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Creamy Leek Pasta

This comforting pasta dish features tender leeks cooked down into a silky, creamy sauce, paired with al dente pasta. The dish highlights the natural sweetness of leeks, enhanced with butter, cream, and a bright squeeze of lemon, creating a smooth, glossy final appearance that feels warm and inviting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large leeks white and pale green parts only
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream full-fat preferred
  • 12 oz pasta wide shapes like pappardelle or fettuccine
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice about 1 tsp, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Deep sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Microplane or grater
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Slice the trimmed leeks into thin half-moons, making sure they are clean and free of grit.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, translucent, and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently, and warm until the mixture shimmers slightly, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously.
  5. Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and a quarter teaspoon of grated nutmeg to the sauce, stirring well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until silky and smooth.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Give it a final gentle toss to distribute the herbs and brighten the dish with fresh flavor.
  8. Serve immediately, spooning the creamy leek pasta into bowls and savoring the rich, tender leeks coated in silky sauce with a fresh herbal finish.