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Perfect Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe

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A creamy, nutty Gruyere cheese sauce paired with sweet caramelized leeks and earthy mushrooms creates an elegant and satisfying pasta dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta (spaghetti or tagliatelle works great too!)
  • 2 large leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or oyster mushrooms can be used for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the leeks: Trim the root ends and dark green tops off the leeks. Slice them lengthwise and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Thinly slice the white and light green parts.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
  3. Caramelize the leeks: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are soft and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Lower the heat if they start to brown too quickly.
  4. Sauté the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the leeks. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden.
  5. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. Make the sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Gruyere cheese and Parmesan (if using) until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Use tongs to toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
  9. Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Take your time with the leeks to unlock their sweet, mellow flavor.’, ‘Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking mushrooms to avoid steaming.’, ‘Grate your own Gruyere for the best creamy texture.’, ‘Use reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.’, ‘Taste as you go to ensure proper seasoning.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramelized leeks, Mushroom pasta, Gruyere cheese, Comfort food, Easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/perfect-caramelized-leek-and-mushroom-gruyere-pasta-recipe/