Miso Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Date Night Pasta

May 24, 2025

∙ Paid

This is a cozy one-pot pasta that somehow feels fancy even though it’s super simple. It’s rich, savory, and full of umami from miso butter and mushrooms, with a little brightness from white wine, lemon, and fresh herbs. The leeks add that soft, sweet oniony base, and everything comes together in about 30 minutes. Honestly, the hardest part is gathering all the ingredients, once you’re set up, the rest is just stirring and simmering.

Tips and Tricks

Pasta Shape: Any bite-size pasta works like penne, rigatoni, or casarecce (what I used). Curved shapes hold the sauce better.
Mushrooms: Save yourself time by buying pre-sliced mushrooms (white or cremini/bella). Whole Foods usually has them ready to go.
Miso Butter: This adds depth and saltiness, so adjust any extra salt after tasting the finished dish.
Leeks: Clean them well, slice them, and soak in cold water to remove hidden grit.
Simmering Pasta: Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Truffle oil (optional): A little drizzle at the end takes the mushroom flavor over the top, use sparingly.
Serving: Tastes great fresh, but leftovers are just as good reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
Garlic: I like to add rough chunks of garlic instead of minced, it gives the pasta a heartier, more rustic Italian feel. You get those tasty bursts of garlic flavor in each bite.