If you’re craving a cozy, high-protein pasta dinner that tastes restaurant-level but comes together in under 30 minutes, this Caramelized Leeks High-Protein Spaghetti will become your new go-to.

Deeply sweet caramelized leeks melt into a creamy, dairy-free sauce made with plant milk, vegan butter, flour, and nutritional yeast, coating high-protein spaghetti in silky richness.

It’s nourishing, elegant, and incredibly satisfying — everything you want in a quick weeknight meal.

Other Pasta Recipes

• Vegan Bagoong Pasta (Vegan Shrimp Paste)
• Vegan French Onion Pasta Recipe
• Creamy Pesto Pasta Crunch with Mushrooms 
• Vegan Pesto Pasta with Potatoes & Green Beans
• Vermicelli Alla Nerano (Italian Fried Zucchini Pasta)

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein & plant-based thanks to high-protein pasta + nutritional yeast.
• Creamy without any cream — just plant milk, butter, and a simple roux.
• Flavor-packed alliums — slow-cooked leeks, onions, and garlic become sweet, savory gold.
• Beginner-friendly and perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile — add mushrooms, spinach, white beans, tofu, or lemon for extra brightness.

🥬 Key Ingredients

Leeks

Mild, sweet, and savory once caramelized. They melt into the sauce and bring a deep, rich, onion-like flavor.

High Protein Pasta

Lentil, chickpea, or high-protein spaghetti adds 20g+ protein per serving and keeps the dish filling.

Onion

Adds depth and sweetness as it caramelizes alongside the leeks.

Garlic

Fragrant and aromatic — essential for building savory backbone.

Plant Milk

Unsweetened oat, soy, or almond milk helps create a creamy, silky sauce without dairy.

Vegan Butter

Adds richness, body, and helps with browning the alliums.

Flour

Used to make a simple roux that thickens the sauce into a creamy pasta coating.

Nutritional Yeast

Boosts flavor with cheesy, nutty, savory umami — also adds more protein.

Spices, Herbs & Seasonings

Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Italian herbs, thyme, red pepper flakes, or anything warming and aromatic to enhance the sauce.

📋 Ingredients

• 1 lb high-protein spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 2 large leeks, washed and thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 1 ½ cups plant milk
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
• Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, parsley

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🍝 How to Make Caramelized Leeks High-Protein Spaghetti

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your high-protein spaghetti according to package directions.
➡️ Before draining, reserve at least ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.

2. Caramelize the alliums

Heat vegan butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add leeks + onion with a pinch of salt.
Cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden, soft, and deeply caramelized.
Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more.

3. Make the roux

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized leeks and onions.
Stir to coat and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

4. Build the sauce

Slowly pour in the plant milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add nutritional yeast + herbs + spices.
Simmer until thickened.

5. Add pasta water

Pour in ½ cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and make it silky.

6. Toss with pasta

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet.
Toss until every strand is glossy and coated in golden leek sauce.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

• Top with fresh parsley or chives
• Add lemon zest or squeeze of lemon juice
• Sprinkle extra nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
• Serve with sautéed mushrooms or spinach
• Add roasted chickpeas or baked tofu for even more protein

🔄 Variations & Add-Ins

• Creamier → add 1 tablespoon tahini
• Brighter → add lemon juice + zest
• More protein → stir in white beans or tofu cubes
• Spicy → add red pepper flakes or chili crisp
• Umami boost → add a splash of soy sauce or miso

💡 Top Tip

Caramelize the leeks low and slow.
The deeper the color, the sweeter the flavor — this makes the whole dish taste luxurious.

❓ FAQ

Can you put leeks in pasta?

Absolutely — leeks melt into a silky, sweet, savory base perfect for creamy pasta.

How do you caramelize leeks without burning them?

Use medium-low heat, add a little butter/oil, and let them soften slowly. Don’t rush.

Is this pasta healthy and high-protein?

Yes — high-protein pasta + nutritional yeast + plant milk make it nutrient-dense and satisfying.

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Pairing

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