Wednesday, June 17

Pasta with caramelized leeks and feta cream sauce

Whenever I see heavy cream in recipes, I try and find a way to get around it. I just can't get myself to use cream in my cooking, I just feel like I'm sinning or something. This is definitely a direct influence from my mother. I was raised in a very healthy household. I was lucky to get 98% fat free popcorn. As a kid, I craved that 2% fat! Now that I'm on my own, I definitely explore other types of cooking, but I still can't do the cream. I just can't! So when I saw this recipe, I adapted it, and voila! A perfectly creamy cream-less pasta dish! The smokey flavor from the caramelized leeks and the creamy feta together create a kick ass bowl of noodles! Trust me. My apartment smelled so good my dog was going crazy!

Pasta with caramelized leeks and feta cream sauce
1 lb pasta, I used fettuccine but any shape would work
2 leeks, sliced thin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup feta, more for topping
Couple leaves mint, optional
salt 'n' peppa

1 Boil a pot of water, season with kosher salt. Place noodles in rapidly boiling water and cook until al-dente.
2 Cut tall dark part off the leeks and discard. Wash light green part thoroughly and slice into thin rings.
3 Saute sliced leeks over medium heat with olive oil and a bit of butter. Cook until softened and slightly golden. Season with salt 'n' peppa.
4 Add minced garlic cloves and cook with the leeks. Let flavors meld together.
5 Pour feta into the same pan and let heat through and melt. Add some hot pasta water into the pan until it becomes creamed and saucy.
6 At this time, the pasta should be ready. Pour drained pasta into the pan and incorporate the leek-feta sauce throughout. Top with more feta and some mint if you have it. Enjoy!

Note: I put up 2 photos of the pasta because I couldn't choose! Which one do you like better?

This is my submission for Presto Pasta Night! Thanks Daphne for hosting this week's roundup!

22 comments:

David Stock said...

That looks amazing. I'd like it with more cheese though - maybe I'll try it, but with more cheese topping.

Christo Gonzales said...

wow feta cream sauce sounds great

Pam said...

Feta cream sauce - this looks AMAZING. Great photos.

Teresa Cordero Cordell said...

Zoe, what a clever idea in making the sauce. I too get tired of the heaviness that cream gives to pasta dishes (and I LOVE pasta). Thank you for the tip. I think I'll try it.

Nutmeg Nanny said...

This looks beyond amazing. I cannot wait to try this!!!

Cori said...

Believe it or not, I dislike alfredo and most cream sauces. This one looks lovely and right up my alley, though! Pretty pictures!

Winchester Manor said...

Zoe...you crack me up! I loved that you craved 2% fat milk and looked at it as a treat!

This looks divine! I'm not big on cream either, so thanks for adapting it for us!

Hugs to you!

Maggie said...

This looks fabulous! Bookmarking right away.

Reginald @ Ceramic Canvas said...

Yum - me likey.

This looks amazing and as you know, I love love working with and eating leeks.

I will definitely try it. Maybe I would add some bacon/lardons (what can I say, I’m from Alabama) ;)

As usual, the photography is great but if I had to pick, I'm going with pic #2.

Joanne said...

I never use heavy cream in recipes. Instead, I use half and half or almond milk, This looks great - the cream wouldn't even be missed.

Aggie said...

What an awesome pasta dish! I'm the same way about cream...I just can't do it. I made a cream sauce out of cashews recently, it was delicious!!

Love the blog! Your photos are beautiful and you've got some great recipes posted! Found you on Leftover Queen FFF! :)

The Food Hunter said...

This sounds wonderful. I just bought a bunch of leeks so I might have to give it a try.

Justin said...

this recipe is so "me", I'm surprised I didn't write about it first...

Cucinista said...

Great recipe and good idea. I love using leeks or even shredded zucchini to make pasta "creamier". Sounds weird, but it definitely works.

Kerstin said...

I rarely use cream too, I just can't bring myself to do it! Love the pasta, feta is my favorite and it sounds perfect with the leeks!

deborah said...

Oooh this is what I'm having for lunch tomorrow, thanks!

Karine said...

That looks amazing! And you had a great idea to use feta in your sauce!

Erin said...

I love leeks, and I also shy away from dishes calling for lots of heavy cream. Have you tried fat free half and half? It's not natural... but it is a lot less fat/calories than heavy cream!

Hannah said...

Oh, man, that sounds so good! I've got to find a way to veganize this recipe.

Anonymous said...

This recipe is Awesome! How can I follow your recipes?

Ruth Daniels said...

Sinfully delicious! Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights. Hope to see your delicious and gorgeous dishes more often.

Anonymous said...

I love the feta cream sauce! Thank you for sending this in for the 5 Star Makeover!