Creamy Miso Pasta Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

This 30-minute creamy miso pasta is simply the best. Packed with a savory white miso paste, garlic, and crunchy pecans, this easy vegan pasta makes a perfect recipe for busy weeknights.

Miso pasta is a fantastic option for those nights when you want to whip up something quick and tasty. It’s a simple dish that packs a big flavor punch. With ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and white miso paste, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish right in your own kitchen.

The best part? It is the use of plant-based butter and nutritional yeast. This adds a creamy, cheesy dimension to the pasta, making it even more satisfying. Trust me, this luxurious vegan miso pasta is my latest favorite recipe that comes together quickly and easily and perfect for lunch or dinner.

And if you’re looking for another recipe that let the umami flavor of miso paste shine, you’ll love my miso soup. It has a rich savory taste you’ll love!

Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious miso pasta recipe today!

Jump to:

• What is Miso Pasta?
• Why This Is The Best Miso Pasta Recipe 
• What You Need to Make Miso Pasta At Home
• How to Make Miso Pasta Step by Step
• Tips For Making the Best Miso Pasta
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variation Ideas for Miso Pasta
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• How to Store Leftover Miso Pasta
• Similar Recipes
• Recipe

What is Miso Pasta?

Miso pasta is a fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, which results in a unique and savory pasta dish. 

The recipe primarily consists of spaghetti or any other type of pasta, tossed in a sauce made from white miso paste, garlic, butter, and various other ingredients. The umami-rich miso paste lends a distinct flavor profile to the pasta, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting.

And this is not just any miso pasta recipe - it’s a vegan miso pasta that is packed with flavor, good for you, and quick and easy to make! 30-minute meals are the best kind of dinners, and this one tops the list!

Why This Is The Best Miso Pasta Recipe 

• Easy to make: This miso pasta recipe is simple and straightforward. Just a few steps and you have a delicious pasta dish. 
• Quick: You can have this creamy miso pasta ready to serve in just 30 minutes. It is the perfect solution for weeknights when you want a hearty meal but don't have a lot of time.
• Family Favorite: With its savory white miso paste, garlic, and crunchy pecans, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The umami flavor from the miso and the tang from the lemon juice create a taste that is both unique and delicious.
• Versatile: This miso pasta recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. You can switch up the nuts, use gluten-free pasta, or even add some veggies for extra nutrition.

What You Need to Make Miso Pasta At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious miso pasta recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

• Rigatoni Pasta: The main ingredient of our miso pasta recipe, Rigatoni is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, giving each bite a burst of flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish, bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the garlic, olive oil adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Garlic: Smashed garlic infuses the oil with its strong, aromatic flavor, adding depth to the sauce.
• Pecans: It adds a delightful crunch to the dish, complimenting the creamy texture of the pasta. If you don't have them, substitute with the same amount of Walnuts
• Tomato Paste: This brings a tangy sweetness that balances the savory taste of the miso.
• White Miso Paste: The heart of this dish, white miso paste gives the pasta its unique, savory-umami flavor. There are many varieties out there, but in this recipe I specifically use white Miso paste. It's my literally go-to ingredient for every recipe. It has a bold umami flavor and works perfectly in pesto. I usually buy Organic Miso by Hikari Miso on Amazon. However, Kroger sells it too.

Flavor Enhancers:

• Adobo Sauce: Adds a slightly spicy and smoky kick to the pasta, enhancing the complexity of the flavor profile. If you don't have it, skip it and substitute with ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity to brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Plant-Based Butter: Gives the dish a beautiful buttery flavor and creamy texture. A great vegan alternative to regular butter.
• Nutritional Yeast: This is a cheese substitute that adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the pasta, making it even more delicious.

How to Make Miso Pasta Step by Step

Making this incredible miso pasta recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:

1. Start off by cooking your pasta: fill a medium or large pot with slightly salted water, add Rigatoni and cook on a medium-low heat until pasta is cooked, about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid.

2. Next, make miso pesto: in a medium skillet combine olive oil, Pecans and garlic. Saute stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Discard the garlic and stir in tomato paste and Miso paste.

Saute stirring constantly for 2 more minutes and remove from the heat.

3. Now, add content of a skillet to a blender along with lemon juice and Adobo sauce. Process pesto stopping the blender from time to time to scrape the sides of a blender.

Make sure the Pesto ingredients are well combined and if it looks too dry, add a little more olive oil, a few tablespoons at a time.

4. Transfer cooked pasta into a large bowl along with plant-based butter, Miso pesto, ¼ cup of pasta cooking water and nutritional yeast. Toss pasta vigorously until well combined.

If needed, add more pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce. Serve Miso pasta immediately.

Tips For Making the Best Miso Pasta

• Choose the Right Pasta: Rigatoni pasta is great for this miso pasta recipe, as it holds the sauce well. However, spaghetti or other noodles could work too, just be sure to follow the package instructions for an al dente texture.
• Utilize Pasta Water: Don't discard all the pasta water after boiling your pasta. Reserve a cup of pasta water as it helps to create a creamy sauce when tossed with the pasta and miso pesto.
• Properly Blend the Pesto: Make sure that all pesto ingredients are well combined in the blender. If it is too dry, add more olive oil gradually. A well-blended pesto will coat your pasta evenly, enhancing every bite.
• Stirring is Key: Stir your pasta and miso pesto vigorously in a large bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the sauce and infuse the pasta with the robust flavors of the miso pesto.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Finally, consider sprinkling some nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and texture. Green onions or furikake seasoning could also add a nice touch.

Serving Suggestions

• This Miso Pasta dish is a great option for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Pair it with a light, crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a complete, balanced meal.
• For a hearty brunch, serve this creamy miso pasta with a side of garlic focaccia. The garlic flavor complements the umami taste of the miso and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
• If you're a fan of heat, add a sprinkle of chili flakes to your spicy miso pasta. The heat from the chili flakes will elevate the flavors and give your pasta an exciting twist.
• If you're hosting a dinner party, serve this miso pasta as the main course along with a side of roasted vegetables. The earthiness of the vegetables will complement the umami flavor of the pasta beautifully.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles in your miso pasta recipe. You can still enjoy the creamy, umami-packed goodness of this dish without worrying about gluten.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Miso Pasta

This delicious miso pasta recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

• Mushrooms: For a deeper, more complex flavor, try adding shiitake mushrooms to your miso pasta. Saute them in a large skillet with some garlic and olive oil until they're golden and fragrant. The mushrooms will add an earthy umami taste that compliments the miso beautifully.
• Spicy: If you like your pasta with a bit of a kick, try turning this into a spicy miso pasta recipe. Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or top your finished dish with a sprinkle for a spicy twist.
• Add Greens: Adding green onions or other fresh herbs to the dish can bring a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Toss them in at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant. This variation not only enhances the taste but also makes your pasta dish more visually appealing.
• Cheese: If you’re not following a vegan diet, feel free to add your favorite cheese on top instead of the nutritional yeast. Parmesan cheese is a classic pasta topping, but don't be afraid to experiment with other types. A sprinkle of pecorino or a handful of mozzarella can change up the flavor and texture of your miso pasta in delightful ways.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How to Store Leftover Miso Pasta

• Refrigerate: To store your leftover miso pasta in the fridge, first let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the pasta in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheat: When you're ready to savor it again, reheating is a cinch. Transfer the pasta to a large skillet and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally to guarantee even heating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of pasta water. 
• Freezing: While pasta can generally be frozen, this particular miso pasta recipe may not be the best candidate for freezing due to its creamy sauce. The texture of the sauce might change once thawed, losing its original creamy consistency.

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