Description
Caramelized Leek and Mushroom Gruyere Pasta is a heavenly blend of flavors that brings comfort to any table. This creamy dish features sweet, caramelized leeks paired with earthy mushrooms and rich Gruyere cheese, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that clings to fettuccine. Perfect for family dinners or sophisticated gatherings, this vegetarian-friendly recipe showcases the heart of Italian cuisine while being simple enough for home cooks of all levels.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 medium leeks (tops removed, cut in half and thinly sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup apple juice
- 8 ounces oyster mushrooms
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 sage leaves
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated gruyere
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add sliced leeks, salt, and sugar; cook until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Stir in apple juice, cooking until reduced. Remove leeks from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and mushrooms; brown on both sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic and sage, cooking for 1 minute before returning leeks to the pan along with heavy cream, balsamic vinegar, and lemon zest. Simmer until thickened.
- Cook fettuccine al dente according to package instructions; reserve pasta water before draining.
- Toss cooked fettuccine with the sauce, reserved pasta water, Gruyere cheese, and black pepper for 2 additional minutes.
- Serve garnished with toasted pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg