1. Can I use red miso instead of white miso?

You can, but it will change the flavor dramatically. Red miso has a stronger, saltier taste with a deep umami profile that can overpower the delicate butter and Parmesan. For a more balanced and mellow sauce, white miso (shiro miso) is the best choice.

2. How can I make miso butter spaghetti creamier without adding cream?

If you prefer to skip the dairy, use extra pasta water and whisk thoroughly while tossing the noodles. The starch in the water naturally emulsifies the sauce, creating a creamy texture without any added cream.

3. What type of butter works best for this recipe?

Use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness — miso and Parmesan both contain sodium. For extra flavor, try European-style butter with higher butterfat content; it melts into a smoother, richer sauce.

4. Is miso gluten-free?

Some miso pastes are gluten-free, but not all. Certain varieties are fermented with barley or other grains that contain gluten. Check the label carefully or look for brands labeled certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the miso butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti. The finished dish is best enjoyed fresh, as reheated pasta can lose its perfect texture.

6. What proteins go well with miso butter spaghetti?

This pasta pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, roasted chicken, or crispy bacon bits . The savory miso sauce enhances the flavor of both seafood and meats without overpowering them.

7. How can I balance the saltiness if the sauce tastes too strong?

Add a splash of pasta water, a small knob of butter, or a squeeze of lemon juice to mellow out the flavor. The acidity and fat help balance miso’s natural saltiness.

Miso butter spaghetti in 20 minutes (creamy & savory)

Name: Creamy Miso Butter Spaghetti
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 2–3 tbsp white (shiro) miso paste; 1/2–1 cup hot reserved pasta water, as needed; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more to serve; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Optional: pinch red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Creamy Miso Butter Spaghetti

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A quick, silky miso butter spaghetti with garlic and Parmesan.

Ready in 20 minutes—simple ingredients, big umami flavor.

Author: Ethan Cooper
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz (225 g) spaghetti

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

2–3 tbsp white (shiro) miso paste

1/2–1 cup hot reserved pasta water, as needed

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more to serve

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Optional: pinch red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in well-salted water until al dente; reserve about 1 cup pasta water and drain.

2. Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté garlic 30–60 seconds until fragrant (not browned).

3. Lower heat to medium-low; whisk in miso and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until smooth and glossy.

4. Add spaghetti; toss to coat, adding more pasta water as needed for a silky emulsion.

5. Off heat, stir in Parmesan until melted; season with pepper and salt to taste.

6. Finish with chili flakes, parsley, or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil; serve immediately.

Notes

Use white (shiro) miso for a mild, balanced sauce—darker miso will be saltier.

Add pasta water gradually to keep the sauce emulsified and glossy.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.

Best enjoyed fresh; refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/miso-butter-spaghetti/