Macarena Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

• 6 cloves Garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup Milk
• 1/4 cup Heavy cream(optional)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1/2 tsp Dried Italian seasoning(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Salt(optional)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper(optional)
• 180 g Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 1/4 cup Reserved pasta water(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Heat oven to 400°F (205°C). Slice the top off the garlic head (or peel and lightly crush cloves), drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until very soft, about 20 minutes (start this now). Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. 2

   Cook (25 minutes total): In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux.

3. 3

   Cook (25 minutes total): Slowly whisk in milk (and heavy cream if using) and simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. Stir in roasted garlic (squeeze out the soft cloves) and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and black pepper.

4. 4

   Cook (25 minutes total): Reduce heat to low. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is creamy and clings to the pasta. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth, then serve.