Creamy Leek Pasta Bake Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Dream

Crafting a delectable leek pasta bake promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Aromatic herbs and creamy textures welcome you into a culinary embrace.

Soft leeks caramelize gently, infusing each pasta layer with subtle sweetness.

Cheese melts luxuriously, creating golden crisp edges that whisper of home-cooked magic.

Simple ingredients dance together, turning an ordinary weeknight meal into something extraordinary.

Rich and satisfying, this dish feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Why Nigella Leek Pasta Bake Is So Comforting

• Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a luxurious pasta dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with its rich Emmentaler and Parmesan sauce.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delectable meal with minimal effort, using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee a delicious outcome.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and pasta lovers alike, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing meal that combines vegetables and cheese in a irresistible combination.
• Versatile Dining Option: Ideal for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish that can easily impress family and friends with its gourmet touch.

Ingredients For Nigella Leek Pasta Bake

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying texture in this baked dish.
• Leeks: A mild, onion-like vegetable that adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the pasta bake.

• Heavy Cream, Butter: Create a rich and luxurious base for the sauce.
• Emmentaler Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a creamy, nutty, and savory depth to the pasta bake.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

How To Make Nigella Leek Pasta Bake At Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 475°F (245°C). Grab an ovenproof dish and give it a quick grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Leeks

Fill two pots with lightly salted water. In one pot, toss in penne and cook while stirring occasionally for 11 minutes until it’s perfectly al dente. In the second pot, blanch the leeks for 2 minutes. Drain both thoroughly.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, gently warm cream and butter over low heat. Whisk in Emmentaler cheese until it melts into a silky smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the rich flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Transfer the drained pasta and leeks into the prepared baking dish. Pour the luscious Parmesan sauce over the top, making sure everything gets a generous coating.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Look for a light golden-brown color that signals it’s ready to devour. The top should be slightly crispy and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Helpful Tips For Nigella Leek Pasta Bake

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Stir occasionally and remove from water just before it reaches complete tenderness to prevent overcooking and maintain a nice al dente texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Whisk Emmentaler cheese slowly into warm cream and butter to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping or separating.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Lightly season each component – pasta water, leeks, and sauce – with salt to build layers of delicious taste throughout the dish.
• Create Golden Crust: Ensure oven is fully preheated to 475°F and use a light-colored baking dish to achieve an even, beautiful golden-brown top without burning.
• Drain Like a Pro: Use a colander and gently shake pasta and leeks to remove excess water, preventing a watery sauce and maintaining the bake's creamy consistency.

Ways To Tweak Nigella Leek Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Spinach Swap: Replace leeks with chopped spinach for a nutrient-packed green alternative that adds vibrant color and earthy flavor to the pasta bake.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure all cheese ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Version: Substitute dairy cream and cheese with cashew cream and nutritional yeast-based cheese sauce, maintaining the creamy texture while creating a plant-based meal.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Variation: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter, vegetable-forward dish.

Great Sides For Nigella Leek Pasta Bake

• Amplify Emmentaler's Creaminess: Pair this leek pasta bake with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich, cheesy sauce and cleanses the palate with each sip.
• Complement Leek's Subtle Sweetness: Select a light-bodied Pinot Noir with earthy undertones that harmonizes perfectly with the delicate leek flavor and creamy cheese base.
• Balance Pasta's Richness: Serve a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a zesty counterpoint to the heavy, decadent pasta dish and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Enhance Comfort Food Experience: Recommend a side of roasted garlic bread to soak up the extra Parmesan sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that elevates the simple pasta bake.

How To Store Nigella Leek Pasta Bake With Ease

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta bake to a freezer-safe container. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs For Nigella Leek Pasta Bake

• What ingredients give this pasta bake its unique flavor?

The combination of leeks, Emmentaler cheese, and cream creates a rich, savory profile that elevates the traditional pasta dish with a Swiss-inspired twist.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this leek pasta bake is vegetarian-friendly, featuring cheese, cream, and vegetables as the primary ingredients without any meat components.

• Can I substitute the type of cheese if Emmentaler is unavailable?

Absolutely! You can replace Emmentaler with similar mild, melting cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or mild white cheddar to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

Leek Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian-inspired leek pasta bake delivers comfort in every cheesy, creamy bite. Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a Mediterranean-style casserole where you’ll savor rich flavors and warm, satisfying textures.

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Ingredients

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Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Emmentaler cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 bunch leeks, quartered lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces

Seasonings:

• salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease an ovenproof casserole dish to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare two separate pots of mildly salted water: one for pasta and another for leeks. Cook penne for 11 minutes until al dente, simultaneously blanching leeks for 2 minutes.
3. Create a velvety sauce by gently simmering cream and butter over low heat, then gradually whisk in Emmentaler cheese until smooth and fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Thoroughly drain both pasta and leeks, then transfer them to the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
5. Drizzle the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the pasta and leek mixture, coating all ingredients completely.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the top develops a delicate golden-brown crust and the edges become slightly crispy.

Notes

• Pasta texture matters, so cook it al dente to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Use fresh leeks for maximum flavor and crisp texture in the dish.
• Choose high-quality Emmentaler cheese for a richer, more authentic Swiss taste.
• Consider adding breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and golden-brown finishing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg