Description
Imagine a cozy, comforting pasta dish that’s bursting with rich, savory flavors – that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta. This vegetarian delight is a true culinary masterpiece, blending the natural sweetness of caramelized leeks, the earthy notes of sautéed mushrooms, and the creamy indulgence of melted Gruyere cheese.
Ingredients
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Pasta of choice – 12 ounces
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Leeks (white and light green parts sliced) – 2 large
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Mushrooms (cremini button or shiitake sliced) – 2 cups
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Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
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Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
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Fresh thyme leaves – 1 teaspoon
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Gruyere cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
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Heavy cream or half-and-half – ¾ cup
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Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
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Salt – 1 teaspoon
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Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
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Pasta water (reserved) – ½ cup
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Fresh parsley (optional garnish) – 2 tablespoons chopped
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Caramelize Leeks & Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, until they’re nicely browned and caramelized. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Deglaze & Build Sauce: Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Melt in Gruyere: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy, smooth sauce.
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve: Garnish the Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta with extra thyme or a sprinkle of grated Gruyere, if desired. Enjoy this rich, savory dish while it’s hot and bubbly!
Notes
Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta Dish:
– Achieve the Perfect Pasta Texture: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften as it simmers in the creamy sauce.
– Caramelize Leeks & Mushrooms Properly: Take the time to cook the leeks and mushrooms until they’re golden brown and caramelized.
– Substitute Ingredients as Needed: If you can’t find Gruyere cheese, try using a mix of parmesan and provolone instead.
– Adjust Flavors to Taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning or add a bit more lemon juice or thyme to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Pasta, Cheese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 500
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 800
- Sodium: 20
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 30