Description

A rich, smoky, and creamy Alfredo sauce made by smoking whole heads of garlic until sweet and nutty, then blending them with butter, cream, and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large heads of garlic (approx. 30–40 cloves)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup hickory or applewood chips (soaked)
1 teaspoon olive oil (for wrapping garlic)

Instructions

Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F (107°C).
Trim the top off each garlic head to expose cloves. Place on foil squares, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly in double-layered foil packets.
Place garlic packets on grill grates for indirect heat. Smoke for 45-60 minutes until cloves are tender and light golden brown.
Remove packets and let cool for 5 minutes. Squeeze cloves out of skins and mash into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or food processor.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic paste and stir for 1 minute to bloom flavors.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk to combine and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in smoked paprika, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Taste and add salt if needed.
Serve immediately over hot pasta, tossing with reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling.

Notes

Do not rush the smoking process; high heat dries out garlic. Mash garlic rather than blending to maintain texture. Add acid (lemon juice) to cut the richness. The sauce does not freeze well due to dairy separation. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup sauce over p
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 580
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 2
Protein: 12

Keywords: smoked garlic, alfredo sauce, pasta recipe, smoker recipes, outdoor cooking, homemade alfredo, garlic sauce, creamy pasta