Roasted Garlic Fettuccine with Parmesan Sauce

Roasted Garlic Fettuccine with Parmesan Sauce is the epitome of simple elegance meets rich comfort. This dish features silky fettuccine noodles coated in a creamy, velvety Parmesan sauce infused with the deep, sweet flavor of roasted garlic. Every bite feels luxurious yet soothing — a perfect balance of buttery, nutty, and savory goodness.

Roasting the garlic transforms it from sharp and pungent to mellow and caramelized, creating a sauce that’s smooth, aromatic, and bursting with warmth. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, date nights, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent but easy to make.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes something as humble as garlic and turns it into a show-stopping ingredient. Roasted garlic adds such incredible depth and sweetness — it blends beautifully with Parmesan and cream to create a sauce that’s rich yet not overpowering.

It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home. The aroma of roasted garlic wafting through the kitchen is pure magic, and the creamy sauce that hugs each strand of pasta is comforting on every level.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s simple yet luxurious — a few ingredients, big flavor.
• Roasted garlic adds a naturally sweet, caramelized depth.
• Perfect for garlic lovers and anyone who enjoys creamy pasta.
• Ideal for weeknights or elegant dinner occasions.
• Customizable with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or shrimp.

This fettuccine is the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication — a must-try for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Roasting Garlic Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~540 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Roasted Garlic:

• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Roast the garlic until golden and caramelized.
2. Boil the fettuccine until al dente.
3. Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce with roasted garlic.
4. Toss pasta in the sauce and serve hot with fresh parsley and extra cheese.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
4. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
5. Once cooled slightly, squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash them into a paste.

Step 2: Cook the Fettuccine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 3: Make the Parmesan Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together.
2. Add the mashed roasted garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (optional).
6. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet.
2. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

How to Serve

Serve Roasted Garlic Fettuccine with Parmesan Sauce hot as a main course.

Perfect pairings:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette
• Crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
• A glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

For an extra touch, drizzle a few drops of truffle oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for contrast.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Roast extra garlic — it keeps for days and elevates other dishes!
• Don’t let the sauce boil after adding Parmesan; it may separate.
• For extra silkiness, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone.
• Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Add a touch of lemon zest for brightness.

Variations

• Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for a heartier meal.
• Vegetarian Twist: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Lighter Version: Use milk and a bit of cornstarch instead of cream.
• Vegan Option: Replace cream with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Herb Upgrade: Mix in basil, thyme, or chives for an aromatic finish.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. (Reheat with extra cream or milk to restore texture.)
• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat; add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Aluminum foil (for roasting garlic)
• Baking tray
• Saucepan or skillet
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Whisk and tongs

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasted garlic?
Not recommended — roasted garlic has a unique sweetness and depth that raw garlic lacks.

Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently before tossing with pasta.

Q3: Can I use other cheeses?
Yes — Asiago or Pecorino Romano can add extra sharpness.

Q4: What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a little warm milk or pasta water and whisk to thin it out.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use gluten-free fettuccine or any pasta of choice.

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic Fettuccine with Parmesan Sauce is a timeless, comforting, and elegant pasta dish that celebrates simplicity and depth of flavor. The roasted garlic adds a subtle sweetness and richness that beautifully complements the creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet refined.

Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a romantic meal, this fettuccine never fails to impress. It’s creamy, garlicky, and utterly satisfying — a true celebration of Italian comfort food.