How to make leek pasta with parmesan: creamy, simple, and elegant. Follow this step-by-step recipe with tips, nutrition facts, equipment list, and FAQs to make a perfect weeknight meal. ๐๐ง
๐ Introduction
Looking for a pasta dish thatโs creamy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful? This Leek Pasta with Parmesan is a dream come true! ๐ฅ
Sweet, caramelized leeks meet the nutty, umami punch of Parmesan cheese to create a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Itโs simple yet elegant โ a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
With its balance of textures and flavours, Leek Pasta with Parmesan transforms everyday ingredients into a sophisticated plate of comfort. Letโs dive in and discover why this dish is about to become your new favourite dinner!
Table of Contents
๐ Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Youโll fall in love with this Leek Pasta with Parmesan because:
- ๐ Itโs quick โ ready in under 30 minutes.
- ๐ซ Itโs deliciously creamy yet light.
- ๐ง Leeks add a sweet, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- ๐ง Parmesan creates that perfect salty-nutty richness.
- ๐ฟ Itโs flexible: vegetarian by default, but easy to adapt with chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
Every forkful of Leek Pasta with Parmesan delivers cozy comfort and restaurant-quality taste!
๐ง Ingredients Needed
To make your Leek Pasta with Parmesan, youโll need:
- 300 g (10ยฝ oz) dry pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 3 medium leeks (white & light-green parts only)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ยฝ tsp salt + extra for boiling water
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 100 ml (โ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 75 g (2ยพ oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- A handful of fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Simple, wholesome ingredientsโeach playing a role in making your Leek Pasta with Parmesan burst with flavour.
๐ช Equipment Needed
You wonโt need much to create this restaurant-worthy Leek Pasta with Parmesan:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Deep sautรฉ pan
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Cheese grater
- Colander
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or tongs for stirring and tossing
๐ฉโ๐ณ Step-by-Step Guide to Making Leek Pasta with Parmesan
Step 1: Clean & Prep the Leeks ๐ฅฌ
- Trim off the dark green tops and root ends; keep the white and pale green parts.
- Slice leeks in half lengthwise, then crosswise into thin half-moons.
- Rinse thoroughly in a bowl of cold water, fanning layers to remove grit. Drain well.
This careful cleaning ensures your leek pasta with parmesan is grit-free and silky.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta๐
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve about ยผ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Sautรฉ the Leeks & Garlic๐ฅ
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or warm olive oil.
- Add sliced leeks and a pinch of salt; sautรฉ gently until theyโre soft and translucent (8โ10 mins).
- Add minced garlic and cook 1โ2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning.
Step 4 โ Build the Sauce๐ง
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add cream if using and stir to warm.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan while stirring so it melts into a silky sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce๐ฝ๏ธ
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss with the leek-Parmesan sauce using tongs.
- Add pasta water as needed until the sauce clings to the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish ๐ฟ
- Divide pasta into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley or chives.
- Finish with black pepper or lemon zest. Serve immediately and enjoy your leek pasta with parmesan! ๐
Your leek pasta with parmesanย is ready to enjoy!ย

๐ Tips for Perfect Results
- โ Always clean leeks well; dirt hides in layers.
- โ Use fresh Parmesan โ it melts smoothly than packaged.
- โ Donโt rush the leeks: gentle caramelization builds flavour.
- โ Reserve pasta water โ itโs the secret to silky sauce.
- โ Adjust salt carefully since Parmesan adds saltiness.
- โ Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
With these pro tricks, every plate of Leek Pasta with Parmesan comes out restaurant-ready.
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Leek Pasta with Parmesan with:
- ๐ฅ A fresh green salad (spinach, arugula, or rocket).
- ๐ Warm garlic bread or focaccia.
- ๐ท A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or chilled sparkling water with lemon.
The creamy Leek Pasta with Parmesan balances beautifully with light, crisp sides.
๐ Variations & Add-Ons
- ๐ Leek & Mushroom Pasta: Add sautรฉed mushrooms for an earthy boost.
- ๐ฑ Spinach or Kale: Stir in greens for extra colour and nutrients.
- ๐ Protein Additions: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- ๐พ Healthy Swaps: Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- ๐ฅฅ Vegan Twist: Swap cream for oat or soy cream and use vegan Parmesan.
Each variation keeps the heart of the Leek Pasta with Parmesan while letting your creativity shine.
๐ขNutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | ~16 g |
| Total Fat | ~18 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~8 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~60 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~450 mg |
| Calcium | ~200 mg |
๐ Source: USDA FoodData Central – Leekโ
๐ฟ Health Benefits & Advice
Leeks arenโt just tastyโtheyโre packed with nutrients!
- ๐งฌRich in antioxidants that protect your cells.
- ๐Contains allicin and kaempferol, which support heart health.
- ๐ชHigh in vitamin K and folate for bone and immune support.
- ๐ฑAid digestion thanks to prebiotic fiber.
By combining leeksโ natural sweetness with calcium-rich Parmesan, Leek Pasta with Parmesan gives you a wholesome, nutrient-balanced meal. To reduce fat, use less cream or a splash of milkโthe result is still delicious!
Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
โFrequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Leek Pasta with Parmesan without cream?
๐Absolutely! The sautรฉed leeks and Parmesan alone make a creamy sauce.
Q2: What pasta shape works best?
๐Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or tagliatelle are also great.
Q3: How do I clean leeks properly?
๐Slice lengthwise and rinse under cold water to remove gritโthis is key for smooth Leek Pasta with Parmesan.
Q4: Can I prepare this ahead?
๐You can cook the leeks ahead, but combine the pasta and sauce fresh for the best texture.
Q5: Is it vegetarian?
๐Yes, itโs naturally vegetarian unless you add meat toppings.
Q6: How should I store leftovers?
๐Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky texture.
๐ญ Final Thoughts
This Leek Pasta with Parmesan is proof that simple ingredients can deliver exceptional results. Itโs elegant enough for guests, comforting enough for family nights, and flexible for every palate.
With its creamy texture, golden leeks, and rich Parmesan flavour, this dish hits every note of comfort and sophistication. Make it tonight, garnish with herbs, and enjoy the delicious reward of homemade goodness from 9jaKitchen. ๐ฟ
โจ Cooking should always feel like love in a bowlโand this Leek Pasta with Parmesan gives you exactly that!
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