Name: Miso Butter Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegan Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-Italian)
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 to 1 ½ cups pasta water (start with 1 cup); Sea salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of choice); 1 tablespoon vegan butter; 5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons white miso; ¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or herb of your choice)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 1 review

If you are craving a comforting yet surprisingly sophisticated pasta dish, the Miso Butter Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegan Parmesan Recipe might just become your new go-to. This recipe brings together the earthy umami of shiitake mushrooms, the rich savoriness of miso butter, and the nutty tang of vegan Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s an irresistible vegan twist on creamy pasta that feels indulgent without being heavy, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing friends with something a little different.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan with a white handle sits on a white marbled surface, filled with small browned mushroom pieces scattered evenly across the pan's surface. The mushrooms have a shiny, slightly wet texture with golden and dark brown tones showing their cooked state. A wooden spoon with a notched tip rests diagonally inside the pan, its surface glossy with oil droplets. The scene is clean and simple, focusing on the pan and its contents. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines in its delicious simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color without overwhelming the dish, making it a breeze to prepare yet deeply satisfying.

8 ounces spaghetti: A classic pasta base that holds the sauce beautifully for a silky finish.
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of choice): Adds a subtle, clean richness while sautéing the mushrooms and garlic.
1 tablespoon vegan butter: Brings creamy depth and helps to meld all the flavors together.
5 ounces shiitake mushrooms (sliced): The star of the dish providing meaty texture and earthy umami notes.
Sea salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant kick that wakes up the sauce.
3 tablespoons white miso: The secret ingredient that adds savory complexity and a touch of sweetness.
1 to 1 ½ cups pasta water (start with 1 cup): Helps to create a luscious sauce that clings to every strand.
¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, cheesy dimension to round out the dish perfectly.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped or herb of your choice): A fresh pop of green and slight peppery brightness to finish the meal.

How to Make Miso Butter Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegan Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your spaghetti according to the package instructions in a large pot of well-salted boiling water. The key to great pasta is properly seasoned water, which infuses the noodles with flavor right from the start. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat half a tablespoon of avocado oil along with your tablespoon of vegan butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden crust. Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper. This step draws out their deep, woodsy flavor and lends the dish a luxurious texture. Once ready, remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Gently Cook the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid burning the garlic and drying out the sauce. After waiting a few minutes for the pan to cool, add the remaining half tablespoon of avocado oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, releasing that wonderful garlicky aroma without turning bitter.

Step 4: Create the Miso Butter Sauce

Now it’s time to build the sauce that makes this pasta unforgettable. Add the white miso paste and about 1 cup of reserved pasta water to the pan, whisking constantly until the miso dissolves completely. This creates a silky, umami-rich base that’s both savory and subtly sweet. Stir in the vegan Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, bringing a rich, creamy consistency to your sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the sautéed mushrooms to the pan along with the cooked spaghetti. Add the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring each strand of pasta gets coated in the luscious sauce. If you prefer a creamier texture, gradually add a bit more pasta water, two tablespoons at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency. Remember to turn off the heat before the pasta dries out—this dish is all about that perfect, silky moisture.

Step 6: Adjust and Enjoy

Give your creation a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt or black pepper. Serve immediately and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures you’ve brought together in this wonderful Miso Butter Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegan Parmesan Recipe.

How to Serve Miso Butter Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegan Parmesan Recipe

A deep white bowl filled with creamy light yellow spaghetti layered with dark brown cooked mushroom slices scattered throughout. The pasta is topped with white grated cheese and small green herb bits. Two vintage silver forks rest on the right side of the pasta, one slightly twirling some strands. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green herb sprinkles nearby, and a small white bowl with fresh green leaves is partly visible at the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra vegan Parmesan and a few fresh parsley leaves make simple yet stunning garnishes that add visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor. Toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good quality olive oil can also elevate each bite, adding a subtle crunch and fruity brightness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a warm crusty baguette also complement the umami flavors and help soak up the remaining sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special meal, consider serving this pasta in shallow bowls with a scattering of microgreens or edible flowers. You could even turn it into a pasta bake by transferring into a casserole dish, topping with extra vegan Parmesan, and broiling until bubbly and golden for a comforting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, promptly transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days while retaining much of its flavor and texture—though the mushrooms may soften somewhat.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of the mushrooms and pasta may change slightly upon thawing, so it’s ideal to freeze only if necessary.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or plant-based milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving without adding liquid, as that can dry out the noodles and cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mushroom?

Absolutely! While shiitake mushrooms deliver a unique, rich umami flavor, cremini or portobello mushrooms also work beautifully and offer a meaty texture to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I make this recipe nut-free?

This recipe is naturally nut-free as long as your vegan Parmesan cheese doesn’t contain nuts. You can also make your own nut-free vegan Parmesan using sunflower seeds or nutritional yeast.

What is the role of miso in this pasta?

Miso provides deep umami richness and a subtle sweetness that makes the sauce incredibly flavorful. It’s key to achieving that signature savory depth without relying on dairy.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Of course! Pan-seared tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas would be excellent additions to boost protein content while keeping the recipe vegan and hearty.

Final Thoughts

This Miso Butter Pasta with Shiitake Mushrooms and Vegan Parmesan Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy rich, comforting flavors entirely plant-based and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving a weeknight meal or impressing guests, it strikes a perfect balance between simple ingredients and complex taste. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in this cozy pasta as I do—every comforting forkful is a little celebration on its own.