If you have yet to try a dish that masterfully blends rich umami flavors with comforting creaminess, this Miso Butter Pasta Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a silky, savory sauce made from white miso, vegan butter, and a touch of pasta water that brings everything together in pure harmony. The addition of golden sautéed shiitake mushrooms and fresh herbs gives this dish depth and freshness, making it an elegant yet simple meal you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white-handled black frying pan is shown from above, placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan are small pieces of browned mushrooms, glistening with oil, scattered mostly around the edges. A wooden spoon with a round head and a notch in the middle rests inside the pan over the mushrooms. The mushrooms have a mix of dark brown and lighter tan shades with a slightly wrinkled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that luscious sauce to adding texture and vibrant color. These ingredients are straightforward but combine beautifully to elevate a humble pasta dish into something truly special.

8 ounces spaghetti: The perfect pasta base to soak up the miso butter sauce and deliver that comforting bite.
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of choice): A neutral oil that helps sauté mushrooms and garlic without overpowering the flavor.
1 tablespoon vegan butter: Adds creamy richness and enhances the sauce’s luxurious texture.
5 ounces shiitake mushrooms (sliced): These bring an earthy, umami-packed body that pairs beautifully with miso’s savoriness.
Sea salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that heighten flavor without masking the star ingredients.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth and a subtle pungency that complements miso perfectly.
3 tablespoons white miso: The heart of the sauce, delivering a gentle sweetness and deep savory notes.
1 to 1 ½ cups pasta water (start with 1 cup): This starchy water helps emulsify the sauce for a silky finish.
¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, cheesy undertone and enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped or herb of choice): A bright touch of green that adds freshness to the dish.

How to Make Miso Butter Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by preparing your spaghetti according to the instructions on the box in a well-salted pot of boiling water. The salt in the water infuses flavor directly into the pasta, setting the foundation for this neck-and-neck flavor play. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta, but don’t toss it yet—reserve some pasta water because it’s magic in helping our sauce come together.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat half a tablespoon of your oil along with the full tablespoon of vegan butter over medium-high heat in a large pan. Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook them until they turn beautifully golden, which takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Once they reach that perfect golden state, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic and Miso Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and let the pan cool slightly for around 3 minutes—this step is key to ensuring your garlic doesn’t burn and your sauce stays silky. Add the remaining half tablespoon of oil, then add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about one minute until fragrant. Next, whisk in the white miso and gradually pour in the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously to dissolve the miso fully into the liquid—this creates the base of that luscious miso butter sauce.

Step 4: Combine Vegan Parmesan and Pasta

Once your sauce is smooth and creamy, sprinkle in the vegan Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a rich, velvety mixture. Then, add in the cooked spaghetti along with the golden mushrooms and fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently to ensure every strand of pasta is coated with that irresistible sauce. If you want an even creamier consistency, feel free to add a splash of pasta water, two tablespoons at a time. Turn off the heat immediately to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, always give your pasta a quick taste test. Adjust the salt, pepper, or add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you feel it needs more punch. This is your moment to personalize the Miso Butter Pasta Recipe, ensuring it’s perfectly suited to your palate.

How to Serve Miso Butter Pasta Recipe

A black pan with a white handle holds a creamy pasta dish with spaghetti noodles mixed with browned mushroom slices. The pasta is lightly coated in a white creamy sauce and topped with finely chopped green herbs and a sprinkle of shredded cheese and black pepper. A silver fork and spoon rest inside the pan on top of the pasta. The pan sits on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a white bowl with fresh green herbs, a small block of cheese with shavings, and a knife with a beige handle are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can truly elevate your dish. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even a scattering of toasted sesame seeds can add both color and texture. If you enjoy a little heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes also pairs wonderfully with the mellow miso flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but can be balanced with crisp green salads or steamed seasonal vegetables. A side of roasted asparagus or simple garlic sautéed spinach can add freshness and crunch, complementing the creamy pasta without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, try twirling the pasta into neat nests before plating and placing mushrooms artfully on top. Garnish with delicate herb sprigs and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Presenting the dish in shallow bowls also helps contain the saucy goodness, inviting your guests to dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Miso Butter Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as the pasta sits, making for an even more savory experience the next day.

Freezing

This pasta doesn’t freeze as well as fresh because its creamy sauce can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, but if you must freeze, place it in a tightly sealed container and consume within a month.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to restore that perfect consistency, just as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! While shiitake mushrooms add a rich umami, cremini or button mushrooms are excellent alternatives and will still bring lovely texture and flavor to the dish.

Is white miso the only type I can use?

You can experiment with other miso varieties like yellow or even red miso, but keep in mind that these have stronger, more robust flavors. White miso is mild and slightly sweet, making it perfect for this creamy pasta.

Can I make this recipe non-vegan?

Yes! Replacing vegan butter with regular unsalted butter and using traditional Parmesan cheese will work beautifully if you aren’t sticking to a vegan diet.

How can I make the sauce creamier without dairy?

Adding a little extra pasta water or even a splash of plant-based milk when whisking in the miso will give you a silkier and creamier sauce without needing dairy.

What herbs pair well besides parsley?

Basil, chives, or even fresh thyme can offer exciting flavor twists and complement the mellow umami in this Miso Butter Pasta Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Miso Butter Pasta Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it perfect for quick weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. It’s easy to prepare, packed with umami-rich goodness, and fully customizable depending on what’s in your pantry or mood that day. Give it a try and discover how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical in your kitchen!