Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked egg noodles, where tender leeks and golden-brown mushrooms dance together in a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Italian culinary paradise. This incredibly easy yet sophisticated dish promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g egg noodles
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing the leeks and mushrooms. Slice leeks into thin half-moons, removing the tough green tops and root end. Clean mushrooms and slice them into even, medium-thick pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 6-8 minutes, until they are al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While noodles are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced leeks and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with leeks. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
- Season the leek and mushroom mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Drain the cooked egg noodles and add them directly to the skillet with leeks and mushrooms. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light, glossy coating.
- Plate the noodles and, if desired, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Washing Technique: Thoroughly clean leeks by slicing them and soaking in cold water to remove any hidden sand or dirt between layers.
- Mushroom Browning: Ensure your skillet is hot enough and avoid overcrowding to achieve those beautiful caramelized mushroom edges.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water - its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
- Cheese Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, use aged Parmesan and grate it fresh just before serving.
- Vegetarian Variation: This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted for vegan diets by omitting the Parmesan or using a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
