Mushroom Soy-Butter Pasta with Sesame

Ingredients

• 180 g spaghetti (or linguine)
• 250 g mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1.5 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced(optional)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little butter (from the 2 tbsp total) and sauté the mushrooms until they release moisture and turn golden, about 10 minutes. Add garlic (if using) for the last 30 seconds, then season with black pepper (if using).

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium. Stir in soy sauce, the remaining butter, and toasted sesame oil. Toss in the drained pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to make it glossy and evenly coated.

4. 4

   Serve immediately, topped with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.