Gruyere Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Gruyere Pasta with caramelized leeks and mushrooms is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Creamy cheese sauce combined with tender vegetables creates a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
• 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden.
3. Step 3: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the white cooking broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of white cooking broth for a vegetarian option.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for extra warmth and depth.
• Substitute Gruyere with Emmental or Swiss cheese if Gruyere is unavailable.
• For added protein, toss in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this dish works well with various pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well to enjoy the creamy Gruyere sauce fully.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

To keep the sauce smooth, add the shredded Gruyere gradually over low heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause separation.

Gruyere Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 514 reviews

This Gruyere Pasta features a creamy, flavorful sauce made with caramelized leeks, sautéed cremini mushrooms, and melted Gruyere cheese. Cooked pasta is tossed in a rich white cooking broth and heavy cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a decadent yet comforting meal.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

• 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

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the vegetables.
3. Caramelize the Leeks: Add the thinly sliced leeks to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and develop a golden color.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
5. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white cooking broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Incorporate Gruyere: Gradually add the shredded Gruyere cheese, stirring continuously to allow it to melt completely into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce thoroughly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and reach your preferred consistency.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta if desired, then serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce thickness for a smoother texture.
• You can substitute the white cooking broth with vegetable stock or chicken broth depending on preference.
• Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, creamy flavor, but Swiss cheese can be used as a milder alternative.
• Ensure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; add it towards the end of vegetable cooking.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Gruyere pasta, creamy pasta, caramelized leeks, mushroom pasta, easy dinner, cheese pasta