Sweet Leek Carbonara Recipe
If you love carbonara but want a lighter, more flavorful twist, this Sweet Leek Carbonara is the perfect recipe for you. By swapping out traditional pancetta for leeks, this dish becomes a creamy, satisfying, and nutritious alternative. The leeks add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that elevate the classic carbonara without overpowering it.
This recipe is easy to make, making it great for beginners and experienced home cooks alike. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cozy night in or a simple yet elegant dish to impress guests, this Sweet Leek Carbonara delivers every time. Plus, with its heart-healthy ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a balanced and delicious homemade meal.
Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why leeks deserve a more prominent place in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Leek Carbonara is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. It’s creamy, rich, and subtly sweet, thanks to the leeks, which add a unique depth of flavor. This recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and those looking to elevate their pasta game with a healthier, more nutritious take on carbonara.
Leeks are an excellent addition to your diet as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamin K, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart health. Their mild, sweet, and earthy taste enhances dishes without overpowering them, making them a fantastic ingredient to cook with more often.
If you love comfort food but want a lighter alternative to traditional carbonara, this is the recipe for you!
Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Large leeks – Leeks provide a mild, sweet flavor and are packed with vitamin K, antioxidants, and fiber, making them both nutritious and delicious.
- Cloves of garlic – Garlic enhances the dish with its bold, aromatic taste while also offering immune-boosting properties.
- Sprigs of fresh thyme – Thyme adds a subtle earthiness and depth of flavor while containing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Knob of unsalted butter – Butter adds a rich, creamy texture that helps bring all the flavors together.
- Olive oil – A heart-healthy oil that enhances the dish’s richness and prevents the leeks from sticking to the pan.
- Dried spaghetti – Provides the base of the dish, offering a satisfying and comforting texture.
- Parmesan or pecorino cheese, plus extra to serve – These cheeses add a sharp, salty depth and help create a creamy, velvety sauce.
- Large egg – The egg is key to creating the silky sauce that binds everything together.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the dish.
How to Make Sweet Leek Carbonara
- Serve & Enjoy: Season to taste, adding extra cheese and black pepper on top. Serve immediately with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
- Prepare the Leeks: Trim, wash, and finely slice the leeks. Cut off the roots and dark green tops, then slice lengthwise and rinse under running water to remove any dirt.
- Cook the Leeks: Melt the butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, garlic, and thyme leaves. Once sizzling, stir in 400ml of water. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are sweet and soft—season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine Everything: Toss the drained pasta into the leek mixture. Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to slightly cool. Grate the cheese and beat it with the egg in a separate bowl. Gradually add the egg mixture to the pasta, tossing vigorously to create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy and slightly sweet notes of this dish.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
- Bread Pairing: A slice of toasted garlic bread or a warm baguette enhances the meal beautifully.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with blended silken tofu or cashew cream for a creamy plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta.
- Add Protein: For a non-vegetarian option, add crispy pancetta or bacon.
- Extra Flavor: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, peas, or roasted garlic for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes of Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce for a hint of heat.
Why Use Leeks More Often?
Leeks are a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into your meals. They belong to the onion family but have a milder, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
- Nutritional Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K, leeks support bone and heart health.
- Versatility: Great for soups, stews, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
- Year-Round Availability: Although best between March and September, fresh leeks can be found year-round.
To prepare leeks properly, always cut off the tough green tops and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove dirt hidden in the layers.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Leek Carbonara is an easy yet impressive dish that delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today, and let us know your favorite variations in the comments below!
Enjoy your meal!
Sweet Leek Carbonara
Equipment
- Large Casserole Pan or Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 large leeks – Trimmed washed, and finely sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic – Peeled and finely sliced
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme – leaves picked
- 1 knob of unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz dried spaghetti
- 1 ¾ oz Parmesan or pecorino cheese – Plus extra for serving
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Leeks: Trim off the dark green tops and roots, slice lengthwise, and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Finely slice the leeks.
- Cook the Leeks: In a large casserole pan over medium heat, melt the butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the leeks, garlic, and thyme leaves. Once sizzling, stir in 400ml of water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and sweet. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine & Create the Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the leek mixture. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes to avoid scrambling the egg. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the grated cheese. Slowly add the egg mixture to the pasta, tossing vigorously to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy: Season with additional black pepper and cheese to taste. Serve immediately with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Notes
Recipe Notes & Variations
- Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with blended silken tofu or cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta.
- Boost the Flavor: Add crispy pancetta, mushrooms, peas, or roasted garlic.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Creamier Alternative: Substitute Parmesan with mozzarella for a richer texture.
- Enjoy your homemade Sweet Leek Carbonara and let us know your favorite variations in the comments!
Final Notes
- The recipe was adapted from Jamie Oliver and updated for a modern twist.
- Perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner!
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
