Gammon, Leek & Mushroom Tagliatelle: A Cosy Winter Pasta for Chilly Evenings

There’s something especially comforting about a steaming bowl of pasta on a cold winter evening. And when you combine soft sautéed leeks, earthy mushrooms, and tender pieces of gammon in a creamy sauce, you get a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent – the perfect winter warm-up.

This gammon, leek & mushroom tagliatelle is hearty enough for a frosty night, yet simple enough for a midweek dinner. It has that soothing, homely flavour that belongs to the winter months: creamy layers, savoury gammon, and vegetables softened to perfection.

Ingredients (serves: 4)

• 300 g tagliatelle
• 250–300 g cooked gammon, diced or shredded
• 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large leek, washed and sliced
• 200 g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 150 ml double cream
• 80 ml vegetable or chicken stock
• 50 g Parmesan (plus extra to serve)
• Salt & black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Fresh parsley to serve

Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil.
2. Cook the tagliatelle until al dente.
3. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pan, heat the butter and olive oil.
2. Add the sliced leeks and cook gently for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the mushrooms and continue cooking until they turn golden and release their moisture.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add the Gammon & Creamy Sauce

1. Add the gammon to the pan and stir to warm it through.
2. Pour in the double cream and stock.
3. Add Parmesan and stir until melted into the sauce.
4. Season with black pepper and a small pinch of nutmeg if you’d like extra warmth.
5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

1. Add the cooked tagliatelle to the sauce.
2. Toss gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for silkiness.
3. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

This winter pasta pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad or winter leaves
• Garlic bread or warm farmhouse rolls
• A glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon
• A cosy side like roasted broccoli or tenderstem

It’s also lovely as part of a winter dinner table – bring the pan straight to the centre with a ladle and let everyone help themselves.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover gammon: This recipe is perfect after Christmas or Sunday roast.
• Try bacon or pancetta: If you don’t have gammon, either works well.
• Make it lighter: Swap cream for half-and-half or crème fraîche.
• Make it richer: Add a handful of spinach or a splash of white wine.
• Gluten-free: Use GF tagliatelle and ensure stock is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This gammon, leek & mushroom tagliatelle is everything we love about winter cooking – simple ingredients, soft textures, comforting flavours, and a creamy bowl that warms you all the way through.

Serve it on a dark evening with candles lit and a blanket nearby, and enjoy the slow, cosy pleasure of a homemade winter meal.