Name: Caramelized Leek Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (vegan if needed); 3 leeks, chopped and rinsed (white and light green parts only, about 4 cups); 1 medium shallot, diced; 4 large garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water; 8 ounces dried rigatoni, penne, or fusilli pasta (use gluten-free if needed); 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 small bunch fresh chives (or other fresh herb), chopped; Parmesan cheese, for serving (vegan if needed)

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Caramelized Leek Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and elegant meal. Sweet, buttery leeks are slowly cooked down with shallots and garlic, then tossed with pasta, lemon, fresh herbs, and Parmesan for a perfectly balanced dish. It’s versatile, vegetarian-friendly, and easily adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, caramelized leeks add depth and richness to the pasta.
Simple ingredients come together for a restaurant-quality dish.
Easy to customize—vegan, gluten-free, or with added proteins.
A great way to highlight seasonal leeks.
Comforting yet light enough for any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (vegan if needed)
3 leeks, chopped and rinsed (white and light green parts only, about 4 cups)
1 medium shallot, diced
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
8 ounces dried rigatoni, penne, or fusilli pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
1 small bunch fresh chives (or other fresh herb of choice), chopped
Parmesan cheese, for serving (vegan if needed)

Directions

In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and shallot. Sprinkle with salt and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and caramelized.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions in generously salted water. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the leek mixture along with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for silkiness.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, half of the chopped chives, and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve topped with remaining chives and extra Parmesan.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add crispy pancetta, bacon, or prosciutto for a meaty version.
Stir in baby spinach or peas for added greens.
Use goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist.
Swap chives for fresh parsley, thyme, or basil.
Make it vegan by using olive oil or vegan butter and dairy-free Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Avoid freezing, as the leeks and pasta may lose their texture.

FAQs

How do I clean leeks properly?

Slice them lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove dirt between layers.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, use vegan butter and plant-based Parmesan.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli holds the sauce well, but spaghetti or linguine also work.

Can I caramelize leeks ahead of time?

Yes, they can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.

Is this dish heavy?

No, the lemon juice brightens it up, balancing the richness of the butter and Parmesan.

Can I add protein?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Stir in a splash of cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.

Can I substitute shallots?

Yes, use a small onion if shallots aren’t available.

Does the lemon overpower the dish?

No, it adds brightness without overwhelming the sweet leeks. Adjust to taste.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet to caramelize the leeks evenly.

Conclusion

Caramelized Leek Pasta is a simple yet refined dish that showcases the natural sweetness of leeks in a comforting pasta. With garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and Parmesan, every bite is balanced and flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Maggie