Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta: A Comforting Twist on Garlic Bread

If you’re a fan of garlic bread and cheesy pasta, this Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta is going to become your new favorite dish! Combining the rich, nutty flavors of roasted garlic with creamy cheeses, al dente fusilli corti, and crispy lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs, this dish offers an elevated and comforting take on classic garlic bread flavors. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare!

Ingredients:

For the Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta:

• ½ lb. fusilli corti
• 2 bulbs of garlic
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated
• ½ cup Fontina, grated
• ⅓ cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
• ½ cup lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs (see below)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Lemon-Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs:

• ½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions:

1. Prepare the Roasted Garlic:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Wrap the garlic bulbs in foil and roast for 45 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and fragrant. This will bring out the sweet, nutty flavor of the garlic, adding depth to the sauce.

2. Make the Lemon-Garlic Panko Breadcrumbs:

• In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over low heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and ¼ tsp salt. Toast, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
• Squeeze in the juice of ½ lemon and toast for another 2-3 minutes until the lemon juice is fully absorbed. Set aside to cool.

3. Prepare the Cheesy Pasta Sauce:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli until al dente (according to package instructions). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the Parmigiano Reggiano with ½ cup of reserved pasta water, stirring until smooth.
• Gradually add the Fontina, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

• Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves directly into the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. The roasted garlic will dissolve into the sauce, giving it a sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
• Add the cooked fusilli and ⅓ cup chopped parsley to the pan, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the cheesy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle with the lemon-garlic panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky, and slightly crunchy textures of this comforting dish.

Recipe Notes:

• Roasting the Garlic: Don’t skip the roasting step! Roasted garlic brings a sweet and nutty flavor that’s less sharp than raw garlic, making the sauce rich without overpowering the dish.
• Lemon-Garlic Panko: These crispy breadcrumbs add texture and brightness to the dish. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes while toasting the breadcrumbs.
• Cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano and Fontina are great choices for this pasta, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

This Cheesy Roasted Garlic Bread Pasta is a mouthwatering fusion of creamy, garlicky, and crunchy goodness. It’s an indulgent dish that brings together the best of garlic bread and pasta in one bowl. Perfect for a cozy night in or an easy dinner party recipe, it’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Give it a try and elevate your pasta game!

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