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food·April 27, 2026·Colin·

Spring Leek & Lemon Pasta

PastaVegetarianQuick
Spring Leek & Lemon Pasta

I’m really into the leek this season. It has that fresh flavor with a bite that just matches the energy of the season in a way that, I’m sure, someone like Gordon Ramsay could explain. This leek and lemon pasta is deliciously easy, creamy, light, all the things that make spring spring. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress your pasta-loving guests, this comes together so quickly that you’ll be glad you decided to cook.

The Recipe
Prep: 10 minCook: 20 minServes: 2
Overall
Difficulty
Time

Ingredients

Sauce

Butter4 Tbsp
Leek1 Leek
Garlic finely minced1 Clove
Dried Thyme0.5 tsp
Lemon Juice1 Lemon
Lemon Zest1 Lemon
Heavy Cream0.5 cup
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Pasta

Farfalle Pasta by weight6.5 oz

Top With

Black Pepper freshly ground to taste
Parmesan Cheese grated to taste

Method

Prep

1

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2

Thinly slice 1 large leek. Remove the leaves from the leek and use only the white and light green parts.

Caramelize the Leeks

1

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

2

Add the thinly sliced leeks. Season with salt and pepper and cover the skillet for 5-6 minutes until the leeks are softened and slightly caramelized. While the leeks caramelize, begin cooking the pasta.

Cook Pasta

1

Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water after the pasta has been cooking for a few minutes.

2

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Sauce

1

Add minced garlic to the butter and leeks and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2

Add the heavy cream, half of the lemon juice, thyme, and lemon zest to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium high and allow the mixture to reduce for 3-4 minutes.

3

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir. Add reserved pasta water incrementally to help coat the pasta, allowing the mixture to reduce to desired consistency and creaminess.

Serve

1

Add any additional lemon juice to taste, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and black pepper before serving.

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