Caramelized Leeks Over Noodles

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of **Caramelized Leeks Over Noodles**, a comforting and elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Sweet, tender leeks are slowly caramelized in a luscious blend of olive oil and butter, then enhanced with garlic, thyme, and a touch of white wine for a subtle depth of flavor. This velvety topping is tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine, creating a light yet satisfying pasta dish. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. With its minimal prep time and rich, savory result, this versatile recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 large leeks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 cup white wine (optional)
• 0.25 cup vegetable broth
• 12 ounces noodles (spaghetti or linguine)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Trim and clean the leeks by removing the dark green tops and the root end. Slice the remaining white and light green parts into thin rounds. Rinse the leek slices thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced leeks and stir to coat them evenly.

Step 3

Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the leeks. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the leeks, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they are deeply golden and caramelized. Avoid rushing this step, as slow cooking is key to achieving sweet, tender leeks.

Step 4

Meanwhile, mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

Add the garlic and thyme to the caramelized leeks and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If using, pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes. This creates a light sauce to coat the noodles.

Step 7

While the leeks are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the noodles.

Step 8

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the leeks, tossing everything to combine. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 9

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, tossing again to incorporate.

Step 10

Serve the caramelized leeks over noodles immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1038.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1635.1

Total Fat 83.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 102mg	0%
Sodium 3287.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 176.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 21.7g
Protein 44.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 790.6mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 1319.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.0%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 43.2%