Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms: A Creamy, Flavorful Comfort Dish

Meta Title: Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms – Creamy & Flavorful Pasta

Meta Description: Try this Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms recipe! A rich, creamy pasta dish with Gruyère cheese, leeks, mushrooms, and a white wine sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms

Picture this: a warm, bubbling casserole of baked penne with leeks and mushrooms, coated in a silky, savory sauce with just the right touch of creaminess. The subtle sweetness of leeks, the earthy richness of mushrooms, and the nutty melt of Gruyère cheese come together to create a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

This baked pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or cozy nights in. It’s packed with deep flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients—all while being incredibly easy to make. If you’re a fan of savory, cheesy pasta dishes, this will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredient	Quantity
Leeks (washed, dark green tops removed, thinly sliced)	4
White shallots (thinly sliced)	2-3
Garlic (minced)	4-6 cloves (about 1 tbsp)
Cremini mushrooms (stems removed, thinly sliced)	10 oz
Dry white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)	1 cup
Low-sodium vegetable broth	4-5 cups
Fresh thyme leaves	2 tbsp (or 2 tsp dried)
Bay leaf	1
Penne pasta (or pasta of choice)	8-10 oz
Chili flakes	¼ – ½ tsp
Sea salt	As needed
Cracked black pepper	As needed
Olive oil	3 tbsp
Cream cheese	2-3 tbsp
Gruyère cheese (shredded)	½ – 1 cup

How to Make Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Clean the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit, then slice them into thin rounds.
• Slice the shallots and mushrooms thinly for even cooking.
• Mince the garlic to release its aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the leeks, shallots, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

• Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 7-8 minutes.
• Sprinkle with chili flakes, black pepper, and thyme.

Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine

• Pour in 1 cup of white wine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while intensifying the flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

• Add vegetable broth and the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Let it cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

• While the sauce simmers, cook the penne in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
• Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Everything

• Remove the bay leaf from the sauce.
• Stir in cream cheese and mix until smooth.
• Add the cooked penne and toss to coat evenly.

Step 8: Assemble & Bake

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

• Let the pasta cool slightly before serving.
• Garnish with fresh thyme and cracked pepper.
• Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Why This Recipe Works

1. The Perfect Balance of Flavors

• The leeks and shallots add a natural sweetness.
• Mushrooms provide a deep, umami-rich base.
• White wine and thyme create a light yet sophisticated flavor.

2. Creamy Without Being Heavy

Using cream cheese instead of heavy cream keeps the dish rich but not overwhelming. The Gruyère cheese adds a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the leeks and mushrooms.

3. Ideal for Meal Prep

You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it, then simply bake when ready. It also reheats well for leftovers!

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Penne

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Since it will continue cooking in the oven, boiling the pasta slightly underdone prevents it from becoming mushy.

2. Use Good-Quality White Wine

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds depth without overpowering the dish.

3. Caramelize the Leeks for More Flavor

Letting the leeks cook slowly enhances their sweetness and makes the dish even more delicious.

4. Experiment with Cheese Varieties

If you don’t have Gruyère, try Parmesan, Fontina, or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This baked penne with leeks and mushrooms pairs well with:

• Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad – A fresh arugula or spinach salad balances the richness.
• Grilled Chicken or Salmon – If you want to add protein, these pair wonderfully with the dish.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Vegan Option

• Replace cream cheese with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Gruyère.
• Swap butter for olive oil and ensure your wine is vegan-friendly.

2. Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free penne and check that your vegetable broth is GF-certified.

3. Protein-Boosted Pasta

• Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.

FAQs About Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.

3. Can I freeze baked penne?

Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe dish before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

4. What other pasta shapes can I use?

Rigatoni, ziti, or farfalle work well. Choose a shape that holds sauce nicely.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! Try Parmesan, Mozzarella, Fontina, or even Smoked Gouda.

6. Is this dish spicy?

The chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor

Final Thoughts: Try This Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms Tonight!

Now that you know how to make baked penne with leeks and mushrooms, why not give it a try? This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

👉 Grab your ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home!

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