Print

Leek and Mushroom Gruyère Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 89 reviews

This Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish featuring sautéed leeks and mushrooms combined with melted Gruyere cheese in a luscious heavy cream sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a rich and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 2 medium leeks, sliced
  • 8 oz fresh cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Fats

  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Seasonings

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the leeks, chop the cremini mushrooms, and mince the garlic to have all fresh components ready for cooking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the fettuccine or penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water to help adjust sauce consistency later.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced leeks and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and tender. Then add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they are browned and their moisture has evaporated, enhancing their flavor.
  4. Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine with the vegetables. Gradually incorporate the grated Gruyere cheese, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  5. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy leek and mushroom sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra grated Gruyere cheese for an added touch of richness and flavor.

Notes

  • Leeks must be well cleaned, as they can hold grit between the layers.
  • Use fresh Gruyere cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water gradually.
  • Fettuccine or penne both work well; choose based on texture preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.

Keywords: Leek pasta, mushroom pasta, Gruyere pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner