Pasta night may just be a new addition to the weekly menu. Between carbonara and zucchini linguine with herbs, I’m really not sure why pasta doesn’t make a more frequent appearance. It is delicious, easy, economical and the possibilities are endless. Although the deliciousness and total disregard for portion control may be part of the problem…

Inspired by this Food & Wine Recipe, leeks are always welcome and appreciated in my kitchen.

Creamy Leek & Spinach Pasta - serves 2 with leftovers

• 6 oz pasta whole wheat pasta
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp garlic & herb mascarpone cheese (or plain)
• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• parmesan cheese, pepper and red pepper

Prepare pasta as directed. Heat olive oil in large pan and add leeks and garlic when hot. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until soft. Add cooked pasta to pan and toss with mascarpone and spinach. Finish with freshly grated parmesan and red & black pepper.

I often long for the leek pies I had in Greece and always thought it was a simple leek mixture rolled up in phyllo sheets – well, apparently it is not and unless it is just me, phyllo doesn’t roll so well.  Sure, I probably could have brushed the whole sheet with butter…hmm, next time? But since I am a Nutritionist and all I didn’t want to drench it in butter. So these were crispy. But full of mushroom goodness. And the filling is the best part anyway, right?

Recipe:

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1 shallot, minced

4 oz mushrooms, roughly chopped

salt & pepper, sage and thyme

parmesan cheese, grated (about 2 Tbsp worth)

phyllo sheets

1 Tbsp butter, melted

When olive oil is hot, add shallots and mushrooms. Saute until soft. Add seasonings and set aside. Gently tear phyllo sheets in half and add 1/2 Tbsp mushroom mix and pinch of cheese. Roll or fold up and brush with a bit of butter. (Refer to phyllo instructions – it is a little tricky to work with)

Bake at 400 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Makes about 6-8 pieces.