By Carol Bee Cooks
Caramelized Leek and Onion Pasta
5 steps
Prep:15minCook:1h 15min
A rich and savory pasta with crispy pancetta, white wine, lemon, and parmesan. Slow-cooked leeks and onions melt into a silky cream sauce for an elevated but cozy pasta dinner.
Updated at: Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:01:50 GMT
Nutrition balance score
Unbalanced
Glycemic Index
45
Low
Glycemic Load
33
High
Nutrition per serving
Calories862.8 kcal (43%)
Total Fat52.3 g (75%)
Carbs72.7 g (28%)
Sugars9.7 g (11%)
Protein22.8 g (46%)
Sodium687.7 mg (34%)
Fiber4.6 g (16%)
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ingredients
3 servings
4 ouncesPancetta
cut into small cubes
1 tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
2Leeks
trimmed, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
2Yellow Onion
thinly sliced
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
to taste
⅓ cupdry white wine
1 tablespoonunsalted butter
4cloves garlic
minced
2 sprigsfresh thyme
leaves only
1Lemon
zest and juice divided
1 cupheavy cream
¼ cupParmesan Cheese
plus more for serving
8 ouncespasta
Instructions
Step 1
Cook Pancetta: Cook pancetta in a large pan over medium heat until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
Step 2
Caramelize Leeks and Onions: Add olive oil if needed. Add sliced leeks and onions with a generous pinch of salt. Cook over medium-low heat for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft. Add a splash of water if the pan gets too dark. Stir in white wine and simmer 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
Step 3
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 4
Make Cream Sauce: In the same pan as the leeks, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, thyme, and lemon zest. Cook 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 5 minutes. Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
Step 5
Combine: Add cooked pasta, caramelized leek mixture, and pancetta to the sauce. Squeeze in lemon juice. Toss until coated, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve with extra parmesan.
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