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Easy Lemon Garlic Pasta with Roasted Garlic

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  • Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 Large servings 1x

Description

A bright, tangy pasta dish where sweet, roasted garlic meets fresh lemon and red-pepper heat. Angel hair tossed in a glossy olive oil–lemon sauce comes together in under an hour with only 15 minutes of hands-on time—perfect for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 head Garlic (10-15 cloves peeled)
  • 1/4 cup Extra-virgin olive oil (Divided)
  • 4-5 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice (From 1 large or 2 small lemons)
  • Lemon zest (For finishing)
  • Pinch Salt
  • 1/8 tsp Red pepper flakes (Or more to taste)
  • 1/2 lb Angel hair pasta (Cooked per package directions; reserve 1 cup pasta water)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (For serving)

Instructions

Roast the Garlic (Hands-Off):

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place peeled garlic cloves in a small oven-safe dish. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil, cover tightly with foil, and roast 30–40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then chop roughly.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. While garlic roasts, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook angel hair until al dente (2–3 minutes), reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.

Make the Sauce:

  1. In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil.
  2. Add chopped roasted garlic and cook 1–2 minutes, just to infuse.
  3. Stir in lemon juice and cook another 2–3 minutes.

Toss & Finish (Active):

  1. Reduce heat to low. Season sauce with salt and red pepper flakes.
  2. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until glossy and saucy.

Garnish & Serve:

  1. Divide between plates. Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest and Parmesan, and add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Time Efficiency: Only ~15 minutes hands-on time; roasting garlic is unattended.

  • Garlic Prep: Roast in bulk and freeze extras for quick sauces.

  • Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste or omit for mild flavor.

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Pasta and sauce can be prepped separately; combine just before serving.

  • Leftovers: Store airtight up to 2 days; reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650

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Find it online: https://blesseddish.com/easy-lemon-garlic-pasta-with-roasted-garlic/