Looking for a delicious and easy pasta recipe to whip up for dinner tonight? Look no further! This creamy bow tie pasta with mushrooms and leeks is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s flavorful, comforting, and sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great Flavors: The combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet leeks, and creamy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.

Ingredient Notes:

Garlic, minced: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
EVOO: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding depth to the sauce.

Leeks, light green part only, cut into strips: Provide a mild onion flavor and a slight sweetness.
Mushrooms: Use either two 8-ounce packages of mushrooms or large portobello mushroom caps, diced for a meaty texture.
Bow tie pasta: Choose your favorite brand and cook according to package instructions.

Half & half: Creates a luxurious creamy sauce for the pasta.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
Lemon, juiced: Brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

Garnish: Fresh cracked black pepper for a finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat EVOO over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add leeks and mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until softened and slightly browned.

Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour in the half & half, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice, stirring until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the creamy bow tie pasta hot, garnished with fresh cracked black pepper.

Helpful Tips:

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Swap out bow tie pasta for your favorite pasta shape if desired.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the mushrooms to ensure they brown evenly.

Toss the pasta with the sauce immediately after draining to prevent it from sticking together.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this creamy pasta dish with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Mushrooms and Leeks

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of half & half to revive the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne or fettuccine would work well with this creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Cream-based sauces can sometimes break when frozen and reheated, so it’s best to enjoy this pasta fresh for the best results.

Conclusion:

Creamy bow tie pasta with mushrooms and leeks is a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors it has to offer. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how it turned out!