Roasted Garlic Pasta Recipe

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup peeled garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 ounces angel hair pasta
• 3 ounces pecorino Romano cheese, grated, plus more for serving

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Add garlic to a small oven-safe dish and pour olive oil on top, ensuring the garlic is fully submerged. Cover the dish with a lid or foil.

Step 2: Bake the garlic in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing it to become tender and aromatic.

Step 3: While the garlic is baking, prepare the parsley mixture. In a large bowl, combine the chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 4: At around the 50-minute mark, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 5: Once the garlic is roasted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Pour the olive oil into the bowl with the parsley mixture, ensuring that the garlic cloves remain intact or are crushed based on your preference.

Step 6: Stir in the grated pecorino Romano cheese. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the sauce, making sure each strand is thoroughly coated. Divide the pasta between two bowls, topping with extra grated cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooks Note

For an extra special touch, you can add Easy Lemon-Garlic Scallops on top of the pasta for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 802
• Total Fat: 66g (85% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (74% DV)
• Cholesterol: 44mg (15% DV)
• Sodium: 769mg (33% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g (13% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 19g (39% DV)
• Vitamin C: 16mg (17% DV)
• Calcium: 504mg (39% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
• Potassium: 227mg (5% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

The origin of roasted garlic pasta can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where garlic plays an essential role in enhancing flavors. Italians have long been known for their simple yet bold use of ingredients, and garlic is a cornerstone of many dishes. Roasting garlic, however, is a method that transforms its pungent raw flavor into a sweet, mellow, and nutty taste, perfect for pairing with pasta. While variations of roasted garlic pasta exist in different regions of Italy, this particular recipe emphasizes the soft, rich flavor of garlic, making it a comforting and indulgent dish enjoyed by many.

Regional Features

Roasted garlic pasta is most popular in southern Italy, where garlic is used extensively in everyday cooking. In regions like Sicily and Campania, garlic is often combined with olive oil, lemon, and herbs to create a harmonious blend of flavors. In these areas, pasta dishes are often enriched with simple yet fresh ingredients, reflecting the local agricultural products like tomatoes, olives, and citrus fruits. The use of angel hair pasta in this recipe is a nod to the southern Italian preference for lighter, thinner pasta that allows the garlic and olive oil to coat each strand delicately.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Roasted garlic pasta differs significantly from similar garlic pasta recipes that use raw or sauted garlic. While many garlic pasta dishes feature a sharp, strong garlic flavor, roasting the garlic softens its taste, creating a sweeter and more aromatic profile. Additionally, the combination of roasted garlic with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese sets this recipe apart from traditional garlic pasta by adding layers of tangy, spicy, and savory elements. The addition of roasted garlic oil makes the sauce richer and more complex than a simple garlic-infused oil.

Where It Is Served

Roasted garlic pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It is often found in casual Italian trattorias, as well as upscale Italian restaurants, where its comfort food appeal meets refined flavors. It is a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions, such as date nights or gatherings. In some Italian coastal regions, roasted garlic pasta is also served as a side dish with grilled fish or seafood, complementing the fresh, light flavors of the main course. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Interesting Facts

• Garlic has been used in cooking for over 5,000 years and was believed to have medicinal properties in ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Greeks.
• The process of roasting garlic mellows its flavor and enhances its natural sweetness, making it an ideal complement to pasta dishes.
• In Italy, garlic is often paired with olive oil and used as a base for countless pasta sauces. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the garlic's flavors to shine.
• Roasted garlic pasta can easily be customized by adding protein such as shrimp, scallops, or grilled chicken, turning it into a more substantial meal.
• Italian cuisine places a strong emphasis on using high-quality, fresh ingredients. The use of extra-virgin olive oil and Pecorino Romano cheese in this recipe showcases Italy's dedication to culinary excellence.

FAQ about Roasted Garlic Pasta Recipe

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