If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, this Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a must-try! The sweet, buttery leeks pair perfectly with earthy mushrooms and nutty Gruyere cheese, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory & Comforting – The perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and umami flavors.
- Simple Yet Elegant – Great for both weeknights and special occasions.
- Packed with Flavor – Caramelized leeks and mushrooms create deep, rich taste.
- One-Pan Magic – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta
- Pasta (12 oz) – Any shape you love (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or penne work well).
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing the veggies.
- Leeks (2 large, thinly sliced) – Mild and slightly sweet when caramelized.
- Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced) – Cremini, button, or shiitake work great.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds depth of flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Enhances the richness of the dish.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Makes the sauce smooth and luxurious.
- Gruyere Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth (½ cup) – Helps create a silky sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp, chopped) – Adds a subtle, herby freshness.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens up the dish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sautéing
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Cheese grater for fresh Gruyere
Let’s Make Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Leeks
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms & Garlic
- Add the sliced mushrooms and butter to the pan with the leeks. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the broth and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits. Then add the heavy cream and stir. Reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
- Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice for balance.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Gruyere, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve with This Pasta
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A side of roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for extra greens.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Caramelize the leeks slowly – This builds deep, sweet flavor.
- Use freshly grated Gruyere – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust creaminess – Add more cream or pasta water if you prefer a silkier sauce.
- Enhance umami – Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for even deeper flavor.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try Parmesan, white cheddar, or Fontina for a similar flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap Gruyere for a dairy-free cheese.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for extra protein.
Conclusion
This Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, it’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Protein: 18g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 380mg
Try this recipe and let me know how you like it!
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Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and flavor-packed pasta dish, this Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a must-try! The sweet, buttery leeks pair perfectly with earthy mushrooms and nutty Gruyere cheese, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Pasta (12 oz) – Any shape you love (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or penne work well).
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing the veggies.
- Leeks (2 large, thinly sliced) – Mild and slightly sweet when caramelized.
- Mushrooms (2 cups, sliced) – Cremini, button, or shiitake work great.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds depth of flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Enhances the richness of the dish.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup) – Makes the sauce smooth and luxurious.
- Gruyere Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth (½ cup) – Helps create a silky sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp, chopped) – Adds a subtle, herby freshness.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens up the dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Leeks
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms & Garlic
- Add the sliced mushrooms and butter to the pan with the leeks. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the broth and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits. Then add the heavy cream and stir. Reduce heat to low.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
- Stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice for balance.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Gruyere, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Caramelize the leeks slowly – This builds deep, sweet flavor.
- Use freshly grated Gruyere – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust creaminess – Add more cream or pasta water if you prefer a silkier sauce.
- Enhance umami – Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for even deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: European-Inspired
