Description
This Baked Penne with Leeks and Mushrooms is a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish perfect for cozy dinners. The combination of caramelized leeks, earthy mushrooms, white wine, and Gruyère cheese creates an indulgent yet balanced flavor. With a luscious, herb-infused sauce and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this dish is both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 leeks, washed thoroughly, dark green tops removed, thinly sliced
- 2–3 white shallots, thinly sliced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 10 oz cremini mushrooms, stems removed and thinly sliced
- 1 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 4–5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (adjust based on sauce preference)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 8–10 oz penne or pasta of your choice
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- Sea salt, as needed
- Cracked black pepper, as needed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ – 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Slice the leeks, shallots, and mushrooms thinly.
- Mince the garlic and rinse the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit.
- 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.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Cook the Mushrooms
- Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they release moisture and brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chili flakes, black pepper, and thyme.
- Deglaze with White Wine
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Add vegetable broth and bay leaf, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then remove the bay leaf.
- Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook penne in boiling salted water 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Everything
- Stir cream cheese into the sauce until smooth.
- Add the cooked penne, tossing to coat evenly.
- Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh thyme and cracked pepper.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it finishes baking in the oven, cook it slightly underdone.
- Substitutions: Swap Gruyère for Parmesan, Fontina, or Mozzarella.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired