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Easy Miso Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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