Imagine a sauce so rich, so velvety, and bursting with deep, caramelized garlic flavor that it turns an ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce isn't just another pasta sauce – it's a game-changing recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. By roasting an entire head of garlic and blending it with luxurious crushed tomatoes and heavy cream, you'll create a restaurant-quality sauce that's surprisingly simple to make at home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the outer papery layers from the garlic head, keeping the cloves intact. Slice off the top 1/4 inch of the garlic head to expose the cloves.
- Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic completely in the foil, creating a sealed packet.
- Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins directly into the skillet.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the roasted garlic. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and has a consistent creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves just before serving. Serve hot over pasta, use as a dipping sauce, or as a base for other dishes.
Tips
- • For the most intense garlic flavor, choose a fresh, firm garlic head with tight, unbroken cloves. • When roasting garlic, wrap it completely in foil to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization. • Use a low and slow approach when adding cream to prevent separation and achieve a smooth consistency. • Fresh basil is key – add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor. • This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep. • For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream. • Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 205kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: mg
