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. 🍋🧀
🍝 Introduction
Looking for a pasta dish that’s creamy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful? This Leek Pasta with Parmesan is a dream come true! 🥄
Sweet, caramelized leeks meet the nutty, umami punch of Parmesan cheese to create a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s simple yet elegant — 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. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish is about to become your new favourite dinner!
Table of Contents
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Leek Pasta with Parmesan because:
- 🕒 It’s quick — ready in under 30 minutes.
- 💫 It’s deliciously creamy yet light.
- 🧄 Leeks add a sweet, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 🧀 Parmesan creates that perfect salty-nutty richness.
- 🌿 It’s 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!
🧄 Ingredients Needed
To make your Leek Pasta with Parmesan, you’ll need:
- 300 g (10½ 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
- ½ tsp salt + extra for boiling water
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 75 g (2¾ 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 ingredients—each playing a role in making your Leek Pasta with Parmesan burst with flavour.
🔪 Equipment Needed
You won’t need much to create this restaurant-worthy Leek Pasta with Parmesan:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Deep sauté pan
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Cheese grater
- Colander
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or tongs for stirring and tossing
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Leek Pasta with Parmesan
Step 1: Clean & Prep the Leeks 🥬
- 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 Pasta🍝
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Leeks & Garlic🔥
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or warm olive oil.
- Add sliced leeks and a pinch of salt; sauté gently until they’re soft and translucent (8–10 mins).
- Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning.
Step 4 — Build the Sauce🧀
- 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 Sauce🍽️
- 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 🌿
- 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! 😋
Your leek pasta with parmesan is ready to enjoy!

🌟 Tips for Perfect Results
- ✅ Always clean leeks well; dirt hides in layers.
- ✅ Use fresh Parmesan — it melts smoothly than packaged.
- ✅ Don’t rush the leeks: gentle caramelization builds flavour.
- ✅ Reserve pasta water — it’s the secret to silky sauce.
- ✅ Adjust salt carefully since Parmesan adds saltiness.
- ✅ Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
With these pro tricks, every plate of Leek Pasta with Parmesan comes out restaurant-ready.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Leek Pasta with Parmesan with:
- 🥗 A fresh green salad (spinach, arugula, or rocket).
- 🍞 Warm garlic bread or focaccia.
- 🍷 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.
🌀 Variations & Add-Ons
- 🍄 Leek & Mushroom Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy boost.
- 🌱 Spinach or Kale: Stir in greens for extra colour and nutrients.
- 🐔 Protein Additions: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- 🌾 Healthy Swaps: Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- 🥥 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.
🔢Nutritional 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 |
🔗 Source: USDA FoodData Central – Leek↗
🌿 Health Benefits & Advice
Leeks aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with nutrients!
- 🧬Rich in antioxidants that protect your cells.
- 💓Contains allicin and kaempferol, which support heart health.
- 💪High in vitamin K and folate for bone and immune support.
- 🌱Aid digestion thanks to prebiotic fiber.
By combining leeks’ 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 milk—the 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.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Leek Pasta with Parmesan without cream?
👉Absolutely! The sautéed leeks and Parmesan alone make a creamy sauce.
Q2: What pasta shape works best?
👉Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or tagliatelle are also great.
Q3: How do I clean leeks properly?
👉Slice lengthwise and rinse under cold water to remove grit—this is key for smooth Leek Pasta with Parmesan.
Q4: Can I prepare this ahead?
👉You can cook the leeks ahead, but combine the pasta and sauce fresh for the best texture.
Q5: Is it vegetarian?
👉Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian unless you add meat toppings.
Q6: How should I store leftovers?
👉Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky texture.
💭 Final Thoughts
This Leek Pasta with Parmesan is proof that simple ingredients can deliver exceptional results. It’s 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. 🌿
✨ Cooking should always feel like love in a bowl—and this Leek Pasta with Parmesan gives you exactly that!
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