Creamy Mushroom Gruyere Pasta
A delightful and comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy Gruyere cheese sauce with earthy mushrooms and leeks.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Pasta (fettuccine or linguine) Choose these types for better texture and to hold the creamy sauce well.
Vegetables
- 2 large Leeks (sliced; use only white and light green parts) Adds a mild onion flavor and a bit of sweetness.
- 8 oz Mushrooms (cremini or button; sliced) Robust, earthy flavor enhances the dish.
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Adds depth and fragrance.
Sauce
- 1.5 cups Gruyere Cheese (shredded) Creamy and nutty cheese that melts beautifully.
- 0.5 cups Heavy Cream Enriches the sauce and creates a velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness and helps with sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Brings out flavors in the vegetables.
- to taste Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish, optional) Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add sliced leeks and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they soften. Follow with minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are tender and their liquid evaporates—about another 5 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every noodle in the creamy, cheesy goodness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving the Dish
- Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your creamy mushroom Gruyere pasta hot!
Notes
Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms for variety, and consider adding spinach or broccoli for nutrition. This dish can be made in larger quantities for meal prepping.