Leek and Gorgonzola Pasta Recipe
Overview:
Leek and Gorgonzola Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the subtle sweetness of leeks with the bold flavor of gorgonzola cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe, adapted from recipes.alastra.com, is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet gourmet. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 6 leeks, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 251.7
- Fat: 15.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Cholesterol: 16.9mg
- Sodium: 338.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 22.2g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 6.3g
- Protein: 7.3g
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by heating olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.
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Saute Onions: Add the chopped onions to the skillet and saute them until they are tender and beginning to brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
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Add Leeks and Shallots: Incorporate the sliced leeks, chopped green onions, and minced shallot into the skillet. Continue sauteing until they become very tender, stirring occasionally. This should also take around 10 minutes, during which time your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cooking vegetables.
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Cook Pasta: While the vegetables are sauteing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta in the boiling water until it is just tender but still firm to the bite, following the package instructions.
| Pasta Cooking Time |
|---|
| 10 min |
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Drain Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. This starchy liquid will help create a silky sauce for the pasta.
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Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Return the drained pasta to the same pot. Add the sauteed onion mixture to the pot with the pasta, tossing everything together to combine evenly.
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Adjust Consistency: If the pasta seems a bit dry, gradually mix in the reserved pasta cooking liquid, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you achieve your desired consistency. This step ensures that every strand of pasta is coated in luscious sauce.
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Add Gorgonzola: Now for the pièce de résistance – the crumbled gorgonzola cheese! Sprinkle it generously over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss everything together once more to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dish.
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Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Once seasoned to perfection, transfer the Leek and Gorgonzola Pasta to a large serving bowl, ready to be enjoyed by you and your lucky dining companions.
Serving:
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. However, feel free to adjust the quantities according to your appetite and the number of guests you’re serving. Serve this pasta dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of vibrant color. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Tips:
- Pasta Varieties: While any type of pasta will work well in this recipe, consider using shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, which will catch and hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as creamy goat cheese or tangy blue cheese, to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
- Make it Ahead: This Leek and Gorgonzola Pasta can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Enhance with Additions: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding crispy pancetta or bacon bits to the pasta along with the cheese, or toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Conclusion:
With its simple yet sophisticated combination of ingredients, this Leek and Gorgonzola Pasta is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience, earning it two enthusiastic thumbs up from anyone who tries it! So why wait? Head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of this delectable pasta tonight – your taste buds will thank you! 🍝✨
