Ah, mushrooms and leeks—a duo as classic as Lennon and McCartney, and just as harmonious when they come together. This quick creamy pasta dish is like a warm hug from an old friend on a dreary Tuesday evening. You know, the kind of meal that makes you forget about that Zoom call you missed or the laundry that’s been waiting since the last Taylor Swift album dropped.
Steps
- Begin by trimming the root hairs and most of the green stems from the leeks, saving the stems for stock if desired. Slice the leeks lengthwise into quarters and then thinly slice them. Rinse the slices in cold water to remove any hidden dirt, then drain thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped leeks and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the mushrooms by halving small ones or quartering larger ones. Add them to the pan along with the pressed garlic cloves. Sauté uncovered, stirring often for approximately 8 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine. Add the chopped dill, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
- Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly. Serve this creamy sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large leeks, thinly sliced, stems removed
- 1/2 pound mushrooms (either white or brown)
- 3 cloves of garlic, pressed
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh or frozen dill, chopped (or parsley as an alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjustable to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper, adjustable to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- 12 ounces of preferred pasta, cooked in salted water following package guidelines, drained and rinsed
FAQ
- What are leeks, and how do they taste?
- Leeks are a type of vegetable similar to a large green onion but with a milder, sweet onion flavor. When cooked, they have a texture reminiscent of artichokes and add great color and flavor to dishes.
- Can I substitute dill if I don’t have any on hand?
- Yes, if you don’t have dill available, you can use parsley as an alternative. Both herbs complement the creamy mushroom and leek sauce well.
- What type of pasta works best with this creamy mushroom and leek sauce?
- This sauce pairs well with just about any type of pasta. Angel hair is a favorite choice, but feel free to use your preferred pasta variety.
- How do I prepare leeks for cooking?
- Start by cutting off the root hairs and most of the green stems, which you can save for making stock. Slice the leeks lengthwise into quarters, rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove any hidden dirt, and then drain well.
- How long does it take to make Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta?
- The preparation and cooking time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes, with about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.
Tips
- When preparing leeks, ensure to slice them lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any hidden dirt or grit.
- For a deeper flavor, let the mushrooms brown slightly by avoiding overcrowding in the pan. This allows them to sauté evenly.
- Use the green parts of leeks to make homemade stock, as they are edible when cooked for longer periods and add extra flavor.
- Customize your pasta dish by using parsley if dill is unavailable, and experiment with different types of pasta for variety.
Equipment
- Garlic Press – For pressing garlic cloves.
- Large Sauté Pan or Skillet – A large pan for cooking the leeks, mushrooms, and sauce.
- Fine Mesh Strainer or Sieve – For rinsing and draining the sliced leeks to remove dirt.
- Chef’s Knife – For slicing leeks and mushrooms.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
