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Perfect for a Chilly Night In for Two!
Looking for the perfect cozy meal for a chilly night in? This creamy mushroom and leek pasta with crispy bacon crumble is a comforting, rich dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. We’ve elevated the classic mushroom pasta with a splash of white wine and cream, while the crispy bacon crumble adds a delicious, salty crunch. Bonus: The bacon topping is make-ahead friendly—though try not to eat it all before dinner!
This dish showcases the magic of pasta cooking water, which brings the sauce together and gives it that restaurant-worthy silkiness. Plus, warming your pasta bowls ensures every bite stays as amazing as the first.
Cook With Us!
Like this recipe? You should try cooking with us! Start with an on-demand pre-recorded class, or jump in to the best experience with our live classes!
It has been most likely a year and a half since I’ve made moussaka. Having the recording available was a godsend. So good and lots of leftovers! Having the recording is priceless!I made Dan Dan noodles last month and again referred to the recording as it has been awhile. I was grateful for the reminders, tips and tricks. Not to mention, I love to cook with Kirstie and Jody. They make it so much fun!Most of the meals I make are from your repertoire. I think I have close to 60!
Love these ladies! Classes are easy to follow, informative, filled with all kinds of tricks & tips and best of all DELICIOUS!! This is our "night out" dining adventure that we can re-do & show off to our family & friends.
My husband and I joined the Valentine's Day Date Night cooking class. Very enjoyable experience full of informative tips and thorough explanations followed by a delectable meal. Thank you Kirstie & Jodie. We'll be back!
I recently did an online Lamb Briyani class. It used some cooking techniques I wasn't familiar with and produced a dish that was as tasty as the best Indian food I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
I have done a few classes with the Culinary Studio and always enjoy the classes and the fabulous meals. They deliver the food to my door all prepped for the class if I like (which I do!). Highly recommended.
We did a virtual zoom cooking class. It was better than cooking classes we have done in a actual class. We really enjoyed our ourselves. We have made the meal a couple of times since the class. We have friends over for the session and have great restaurant quality meals
The Culinary Studio is an wonderful online chef duo!You will learn delicious recipes taught in real time from start to end by two good friends who want nothing more than to teach you how to cook and and have fun doing it. Class presentation is practical and encouraging with one chef starting and one playing 'catch up' so you do not miss anything and no question will go unanswered!The recipe with food pack is perfectly packaged and always arrives on time to make it easy so you do not have to shop!Several recipes from the Culinary Studio are in our regular rotation!Excited to keep cooking with you Kirstie and Jody!
Online classes have allowed me the convenience to open my computer and learn in the comfort of my home and to do the class on my own schedule rather than missing out due to life's interruptions. Classes are paced well and the chef's are ready to answer your cooking questions even if they are unrelated to the class. I have used the recipes frequently in my day to day life and recently at an event where I overhead participants raving about the soup and cookies I had prepared, which were from Culinary Studio class recipes.I was at the Studio for the very first class they held and I have continued to take classes for the past 13 years. While some things have changed over the years, the quality, knowledge and skills Jody and Kirstie bring to each class has not.The skills I learned through the their instruction have been used daily.
To Chefs Kirstie & Jody! My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the recipes and techniques we have acquired by following your live sessions and on-demand courses available on your website. You have a casual and an informative style that is very appealing. Most importantly both of you thrive on good food and beverage as much as we do! Bravo - we hope your future includes many more years of teaching and developing new dishes. Thank you. 🙂
Fun Facts About Creamy Mushroom & Leek Pasta
- Mushrooms have umami power: Mushrooms add a savory, umami depth to the dish that mimics the richness of meat. Cremini mushrooms are perfect here as they have a meaty texture and intense flavor.
- The leek’s subtle sweetness: Leeks have been a staple in European cuisine for centuries. They add a mild onion-like flavor, which perfectly balances the richness of the cream and bacon.
- Bacon crumble brilliance: By making the bacon a topping rather than mixing it in, you keep it extra crispy. The combination of crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan delivers texture and flavor with every bite.
- Pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy pasta water is essential—it thickens the sauce naturally and helps it cling to the pasta. Don’t skip it!
- White wine magic: A splash of white wine adds acidity and brightness, balancing the creamy sauce for a rich but not heavy dish.
- Perfect date night dish: Designed to serve two generously, this pasta recipe makes for a romantic dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without leaving your home.
HOT TIP: Warm your pasta bowls! This is essential for any pasta or risotto dish. The sauce should be extra saucy when served so that the last bite is just as creamy and delicious as the first.
Ingredients (Serves 2 Generously)
For the Bacon Crumble:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp. butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 4-5 sprigs parsley, finely chopped
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- ½ lb cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 large leek (white part only), thinly sliced
- 1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
- 5-6 sprigs thyme, finely chopped
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 cup 35% cream
- 300g pasta (short shape like farfalle, penne, or rigatoni)
- 3 tbsp. kosher salt
- Oil, as needed
- 2 tbsp. butter (remaining from crumble section)
Method
Step 1: Make the Bacon Crumble
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- In a frying pan, cook bacon with 2 tbsp. of butter until medium crispy.
- Scrape bacon and drippings into a bowl. Stir in breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley. Set aside (try not to eat it all!).
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Preheat a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of oil and mushrooms. Season with salt and cook, undisturbed, for 1 minute.
- Add a splash of water and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in remaining butter, leeks, garlic, and thyme. Cook until leeks soften.
- Add white wine, reduce by half.
- Stir in cream, reduce heat to low, and cook until thickened (2-3 minutes).
Step 3: Cook Pasta & Finish
- Add kosher salt to boiling water and cook pasta until very al dente.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to transfer pasta directly into the sauce pan.
- Add 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, simmer over medium heat until sauce and pasta are combined.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve pasta in warmed bowls, topped generously with bacon crumble. Enjoy immediately!
