Name: Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 8 oz orecchiette pasta; 1 head garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; salt (to taste); freshly ground black pepper (to taste); chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and elegant, Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette is exactly what you need. This recipe elevates the classic Alfredo sauce with the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, perfectly paired with orecchiette pasta’s unique little ear shape that holds onto every bit of sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises rich flavors and a satisfying texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients.

Top Reasons to Make Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette

Deep, rich flavor: Roasting the garlic transforms its sharp bite into a sweet, caramelized delight that infuses the Alfredo sauce with complexity.
Pasta that hugs the sauce: Orecchiette’s cup-like shape captures the creamy sauce, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.
Simple ingredients, incredible taste: With pantry staples like garlic, cream, and parmesan, this recipe is approachable yet impressive.
Quick and easy: From roasting garlic to plating the dish, it takes under 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile meal: Serve it as a standalone vegetarian entrée or pair it with your favorite protein or side dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredients at a Glance

8 oz orecchiette pasta
1 head garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Tools & Equipment Needed

Baking sheet – for roasting the garlic evenly.
Aluminum foil – to wrap the garlic head and keep it moist while roasting.
Large pot – for boiling the pasta.
Colander – to drain the pasta.
Large skillet or saucepan – to prepare the Alfredo sauce.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce gently.
Grater – for freshly grating the parmesan cheese.

The Method for Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped garlic on a baking sheet and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins into a small bowl. This roasted garlic will form the flavorful base of your Alfredo sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually about 9-11 minutes. Once done, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the roasted garlic and mash it gently with the back of a spoon to release its flavor. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the cream warm through but do not bring it to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy garlic sauce. Heat through for a minute or two to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the rich, garlicky goodness in every bite.

Substitutions by Diet

Heavy cream: Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option that still delivers creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan alternatives work well for those avoiding dairy.
Orecchiette pasta: Substitute with gluten-free pasta or other small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if preferred.
Olive oil: Avocado oil or sunflower oil can be used if you want a neutral-flavored oil.

Mistakes That Ruin Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette

Skipping the roasting step: Fresh raw garlic will overpower the sauce and lack the mellow sweetness that roasted garlic provides.
Overcooking the pasta: Mushy pasta won’t hold the sauce well or provide the satisfying bite that complements the creamy sauce.
Boiling the cream: High heat can cause the cream to curdle, ruining the smooth texture of the Alfredo sauce.
Using pre-grated parmesan: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, resulting in a grainy sauce.
Not reserving pasta water: The starchy water helps adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling to the pasta better.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze the sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Cooked pasta doesn’t freeze well as it tends to become mushy upon reheating, so it’s recommended to cook fresh pasta when serving.

Reader Q&A

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting a whole head?

While you can use pre-minced garlic for convenience, it won’t deliver the same sweet, mellow flavor that roasting a whole head of garlic provides. Roasting transforms the garlic, making this dish uniquely flavorful, so it’s worth the extra step.

Is orecchiette pasta necessary, or can I use another shape?

Orecchiette’s small, cup-like shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. However, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or cavatappi if you can’t find orecchiette. Just keep in mind the texture and sauce adherence may vary slightly.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, continue heating gently to reduce it slightly, or add more parmesan cheese to thicken. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water or more cream gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Roasted or sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli pair beautifully with this sauce. For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent additions. For inspiration, check out this Spinach Mushroom Alfredo Lasagna recipe to see how veggies complement creamy sauces.

Serve with These

Roasted Garlic Zucchini Hummus – A fresh, garlicky dip perfect for starting your meal.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Alfredo Pasta – Another twist on creamy garlic pasta dishes to try next.
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette – balances the richness of the Alfredo.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette – to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Garlic Alfredo Orecchiette is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a creamy, flavorful dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. The trick lies in roasting the garlic to unlock its natural sweetness and pairing it with the unique texture of orecchiette pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins like fresh herbs, sautéed veggies, or your favorite protein to make it your own—there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting.

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