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Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta

Creamy, savory, and utterly comforting, this pasta dish features caramelized leeks, earthy mushrooms, and melted Gruyere cheese, perfect for any family gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz fettuccine or your choice pasta
  • 2 medium leeks, sliced thin
  • 8 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Sautéing the Leeks
  1. In the same pot (or a large skillet), heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and a pinch of salt, cooking until they start to soften and caramelize, about 5 minutes.
Adding the Mushrooms
  1. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Making the Sauce
  1. Lower the heat and add the remaining butter. Stir to melt. Then, mix in the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
Adding the Cheese
  1. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring until the pasta is creamy and the cheese has melted. If the pasta appears too dry, add more reserved pasta water as needed.
Seasoning and Serving
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For cheese alternatives, try using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Make sure to prep all ingredients before cooking, and allow leeks to caramelize properly for the best flavor.