can make this dish ahead by preparing the sauce first. Roast the garlic and mix it with cream and cheese. Cook the pasta and store it separately. When ready to eat, combine them in a pan and heat until warm. This keeps the pasta fresh and prevents it from getting mushy. Yes, you can use low-fat cream. However, the sauce will not be as rich and creamy. It may lack the same depth of flavor. If you want a creamier taste, consider adding a little extra cheese. Many sides go well with this pasta. Here are some tasty options: - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables - Steamed asparagus These sides balance the meal and add more flavor. Absolutely! To make it vegan, use plant-based cream and cheese. Swap the pasta for a vegan-friendly option. You can also add more veggies for added texture and flavor. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy and delicious. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta. We covered key ingredients like garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. You learned step-by-step instructions on cooking and perfecting the dish. Plus, I shared tips on roasting garlic and making flavorful sauces. Remember, you can customize this recipe with proteins and veggies. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy your creamy pasta dish anytime and share it with others!

Creamy Roasted Garlic Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring creamy roasted garlic and fresh spinach.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head garlic
  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and wrap it in aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the garlic is soft and caramelized.
  • While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the skillet and mash with a fork until smooth.
  • Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Add the chopped spinach and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
  • Toss the drained pasta in the creamy garlic sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Keyword creamy, garlic, pasta, vegetarian