Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with our Roasted Garlic Fettuccine with Lemony Breadcrumbs—a recipe that promises to transport your taste buds straight to a sun-drenched trattoria. This delightful dish combines the rich, caramelized essence of roasted garlic with the zesty brightness of lemon, all topped off with crispy, golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience you won't want to miss!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will prepare the oven for roasting the garlic.
- Take the bulb of garlic and slice off the top (about 1/4 inch) to expose the cloves. Drizzle a little olive oil over the exposed cloves and wrap the bulb in aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
- While the garlic is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the fettuccine.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Once the garlic is done roasting, allow it to cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl. Mash the cloves with a fork until smooth.
- In the same skillet used for the breadcrumbs, add the mashed roasted garlic along with the cooked fettuccine. Toss to combine. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the fettuccine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
- To serve, plate the fettuccine and top it with the toasted lemony breadcrumbs. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired.
- Enjoy your Roasted Garlic Fettuccine with Lemony Breadcrumbs as a delightful Italian dish!
Tips
- Perfectly Roasted Garlic: Ensure the garlic is wrapped tightly in aluminum foil to keep it moist while roasting. This will help achieve that sweet, caramelized flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
- Pasta Water is Key: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining! This starchy water can help create a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the fettuccine.
- Breadcrumbs Matter: Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor. If you only have store-bought, consider toasting them in a bit of olive oil to enhance their crunchiness.
- Zest and Juice: For the best lemon flavor, zest the lemon before juicing it. This will give you a more intense citrus aroma that complements the roasted garlic perfectly.
- Serving Suggestions: For an added touch, serve with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as sautéed spinach, grilled chicken, or shrimp, to customize the dish to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 422kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
