Name: Simple and Delicious Pasta Bake with Leek and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 pound of pasta (such as penne or fusilli); 2 tablespoons of butter; 2 leeks, washed and thinly sliced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 cups of shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Gruyère); 2 cups of milk; 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional); 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Indulge in the comfort of a creamy and flavorful pasta bake with leek and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender pasta, sautéed leeks, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Prepare it for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you're in the mood for a comforting meal. The combination of the sweet leeks and creamy cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

1 pound of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
2 tablespoons of butter
2 leeks, washed and thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Gruyère)
2 cups of milk
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic, and sauté until the leeks are soft and translucent.
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a splash of milk to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour the flour mixture into the warm milk, whisking constantly.
Continue cooking the milk mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Remove the milk mixture from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed leeks to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

Leeks belong to the same family as onions and garlic, but they have a sweeter and milder flavor.

Pasta bakes are a popular comfort food in American households, often served as a filling and satisfying meal.

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Leftovers of this pasta bake can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and convenient meal.