Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring caramelized leeks and sautéed cremini mushrooms in a rich Gruyere cheese sauce, perfectly coating fettuccine or linguine for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
Vegetables
- 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1/2 cup dry white cooking broth (or vegetable stock)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Oils and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Caramelize the Leeks: Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white cooking broth while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Gruyere: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if using, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use long pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine to complement the creamy sauce.
- Cremini mushrooms provide an earthy flavor but can be substituted with button or wild mushrooms.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Gruyere cheese melts smoothly and adds a nutty, slightly sweet taste perfect for pasta sauces.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the cooking broth is vegetable-based.
- Adjust the salt carefully because both broth and cheese add saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: Caramelized leek pasta, Gruyere pasta, mushroom pasta, creamy leek pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta recipe
