Print

Creamy Roasted Garlic Scape Pesto Pasta

creamy roasted garlic scape pesto pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A silky, herbaceous pasta dish featuring roasted garlic scape pesto blended with cream for a fresh yet indulgent weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped (or substitute with mild green garlic or scallions)
  • 1 whole head roasted garlic, soft and caramelized
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces pasta (linguine or fettuccine recommended)
  • Optional: handful fresh basil leaves
  • Optional: pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden and soft. Let cool.
  2. Wash and roughly chop garlic scapes. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. In a food processor, combine roasted garlic cloves (squeezed from skins), chopped garlic scapes, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth but slightly textured. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, stir pesto with heavy cream. Warm gently until smooth and heated through.
  6. Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss in fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

Notes

Roast garlic to mellow sharpness and enhance sweetness. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid bitterness. Warm cream sauce gently to prevent separation. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Leftover pesto stores well with olive oil on top in airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic scape pesto, creamy pasta, roasted garlic, easy dinner, homemade pesto, spring recipe, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-roasted-garlic-scape-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/