The first time I made miso pasta, it was purely an experiment. I had some miso paste leftover from a Japanese soup I’d made earlier in the week, and a craving for something comforting like pasta. Combining the two wasn’t something I planned—it just happened. But as soon as the earthy miso sauce met the creamy pasta and sautéed mushrooms, I knew I’d stumbled upon something special. The umami flavors of the miso and the richness of the pasta blended perfectly, creating a dish that felt both familiar and entirely new. Since then, miso pasta has become a regular in my kitchen—a go-to recipe for when I want something quick, flavorful, and just a little different.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Miso Pasta
Miso pasta is a unique and flavorful twist on classic pasta recipes. The creamy miso sauce wraps every bite of pasta in a savory umami richness, complemented by the earthy taste of sautéed mushrooms and fragrant garlic. It’s quick to make, taking just 25 minutes, and is versatile enough for both casual dinners and elegant occasions. Plus, it’s a dish that can easily be adjusted to suit dietary preferences, making it an easy win for vegetarians, pasta lovers, and anyone seeking bold flavors in their meals.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added nuttiness)
For the Pasta:
- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, button, or cremini)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Kitchen Tool Suggestions:
- A large skillet for sautéing garlic and mushrooms (Get it here).
- A nonstick saucepan to toss the pasta perfectly (Buy it here).
- Sharp knives for slicing mushrooms and garlic (Check it out).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Miso Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Miso Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, heavy cream, soy sauce, sesame oil, and reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour the miso sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with sliced green onions and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich, umami-packed flavors at their best.
Conclusion
This creamy miso pasta is the perfect combination of comforting pasta and bold Japanese flavors. The creamy miso sauce and sautéed mushrooms create a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
FAQs about Miso pasta
Yes, but use it sparingly, as red miso has a stronger, saltier flavor.
Shiitake mushrooms are ideal for their deep umami flavor, but cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully too.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan option.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
Calories420
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
- Total Carbohydrate
55g
19%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Protein 12g 24%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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servings10
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minutesIngredients
- For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons white miso paste
1/4 cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for a vegan option)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added nuttiness)
- For the Pasta:
200g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, button, or cremini)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and golden brown.
- Prepare the Miso Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, heavy cream, soy sauce, sesame oil, and reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms. Pour the miso sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with sliced green onions and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich, umami-packed flavors at their best.
Notes
- – Use fresh pasta if available for a softer, more luxurious texture.
– Adjust the saltiness by tasting the sauce as you go—miso and soy sauce can vary in salt content.
– Add a touch of chili flakes for spice or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.