Leek Pasta

Less than 30 minutes to get this scrumptious leek pasta on the table! It’s simple, packed with savory flavor and delicious leeks, and tastes fantastic!

It’s a perfect meatless family meal throughout the fall and winter. 

Now that it’s fall, lush leeks are in every grocery store and farmers market, especially in the UK. This handy vegetable is related to onions but has a sweeter, more sophisticated flavor that shines with starchy food like pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Leeks are always on my grocery list during leek season. They are inexpensive, highly nutritious, and rich in health benefits. They are also extremely versatile and work great for many dishes, not just soups.

This leek pasta recipe is my favorite way to use them. It’s simple to whip up and perfect for weeknight dinners, too.

The leeks are slowly sautéed with garlic and butter until soft and sweet. Since the leeks, with their pretty green swirls, turn to a dull gray-green once cooked, we also add a pinch of turmeric, which adds an earthy aroma and a brighter, golden color. Nobody wants to eat gray veggies!

Next, we add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the leeks, parmesan, and parsley until well combined and ridiculously tasty. 

We love this quick and easy pasta dish; it comes together quickly and is exactly the kind of meal we love in fall and winter: comforting, full of veggies, and packed with flavor!

Let’s make pasta with leeks now!

List of the ingredients

• Pasta
• Leeks
• Butter
• Garlic
• Tumeric (optional)
• Parmesan cheese
• Parsley
• Salt & pepper

How to make leek pasta

(Note: this is a quick description; the full recipe is at the bottom of the page)

How to cut leeks

• Trim roots and the dark green tops off each leek.
• Remove one or two outer layers and wash the leeks well.
• Then, finely slice them into circles or half moons.
• Note: If you see dirt between the layers, I recommend slicing them and add to a bowl with water. Next, rinse thoroughly, drain, and proceed with the recipe.

• Heat a skillet, add the butter, leeks, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and turmeric and cook for another minute.

• Add the pasta water, cover with a lid, and cook until soft.
• Meanwhile, cook your pasta until al dente and drain.
• Add the pasta, parmesan cheese, and parsley to the skillet, tossing until well combined. Your leeks with pasta are ready to serve!

Recipe Notes

Leek pasta ingredients

Pasta: I recommend using premium-quality pasta with a coarser and more robust texture. Feel free to choose your favorite pasta shapes, from spaghetti to penne and rigatoni.

Leeks: Buy leeks with firm, crisp stalks and make sure their bulbs are neither cracked nor bruised. Leeks are extremely popular and inexpensive in Europe, especially at this time of year.

Garlic and butter: To sauté the leeks and add a savory depth of flavor. You can use olive oil instead of butter.

Turmeric (optional): A tiny amount of this spice adds earthiness and makes the dish visually more vibrant and appealing. But I know it’s not a pantry staple for everyone, so feel free to skip it if you don’t have it.

Parmesan cheese: To add extra savory flavor. I recommend grating your cheese, as freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-grated, which usually contains additives.

Parsley: The fresh parsley, with its bright, aromatic flavor, complements this leek pasta dish. Fresh basil works just fine, too. I don’t recommend using dried herbs.

Salt & pepper: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Leek pasta variations

• Make it vegan: You can use vegan parmesan cheese or jazz it up with a handful of kalamata olives or toasted breadcrumbs, as in this broccoli pasta and spinach spaghetti.
• Add protein: This leek pasta recipe pairs well with pan-fried chicken, salmon, or shrimp; all great add-ins.

STORAGE TIPS & LEFTOVERS

Leek pasta is best when fresh and al dente. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat on the stove or microwave, stir your leek pasta leftovers with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese to revive flavors and texture.

More veggie pasta recipes you’ll love

• Creamy broccoli pasta
• Spinach mushroom spaghetti
• Garlic mushroom pasta
• Pasta with peas
• Pasta with zucchini
• Carrot pasta
• Cauliflower pasta

Don’t forget to check out my quick pasta ideas and vegan pasta recipes. : )

If you make this leek pasta, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or tag a photo #theclevermeal on Instagram. I would love to hear from you!

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