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Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyère Pasta

A rich and creamy vegetarian pasta dish featuring golden sautéed mushrooms, sweet caramelized leeks, and a savory Gruyère cheese sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French Inspired, Italian-inspired
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 1 lb linguine or fettuccine
  • 1 lb cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 large leeks white/light green parts only, sliced and cleaned
Cream Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine e.g., Pinot Grigio
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup pasta water reserved

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Cheese Grater
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente. Reserve 1 cup of water before draining.
  2. While water heats, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sear without stirring for 3-4 mins until golden. Flip and cook until tender. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add cleaned leeks and cook for 10-15 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  4. Add minced garlic and thyme to the leeks; cook for 1 minute.
  5. Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half.
  6. Lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently. Gradually whisk in grated Gruyère until smooth.
  7. Return mushrooms and cooked pasta to the pan. Toss vigorously to coat, adding splashes of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  8. Serve immediately topped with parsley and extra cheese.

Notes

Substitute vegetable broth and lemon juice for wine if desired.