Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Combining sweet caramelized leeks, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Gruyere cheese sauce, it’s a delightful twist on classic creamy pasta recipes.

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. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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 become 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, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in the heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
8. Step 8: Gradually add the Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped parsley, if using, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of white cooking broth.
• If Gruyere is unavailable, Emmental or Swiss cheese makes a good substitute.
• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
• Use fresh thyme or rosemary along with parsley for an herby twist.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with various long pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle. Choose your favorite shape to enjoy this dish.

What if I don’t have white cooking broth?

You can substitute with vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even water with a pinch of salt to maintain flavor in the sauce.

Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

A comforting and elegant pasta dish featuring caramelized leeks and sautéed mushrooms in a creamy Gruyere cheese sauce. This recipe combines tender pasta with savory veggies and a rich, cheesy finish for a perfect weeknight or special occasion meal.

• Author: Victoria
• 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

Seasoning & Garnish

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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 sautéing the vegetables.
3. Caramelize the Leeks: Add the thinly sliced leeks to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft, translucent, and golden in color.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and have browned slightly.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white cooking broth or vegetable stock, stirring to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
7. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Incorporate Gruyere Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere, stirring continuously to help the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use the white and light green parts of the leeks only to avoid bitter taste from the dark green parts.
• If you do not have white cooking broth, a dry white wine or vegetable stock can be used as an alternative for deglazing.
• Adjust the reserved pasta water quantity gradually to control the sauce thickness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
• Gruyere cheese can be replaced with Swiss cheese or fontina for a similar flavor.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: caramelized leek pasta, mushroom Gruyere pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy weeknight dinner