Name: Brown Butter Miso Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 16 oz linguini; 5 tablespoons vegan butter or traditional butter; 3 tablespoons red miso; 1 1/2 cups reserved pasta water; 1 cup vegan parmesan or traditional parmesan; Garnish: Sliced seaweed

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Brown Butter Miso Pasta is a quick, rich, and umami-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknights when you want something indulgent but easy. The nutty depth of brown butter meets the savory punch of red miso, creating a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to strands of linguini. Topped with parmesan and garnished with seaweed, this recipe is comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is fast, flavorful, and requires just a handful of ingredients. The brown butter delivers a warm, toasty flavor, while the miso adds savory depth and complexity. It’s incredibly versatile—use vegan or traditional ingredients to suit your dietary needs. The combination of miso and parmesan makes for a luscious, creamy pasta that’s unique, satisfying, and restaurant-worthy in just 15 minutes.

Brown Butter Miso Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

16 oz linguini
5 tablespoons vegan butter or traditional butter
3 tablespoons red miso
1½ cups reserved pasta water
1 cup vegan parmesan or traditional parmesan
Garnish: Thinly sliced seaweed

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguini and cook just until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large pan over medium heat, add the butter. Whisk continuously as it sizzles and browns, about 2–3 minutes. Watch for golden flecks and a nutty aroma, but don’t let it burn.
Add the red miso and reserved pasta water to the browned butter. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking until the miso dissolves and the sauce is combined.
Add the cooked pasta and parmesan to the pan. Stir vigorously as the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Keep mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Serve immediately, garnished with thinly sliced seaweed for an umami-rich finishing touch.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
Mushroom Miso Pasta: Sauté mushrooms in the brown butter before adding the miso.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your miso is gluten-free.
Lemon Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the dish.
Creamier Version: Stir in a splash of cream or dairy-free cream for extra richness.
Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic to the butter before browning.
Toasted Nuts: Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews for crunch.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish.
Miso Blend: Use a mix of red and white miso for a more complex flavor.
Add Protein: Stir in tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

What kind of miso should I use?

Red miso is best for its deep, rich flavor, but you can substitute white or yellow miso for a milder taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply use vegan butter and vegan parmesan to keep the recipe 100% plant-based.

What is brown butter, and why is it used here?

Brown butter is regular butter that’s cooked until the milk solids toast, creating a nutty, caramelized flavor that adds depth to the dish.

Why is my sauce clumpy?

Vigorous stirring helps emulsify the sauce. If it clumps, keep stirring and add a bit more hot pasta water to smooth it out.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even short pasta like rigatoni work well with this sauce.

Is it very salty with miso and parmesan?

It’s flavorful but balanced. Use low-sodium miso and salt the pasta water lightly if you’re concerned about saltiness.

What’s the purpose of the seaweed garnish?

Seaweed adds a briny, umami-rich touch that complements the miso. It also provides visual contrast and texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the brown butter-miso base ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two.

What kind of parmesan works best?

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and offers the best flavor. Vegan parmesan should also be finely grated for easy incorporation.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or reheated from the fridge.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Miso Pasta is a rich, satisfying dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like something special. With its nutty brown butter base, savory miso, and creamy parmesan finish, it’s a perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort.