Creamy Mushroom Gruyère Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Mushroom Gruyere Pasta combines al dente fettuccine with caramelized leeks, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, creamy Gruyere cheese sauce. Perfect for an indulgent comfort meal, this dish balances earthy flavors with a smooth, cheesy finish and a hint of garlic.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Vegetables
- 2 large leeks, sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Fats
- 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Caramelize the leeks: In a large skillet, melt the butter and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the leeks and cook for 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in half of the shredded Gruyere cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts fully, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by gradually adding the reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in the remaining Gruyere cheese, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness for a perfect creamy consistency.
- Using Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, meltable quality that elevates the pasta dish.
- If leeks are unavailable, substitute with finely sliced shallots or onion for a similar flavor base.
- For a vegetarian meal, ensure the butter is not processed with animal products if strict vegetarianism is followed.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best; the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Keywords: creamy mushroom pasta, Gruyere pasta, comfort food, leeks pasta, creamy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta recipe