Leeks and Spaghetti

Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this simple yet elegant Leeks and Spaghetti recipe, a delightful combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Perfectly tender spaghetti is tossed with sautéed leeks caramelized in a blend of olive oil and butter, creating a silky base that's brightened with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The optional pinch of red chili flakes adds a mild kick, balancing the dish's creamy and tangy elements. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy vegetarian pasta dish is ideal for busy nights when you crave a comforting yet refined meal. Serve it as a main course or a side dish, and watch it become a staple in your rotation. Keywords: leeks and spaghetti, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick and easy dinner, weeknight pasta ideas, leek pasta with Parmesan.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g spaghetti
• 3 medium leeks
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 0.5 tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 to taste salt
• 1 to taste black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the leeks by trimming the dark green tops and roots. Slice the leeks lengthwise, then cut into thin half-moons. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit, then pat dry.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced leeks. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the leeks are softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet with the leeks. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 5

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the leeks and toss to combine. Gradually add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time to loosen the mixture and create a light sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the lemon zest and juice, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is evenly coated, adding more pasta water as necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7

Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red chili flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(895.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1643.2

Total Fat 85.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 102mg	0%
Sodium 3193.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 178.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.1g	0%
Total Sugars 17.1g
Protein 48.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 825.2mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 993.1mg	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: 45.8%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 42.6%