Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy mushroom and leek pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich Gruyere cheese sauce. The caramelized leeks and sautéed mushrooms add wonderful depth and earthiness to every bite.

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

Tips & Variations

• Use wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitake for an earthier flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• For a vegetarian version, ensure your cooking broth is vegetable-based.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, subtle spice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, or Parmesan can work well, though they will change the flavor and texture of the sauce slightly.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce on low heat and stir continuously when melting the cheese. Avoid boiling the cream after adding cheese to keep it smooth and creamy.

Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

This Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta combines tender sautéed leeks and earthy cremini mushrooms in a luscious Gruyere cheese sauce. The sauce is enriched with heavy cream and brightened with white cooking broth, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine for a comforting and elegant vegetarian meal.

• Author: Naya
• 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

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

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 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

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare 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 the pasta.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the vegetables.
3. Caramelize the Leeks: Add the thinly sliced leeks to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, developing natural sweetness.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned, enhancing their earthy flavor.
5. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white cooking broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom. Let the liquid simmer for 2 minutes to concentrate flavors.
7. Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Incorporate Gruyere: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until fully melted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh herbaceous touch and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• For best results, use long noodles like fettuccine or linguine that hold creamy sauces well.
• Cremini mushrooms provide a rich, earthy flavor, but you can substitute with button or wild mushrooms based on availability.
• Be sure to reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency when combining with pasta.
• Gruyere cheese melts beautifully, giving the sauce its signature nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
• White cooking broth adds acidity that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
• Adjust seasoning carefully as salt content varies in broth and cheese.

Keywords: mushroom pasta, leek pasta, creamy pasta, Gruyere cheese pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta recipe, fettuccine recipe