Pasta with Leek and Potato Cream Sauce & Crispy Speck
Category: Pasta
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mezze Maniche Rigate | 320g |
| Leek | ½ |
| Potatoes | 150g |
| Speck (smoked ham) | 130g |
| Whole Milk | 200g |
| Fresh Parsley | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
Instructions
To prepare this comforting and creamy pasta dish with leek and potato sauce, topped with crispy speck, follow these easy steps:
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Prepare the Leeks: Start by cleaning and trimming the leek. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it into thin rounds. For quicker cooking, dice the leek into very small pieces.
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Cook the Leeks and Potatoes: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced leeks and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the peeled and diced potatoes, then season with a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for another 8–10 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the leeks to become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
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Blend the Vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the whole milk and blend until smooth, creating a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
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Crisp the Speck: While the vegetables are blending, cut the speck into strips about 1 cm wide. In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the speck strips and fry them for 3–4 minutes until they become crispy and golden brown.
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Combine and Serve: Cook the mezze maniche rigate according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the leek and potato cream sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat. Gently fold in the crispy speck and mix.
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Final Touch: Finely chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta as a fresh garnish. Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, savory flavor paired with the crunchy speck.
This rich and flavorful pasta dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends. The creamy sauce made with leeks and potatoes brings a subtle, comforting taste, while the crispy speck adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor. Buon appetito!
