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Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich and comforting Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta featuring tender fettuccine tossed in a creamy Gruyere cheese sauce with caramelized leeks, sautéed mushrooms, and a hint of garlic. This easy stovetop recipe balances savory and creamy flavors with a fresh parsley garnish.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Liquids and 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
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook 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.
  2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Caramelize the Leeks: Add the sliced leeks to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
  4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender and browned.
  5. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white cooking broth and stir, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
  8. Incorporate Gruyere: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring continuously until it completely melts into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Mix with Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta before serving. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Be sure to use only the white and light green parts of the leeks to avoid any toughness.
  • Reserving some pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the noodles better.
  • Gruyere cheese melts smoothly and adds a nutty flavor, but you can substitute with Emmental or Swiss cheese if needed.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure your cooking broth or stock is vegetable-based rather than chicken broth.
  • To intensify the mushroom flavor, you can use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: Caramelized Leek, Mushroom Pasta, Gruyere Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner