Miso Butter Pasta is a creamy and delicious dish that combines savory miso with rich butter for a unique flavor. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s super simple yet fancy enough for dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti works perfectly here, but feel free to use any pasta you love, like fettuccine or linguine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Miso Paste: White or yellow miso gives a mild flavor, but you can use red miso for a stronger taste. If you’re avoiding soy, try tahini or a sunflower seed paste as a substitute.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are great choices, but you can swap them for shiitake or even spinach for a veggie-packed option. I personally prefer shiitakes for that extra depth of flavor!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the saltiness, but you can use plant-based butter or olive oil if you want a dairy-free version.
Bacon: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian dish, or swap it for turkey bacon if you want a lighter option. Smoked paprika can also give a nice flavor boost without the meat.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Mushrooms and Spinach?
Sautéing mushrooms and spinach is all about getting that nice, tender texture and rich flavor. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with a hot pan. If using bacon, cook it first to render fat, then use that fat for sautéing.
- Add olive oil if you’re skipping the bacon or you can use a mix of both for extra flavor.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Adding it too early can burn the garlic!
- Finally, add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. That’s your cue that it’s done!
This technique helps enhance the flavors and keeps the veggies vibrant. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Miso Butter Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Base Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or spaghetti-like pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp white or yellow miso paste
- 2 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
Veggies & Flavorings:
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (e.g., cremini or button)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare! You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and sautéing the ingredients, and then just a few minutes to mix everything together and serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means tender but still a bit firm). Once done, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later, then drain the pasta in a colander.
2. Cook the Bacon (Optional):
If you’re using bacon, grab a large skillet or pan and place it over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon fat in the pan; it will add wonderful flavor!
3. Sauté Mushrooms and Spinach:
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if you skipped the bacon, just add oil). Toss in your sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re browned and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until it’s nice and fragrant. Finally, add in the fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
4. Make the Miso Butter Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat a bit and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Allow it to melt completely. Next, stir in the miso paste until everything is fully combined and smooth. This is where it all starts to come together!
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Time to add the drained pasta to the skillet! Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in that delicious miso butter sauce. If it looks a little dry, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. This will keep your pasta nice and smooth!
6. Finish the Dish:
If you used bacon, stir those crispy pieces back into the pasta now. Also, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix it all together. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, giving it a good final mix!
7. Serve:
Divide the pasta among plates and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few chopped parsley leaves if you like. Serve it up immediately and enjoy this rich and savory miso butter pasta!
This dish is packed with umami flavors from the mushrooms and miso, beautifully complemented by the freshness of the spinach. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pastas can vary in how long they take to cook!
What Can I Substitute for Miso Paste?
If you don’t have miso paste, try using tahini for a different flavor profile, or a mix of soy sauce with a touch of nut butter for a similar umami taste. Just remember that these won’t replicate the exact flavor, but they’ll still be delicious!
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 over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the pasta and sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just sauté them alongside the mushrooms to ensure they’re cooked through before adding the spinach!