Creamy Cheesy Leek Pasta Bake
Indulge in this Creamy Cheesy Leek Pasta Bake, a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for family dinners. This hearty pasta bake combines tender jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed leeks and a blend of rich cheeses. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, it bakes to a perfect golden finish, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This recipe brings a gourmet touch to your dinner table, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a cozy night in.
4
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo pasta shells
200 g (cooked according to package directions)
leeks
600 g (trimmed, washed, and sliced)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
thyme
1 teaspoon (chopped)
blue cheese
50 g (crumbled)
cheddar cheese
50 g (shredded)
parmesan cheese
20 g (grated)
milk
260 ml (not prepared)
breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (not prepared)
cornstarch
2 teaspoons (optional, mixed with water for thickening)
water
2 tablespoons (optional, for cornstarch mixture)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
While the pasta is cooking, steam the sliced leeks in a steamer basket over the boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a buttered casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta shells and pour the steamed leeks over them. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then sprinkle the fresh parsley and thyme evenly over the top.
5
In a saucepan, pour the milk and heat over medium-high until it begins to boil. Gradually add the crumbled blue cheese, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce appears too thin, you can whisk together the cornstarch with water and add this mixture to the cheese sauce, cooking until thickened.
6
Once your cheese sauce is ready, pour it generously over the leeks and pasta, ensuring even coverage. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top for a delightful crunchy finish.
7
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
15 g
Fat
30 g
Carbs
12.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Leek Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring jumbo shells filled with a creamy blend of sautéed leeks and three types of cheeses, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Jumbo pasta shells are used for this recipe, cooked until al dente according to package instructions.
How should I prepare the leeks?
The 600g of leeks should be trimmed, washed, and sliced before being steamed.
How long do the leeks need to be steamed?
Steam the sliced leeks for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) before baking the dish.
Which cheeses are used in the sauce?
The sauce is made with a combination of 50g crumbled blue cheese, 50g shredded cheddar, and 20g grated parmesan.
How do I make the cheese sauce?
Heat 260ml of milk until boiling, then gradually add the three cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is melted.
What should I do if the cheese sauce is too thin?
You can whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add this mixture to the sauce, cooking until it reaches your desired thickness.
What topping is used for the crunchy finish?
A half cup of breadcrumbs is sprinkled over the top of the dish before baking to provide a delightful crunchy contrast.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The pasta bake should be in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Is this pasta bake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian-friendly meal.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this Creamy Cheesy Leek Pasta Bake contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this dish?
There are 30 g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 15 g of fat.
Which fresh herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of chopped thyme.
How should I layer the casserole dish?
Layer the cooked pasta shells first, pour the steamed leeks over them, sprinkle the herbs, and finally pour the cheese sauce over everything.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, you should use a buttered casserole dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including optional items like cornstarch and water.
Can I use different cheeses for the sauce?
While the recipe calls for blue cheese, cheddar, and parmesan for a specific flavor profile, you could experiment with other melting cheeses.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender pasta and creamy sauce contrasted with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
What are the key tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include pasta bake, cheesy, leek, comfort food, casserole, and gourmet.
How do I ensure the pasta isn't mushy?
Cook the pasta only until al dente before baking, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Is the cornstarch mandatory?
No, the cornstarch and its accompanying water are optional and only needed if you wish to thicken the cheese sauce further.
How much milk is used for the base of the sauce?
The recipe requires 260 ml of milk.
What is the preparation for the parsley?
The parsley should be fresh and chopped before being sprinkled over the leeks and pasta.
How do I know when the sauce is ready to pour?
The sauce is ready once all the cheeses have melted and the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, this hearty pasta bake is perfect as a main course for a family dinner.