Creamy Miso Pasta Recipe

This savory and oh-so-creamy miso pasta makes a dreamy, simple weeknight meal. While miso may not be everyone’s first thought for a prime pasta ingredient, trust me, it is a game-changer.

Miso pasta is not only delicious but nutritious, thanks to our star umami ingredient. The paste boasts a myriad of health benefits, including gut-healthy probiotics. It is a stellar alternative to milk or heavy-cream based sauces.

With that in mind, I hope that you are willing to give this creamy miso pasta recipe a try!

Why You Will Love This Creamy Miso Pasta

Comforting, easy-to-make dinner option.
Features a silky-smooth sauce and perfectly al dente pasta noodles.
It is very filling and customizable with your preferred proteins.
The miso paste has a pungent, umami flavor that pairs exceptionally with the citrusy lemon juice.

Ingredients You Will Need to Make Creamy Miso Pasta

1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
1 package spaghetti or bucatini
2 tbsp white miso paste
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups pasta water
1/2 lemon juiced
1 cup parmesan cheese
black pepper

Zite N°10 Pasta Shape

When I shared this creamy miso pasta recipe on Tik Tok, I received numerous comments regarding this pasta shape. This unique noodle is called Zite N°10, and is best known for being served at wedding breakfasts in Italy. You can score a box of these pasta noodles online or at your local Italian supermarket.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca0dB0lA5vN/

How To Make Creamy Miso Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to box instructions. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta water.

2. Heat a large saucepan over med-high heat. Add olive oil to a pan and add in 1 tbsp butter, garlic, and shallots. Cook until soft 3-4 minutes. Add in the remainder of butter and lemon juice. Once melted, add in miso paste and pasta water (1/2 cup at a time). Mix together until the miso is softened and combined.

3. Bring to low heat and let the sauce simmer. Add in 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Mix together until combined.

4. Add pasta to the saucepan and toss it together until all noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thin, combine cornstarch and water separately and add to the mixture. Add 1 tbsp of butter to the pasta and parmesan cheese. Mix well.

5. Plate pasta and top with parmesan cheese and black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Recipe Success

If the pasta sauce appears too thin or watery, I like to combine in a separate bowl two tablespoons of cornstarch and one tablespoon of water and add the “cornstarch slurry” to the mixture. The slurry should thicken the sauce without overpowering or compromising the taste.
You can incorporate additional protein in this recipe, particularly chicken, seafood, or tofu. Several vegetables also pair well with miso flavors, including asparagus, peas, and mushrooms.
The miso paste may be prepared up to three days in advance, although I suggest preparing it on the day you cook.
You can garnish your pasta with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning to further elevate the miso pasta’s umami flavors.

Storage & Reheating Suggestions

Leftover creamy miso pasta will keep in the refrigerator for approximately three days. We do not suggest freezing leftover cooked pasta. However, the miso paste can be stored in the freezer safely for up to six months.

The best way to reheat your leftover pasta is on the stovetop using a frying pan at low heat. Add olive oil and a splash of water to the pan before putting the pasta in to prevent sticking. Then, stir and cook the pasta until it is warmed completely. You may even leave your pasta in the pan a little longer, allowing it to develop a slightly crunchy texture that pairs delightfully with the silky miso-based sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Miso Pasta

Why miso paste?

Miso paste boasts a rich, umami flavor. It pairs perfectly with savory meals like this creamy miso pasta. Furthermore, miso paste may be reused in other future recipes, from marinades to sizzling soups.

Can I use different pasta noodles?

I tend to prefer longer, stringier pasta shapes for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever shape of pasta you have stored in your pantry.

Find the recipe below, and let me know what you think in the comments!