Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta Recipe
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender caramelized leeks and sautéed mushrooms in a creamy Gruyere cheese sauce, perfectly balanced with fresh thyme and a splash of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large leeks, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Caramelize the Leeks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the leeks are soft and golden brown.
- Sauté the Mushrooms & Garlic: Add mushrooms and butter to the skillet with the leeks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and tender. Stir in minced garlic and chopped thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the broth and let it simmer for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits on the pan. Add the heavy cream and stir. Reduce heat to low.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in shredded Gruyere cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy Gruyere sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Gruyere cheese, fresh thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Any pasta shape works well but tagliatelle or fettuccine are ideal for holding the creamy sauce.
- Use fresh Gruyere cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to caramelize the leeks slowly to develop their natural sweetness.
Keywords: Caramelized leek pasta, mushroom pasta, Gruyere pasta, creamy mushroom sauce, vegetarian pasta recipe
