Miso Butter Pasta is a tasty twist on classic pasta! It mixes creamy butter with salty miso for a rich flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Add some garlic and a sprinkle of green onions for that extra yum!
I love how quick and easy this dish is! Just cook your favorite pasta, mix in the miso butter, and you’re all set. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that will make you feel like a kitchen star! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using spaghetti as it pairs well with the sauce. However, if you’re looking for a change, thicker noodles like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta can work just as well.
Miso Paste: White miso gives a sweeter flavor, while yellow miso is slightly stronger. If you can’t find miso, tahini or soy sauce can be interesting alternatives, although the flavor will differ.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the sauce dreamy and rich. If you’re after a lighter option, try half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like cashew cream. Just adjust the amount of miso for balance!
Mushrooms: I used regular button mushrooms for their texture, but feel free to experiment with shiitake or cremini for a deeper flavor. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, adding spinach or broccoli can work well too!
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Garlic adds a lovely flavor but can turn bitter if burnt, so you’ll want to watch it closely. After melting the butter, keep the heat at medium and sauté for just one minute until fragrant. Stir regularly and remove it promptly if it starts to brown for that perfect touch of garlic without the bitterness!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve the Right Sauce Consistency?
Getting your sauce just right can be the tricky part. After adding the cooked pasta, toss it in the skillet with the miso butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water. This allows you to control the consistency without making it runny.
How to Make Miso Butter Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or thick noodles
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp white or yellow miso paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Olive oil (optional, for sautéing mushrooms)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Miso Butter Pasta recipe takes about 20 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and cooking the pasta, and another 10 minutes for making the sauce and combining everything. Quick and easy, perfect for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Before draining, remember to reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water, as it’ll be handy later!
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but be careful to avoid browning it, as burnt garlic can spoil the flavor.
3. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, toss the sliced mushrooms into the skillet. Cook them until they’re softened and slightly golden, which should take about 4-5 minutes. If you like, add a splash of olive oil to help them cook nicely.
4. Add Miso and Cream:
Lower the heat a bit, and stir in the miso paste, mixing it well until it dissolves into the buttery garlic goodness. Then, pour in the heavy cream and give it a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer — it’s about to get creamy and dreamy!
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta gets coated beautifully in the miso butter sauce. If it feels too thick, just add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you have the perfect consistency.
6. Finish with Cheese and Seasonings:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Give it a taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your liking. This is where you can adjust the flavors to your preference!
7. Serve It Up:
Turn off the heat and plate the pasta. Don’t forget to garnish it generously with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for that final touch. Enjoy your Miso Butter Pasta hot and savor the rich, umami flavors!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, you can substitute it with thick noodles like fettuccine or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Can I Adjust the Saltiness of the Dish?
Since miso paste can vary in saltiness, taste your sauce before adding extra salt. If it tastes too salty, balance it out by adding a splash of cream or a little more pasta water to dilute the flavors.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream. Just keep in mind that the richness might vary, so adjust the amount of miso to maintain the flavor balance.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.
