Easy Miso Pasta Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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