Easy Miso Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This easy miso pasta combines creamy richness with a savory umami twist from white miso paste. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s comfort food with a unique flavor that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta
• 1.5 tablespoons white miso paste (see notes)
• 1.5 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
• ¾ cup cream
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 40 grams parmesan cheese, very finely grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves or any herb you like

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil your pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case you need it later.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the miso paste with hot water to loosen it, making it easier to blend into the cream. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and let it gently sizzle for about a minute, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Step 4: Pour in the cream and add black pepper. Bring this to a very gentle simmer—lower the heat so it’s barely bubbling. Gradually add the grated parmesan in two to three batches, allowing each addition to melt fully into the cream before adding more.
5. Step 5: Stir in the miso mixture using a whisk to combine thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Add the fresh lemon juice and whisk quickly to incorporate. Let the sauce gently thicken over a very gentle simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, avoiding a rolling boil.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss well, and let it bubble gently for one to two minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately topped with fresh rosemary leaves or your preferred herb.

Tips & Variations

• If you’re new to miso, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste at the end for a milder flavor.
• White miso paste often has a brownish color; don’t be surprised by this natural variation.
• This sauce is quite salty, so adjust the miso quantity according to your preference.
• For a dairy-free version, try a miso butter sauce instead of cream, which adds a rich flavor with less heaviness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, as it thickens when cooled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of miso paste?

Yes, you can substitute white miso with yellow or red miso, but keep in mind that stronger misos have a more assertive flavor and saltiness, so adjust the quantity accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian-friendly parmesan cheese and pasta.

Easy Miso Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

This easy miso pasta recipe combines the umami-rich flavor of white miso with a creamy garlic sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that packs a punch of savory goodness.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Vegetarian
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta

Sauce

• 1.5 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1.5 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
• ¾ cup cream
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 40 grams parmesan cheese, very finely grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (or any herb you like)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
2. Prepare the miso mixture: In a small bowl or ramekin, mix the white miso paste with the hot water until smooth. This loosens the miso making it easier to incorporate into the sauce. Set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet suitable for tossing all the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and gently sizzle for about 1 minute, careful not to brown the garlic as it will become bitter.
4. Create the cream sauce: Pour in the cream and add black pepper. Bring to a very gentle simmer—lower the heat so the sauce is barely bubbling. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese in 2 to 3 batches, stirring and letting it melt into the cream before adding more.
5. Incorporate miso and lemon: Add the prepared miso mixture to the cream sauce, whisking thoroughly to combine. Then whisk in the fresh lemon juice quickly. Allow the sauce to gently thicken for 1 to 2 minutes at a very gentle simmer without vigorous bubbling.
6. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly and let it gently bubble for 1 to 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it to a saucy consistency. Cream sauces thicken rapidly off heat, so ensure it is quite saucy in the pan.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves or herbs of your choice. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Miso Flavor Adjustment: If you’re new to miso or unsure about its flavor, start with 1 tablespoon and add more later to taste. White miso paste tends to be brownish in color despite the name.
• Saltiness: This sauce is quite salty due to the miso paste. Adjust the amount of miso used if you prefer a milder salt level.
• Alternative to Cream: For a dairy-free or lighter version, consider using a miso butter variation as noted in the original recipe post, which offers a rich and delicious alternative.

Keywords: miso pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, garlic pasta, vegetarian dinner, umami pasta