Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with rich, creamy cheese sauce and savory vegetables. The sweetness of caramelized leeks pairs beautifully with earthy mushrooms and nutty Gruyere, making it a perfect meal for any night.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white cooking broth (or vegetable stock)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced leeks and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden.
4. Step 4: Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in the white cooking broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream, reduce the heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Step 8: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted completely. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use white wine instead of cooking broth for a deeper flavor in the sauce.
• Swap cremini mushrooms for button or shiitake mushrooms based on availability.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce to enhance the flavor of the Gruyere.
• Include cooked pancetta or bacon for a smoky addition.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Gruyere?

Yes, Swiss or Fontina cheese can be good substitutes. They melt well and offer a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Long noodles like fettuccine or linguine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce nicely. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.

Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 73 reviews

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring caramelized leeks and sautéed cremini mushrooms in a rich Gruyere cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white cooking broth (or vegetable stock)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set aside.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
3. Caramelize the Leeks: Add the thinly sliced leeks to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden in color, developing their natural sweetness.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing them to become tender and slightly browned for a deep, earthy flavor.
5. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white cooking broth or vegetable stock, stirring well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let this simmer for 2 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
7. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a luscious base for the sauce.
8. Incorporate Gruyere: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
10. Garnish and Serve: If using, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Be sure to use only the white and light green parts of the leeks, as the dark green parts can be tough.
• Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• Gruyere cheese melts smoothly; avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine.

Keywords: Caramelized leek pasta, mushroom pasta, Gruyere cheese pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta dish