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Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta

Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta
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Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a creamy, savory dish blending sweet caramelized leeks, earthy mushrooms, and nutty Gruyere cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. This cozy yet elegant recipe is quick to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 large leeks (white and light green parts only), cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 8 oz cremini or baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish)

Dairy and Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (freshly shredded preferred)

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Leeks and Mushrooms: Trim and clean the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit, then slice them thinly. Clean and slice the mushrooms. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook slowly for about 10 minutes until softened and caramelized. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cook until the mushrooms are browned and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Make the Gruyere Cream Sauce: Lower the heat on the skillet and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the leeks and mushrooms. Gradually add shredded Gruyere cheese in batches, stirring continuously until melted into a smooth, thick sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
  4. Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Gruyere cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Take your time with caramelizing the leeks to unlock their natural sweetness.
  • Use freshly shredded Gruyere cheese for the best melting results.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
  • Keep mushrooms dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture pairs best with creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized leek pasta, mushroom pasta, gruyere pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/caramelized-leek-and-mushroom-gruyere-pasta/