Description
This Caramelized Leek & Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a cozy, elevated dish loaded with umami flavor and creamy cheese. It’s a perfect easy dinner idea that feels gourmet without the stress—ideal for quick weeknight dinners or romantic homemade meals. With silky ribbons of pasta coated in gruyere cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized leeks, it’s one of the best vegetarian food ideas for anyone craving rich comfort.
Ingredients
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons butter (for leeks)
1 tablespoon butter (for mushrooms)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large leeks, white and light green parts sliced
12 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella)
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft.
2. Push leeks to the side or remove them temporarily. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, then stir and cook another 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and stir in shredded Gruyère cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
5. Add drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Gruyère before serving.
Notes
Always slice and soak your leeks in water to remove hidden dirt.
Let the mushrooms brown without stirring too often—this adds flavor.
Gruyère melts best when added slowly to low-simmering cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of total)
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: mushroom pasta, gruyere pasta, creamy vegetarian dinner, caramelized leeks, cozy pasta recipe