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Vegetarian, Busy evenings

Pasta with creamy leeks and parmesan

Creamy leek pasta with parmesan is a rich dish for 4 people, ready in 30 minutes, very easy to make, for €1.50 per serving. The leeks melt slowly in butter before being bound with cream and parmesan. The key is to never let them brown so they keep their sweetness.

Leeks melted in butter and cream coat the pasta with parmesan, a comforting classic for winter nights.

Pasta with creamy leeks and parmesan
Total time
30 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€1.50
Calories per person
640 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter
The kids
They generally like it

Slowly cooked leeks turn soft and almost sweet, far from the bland vegetable they're sometimes mistaken for. Paired with butter, cream and parmesan, they coat the pasta in a sauce that's creamy without being heavy. It's a simple dish, but one with real character thanks to the slow cooking that brings out the leeks' flavor.

This is the perfect weeknight recipe, quick, budget friendly and fuss free. Kids tend to love it, since the soft texture of the leeks mostly disappears into the creamy sauce. At Mon Chou, it's the kind of dish we keep on hand for nights when we want to cook fast but still well.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Pastaoften in the pantry 350 g
  • Nutmegoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Fruits and vegetables

  • Leeks 4

Dairy

  • Butter 40 g
  • Heavy cream 15 cl
  • Grated parmesan 80 g

Allergens Gluten, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Split the leeks lengthwise, wash them thoroughly, then slice them thinly.

    Use mostly the white and tender green parts.

  2. Melt the leeks in the butter over low heat, covered. 15 min

    Add a tablespoon of water so they steam without browning.

  3. Add the cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper, and let it thicken. 5 min

    Taste as you go, leeks love nutmeg.

  4. Cook the pasta in salted water, then drain it. 10 min

    Save a little of the cooking water.

  5. Mix the pasta with the creamy leeks and parmesan.

    Mix off the heat so the parmesan coats everything without turning stringy.

Our tips to get it right

  • Slice the leeks as thinly as you can, they'll melt faster and the sauce will be more even.
  • If the leek mixture reduces too much before the pasta is ready, loosen it with a splash of the pasta cooking water.
  • Grate the parmesan yourself if you can, it melts better and tastes stronger than pre grated parmesan.

The variations

  • Swap the heavy cream for thick crème fraîche for a richer, less runny sauce.
  • Add pan fried bacon bits with the leeks for a heartier, non vegetarian version.
  • For picky kids, blend part of the leek mixture into a smooth sauce with no visible pieces.

What to serve it with

  • A green salad with vinaigrette
  • Crusty bread for mopping up sauce
  • Sparkling apple juice

Storage

Keep leftovers for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce again. Freezing isn't ideal, the cream can split once thawed.

Questions about this dish

Can you make the leek mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the leek mixture the day before and keep it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before mixing in freshly cooked pasta.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well in their ridges. Tagliatelle also works nicely with this creamy sauce.

Can you use plant based cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, soy or oat cream works well in the same amount. The flavor will be slightly less rich but the texture stays creamy.

How do you keep the leeks from releasing too much water?

Cook them over low heat with the lid on without pressing them, the water they release evaporates gradually. If needed, finish cooking uncovered for a few minutes to let extra moisture escape.

How long does it take to make a pasta with creamy leeks and parmesan?

Count 30 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in a pasta with creamy leeks and parmesan?

About 640 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a pasta with creamy leeks and parmesan cost?

About €1.50 per serving, or €6.00 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains gluten, lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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