Pasta with a Creamy Leek Sauce

I picked up some leeks over the weekend with the intention of making soup. But I never got around to it, so I needed to find some other way to use them.

Several months ago I bookmarked this recipe for Fusilli with Creamy Leek Sauce on Food and Wine. But after reading the recipe, I realized I didn't have a lemon and didn't feel like running out! I also was in the mood for something creamier. I used the recipe as inspiration and came up with the following recipe -

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb cooked pasta; I used what I had on hand, cappelini
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 leeks, dark green ends removed; white and pale green parts washed thoroughly and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 c white wine
• 3/4 c light or heavy cream
• Sea salt and white pepper
• Cheese; I used a shredded Italian blend, approximately 3 tbsp
• Tools: blender or handheld immersion blender

Directions

• Heat olive oil and melt butter in a pan over medium heat. If you plan on using an immersion blender later in this recipe, use a deeper pot, not a pan.
• Add chopped leeks and stir occasionally, letting them soften, for about 6 minutes.
• Add the garlic, saute 2 more minutes.
• Add the wine; cook slowly until it has completely reduced.
• Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Remove from the heat and blend with a handheld, or transfer to a blender and blend. I pulsed my handheld through it quickly as I still wanted some texture and chunks of leeks, not a completely creamy sauce.
• Add the cheese and stir. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Toss with pasta and serve.

I loved this! What a great way to use leeks. They give such great flavor, close to that of an onion but sweeter. I served the pasta with some seasoned and sauteed chicken breast tenderloins.