Miso Butter Pasta Umami (Printable version)

Spaghetti tossed in silky miso butter, soy, garlic with pops of scallion and sesame for quick flavor.

# List of ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 7 ounces spaghetti or linguine

→ Miso Butter Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
03 - 1 1/2 tablespoons white miso paste
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
11 - Grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional, omit for strict vegetarian)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water, then drain the noodles.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.
03 - Blend white miso paste and soy sauce into the melted butter, whisking until the miso is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
04 - Sprinkle in chili flakes if desired. Gradually add reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce develops a silky consistency.
05 - Transfer drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat noodles evenly in miso butter sauce.
06 - Season with black pepper to taste. Plate immediately and garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and grated cheese if preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in 25 minutes
  • Relies on pantry ingredients almost everyone has on hand
  • Rich in umami and customizable with add-ins like spinach or mushrooms
  • Vegetarian and easy to adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets
02 -
  • Packed with umami from miso and soy
  • Quick enough for busy weeknights
  • The technique also works for other pasta shapes or rice noodles
  • Freezes surprisingly well portioned into airtight containers
03 -
  • Always reserve pasta water a little early in case you forget You want that starchy water before draining
  • Taste miso paste before adding to judge saltiness Butter melts best if soft never rock hard When tossing pasta use tongs for best coating Do not skip scallions and sesame they add texture and balance The mix of miso butter and pasta might seem unusual but once you try you will see why this silky savory dish wins hearts

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