Description
A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring caramelized leeks, earthy mushrooms, and rich Gruyere cheese. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
- 2 medium leeks, cleaned and sliced thin
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and cook until soft and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove leeks from skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until softened and moisture is released, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the caramelized leeks to the skillet with the mushrooms. Stir to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer until reduced by half. Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded Gruyere cheese to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook on low for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality Gruyere cheese for the best flavor.
- Consider adding fresh thyme or chives for extra flavor.
- Maintain moderate heat when sautéing to prevent burning.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes or add other vegetables like spinach.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 30g