Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While long noodles like fettuccine or linguine are dreamy with creamy sauces, short shapes like penne or rigatoni also work beautifully.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. A plant-based cream works too if you’re keeping things dairy-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta: 5-Star Comfort

Description

This Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with earthy flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy date night, this pasta combines caramelized leeks, tender mushrooms, and rich Gruyere cheese into a silky, flavorful sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine work best)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white cooking broth (or vegetable stock)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Caramelize the Leeks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and cook 6–8 minutes until golden.
Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
Add Garlic: Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze: Pour in cooking broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Lower heat, add cream, and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in Gruyere until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Toss pasta in sauce, adding reserved water as needed. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip caramelizing the leeks—they add a subtle sweetness that balances the creamy sauce.
Can’t find Gruyere? Swap with Swiss + Parmesan for a similar flavor.
Pasta water is liquid gold—use it to adjust sauce creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 410 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg