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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease an ovenproof casserole dish to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.
- 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.
- 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.
- Thoroughly drain both pasta and leeks, then transfer them to the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Drizzle the rich, creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the pasta and leek mixture, coating all ingredients completely.
- 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