Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta

Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta

This one-pot pasta comes together in minutes, and requires zero prep and minimal cleanup. It builds on the classic combination of pasta, butter and cheese with a spoonful of miso paste for complexity. But you could experiment with using any other condiments or spices you have on hand, such as red pesto, curry paste or ground turmeric in place of the miso. To achieve a silky smooth pasta, you’ll need to put your cacio e pepe skills to work: Vigorously toss the pasta, grated cheese and pasta water together to achieve a properly emulsified sauce. Top with shrimp, edamame, frozen peas or any steamed vegetable. The optional nori or furikake imparts an unexpected flavor of the sea, and it’s worth using if you have it on hand.

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 16 ounces spaghetti

    linguine or bucatini

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons white miso

    or red

  • 4 ounces Parmesan

    finely grated, 1 packed cup

  • Kizami nori

    furikake or thinly sliced seaweed snacks, for garnish, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta water, then drain the pasta.

  2. 2

    Add the butter, miso and 1 1/4 cups pasta water to the pot and whisk over medium heat until miso breaks down and liquid is uniform, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pasta and Parmesan and cook, stirring vigorously with tongs until cheese is melted and sauce emulsifies. (The key word here is “vigorously.” To achieve a silky smooth pasta instead of a gloppy one, put your cacio e pepe skills to work.)

  3. 3

    Divide among shallow bowls and sprinkle with nori or furikake, if using.

Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta

Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta

5.0(12.5k)

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Based on 12,529 ratings

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply satisfying, creamy pasta dish that comes together in a flash? This Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta is your answer, offering rich flavor and minimal cleanup in one delightful package. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something truly special without the fuss.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this pasta apart is its ingenious simplicity and profound depth of flavor. By building on the beloved combination of pasta, butter, and cheese, we introduce a spoonful of miso paste. This secret ingredient adds an incredible layer of umami, transforming a simple dish into something extraordinary. Plus, it's a true one-pot wonder, meaning less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.

What to Expect

Prepare for a luxuriously creamy, savory pasta experience that coats every strand with an irresistible sauce. The butter and Parmesan create a familiar, comforting base, while the miso infuses a complex, slightly nutty, and deeply savory quality that's utterly addictive. To achieve that coveted silky smooth sauce, you'll be putting your cacio e pepe skills to work, vigorously tossing the pasta, grated cheese, and a bit of pasta water to create a perfect emulsification.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. While miso is the star, you can experiment with other bold flavors like red pesto, curry paste, or even ground turmeric to create a completely different yet equally delicious dish. To add substance, top your pasta with cooked shrimp, edamame, frozen peas, or any steamed vegetable you have on hand. For an unexpected flavor of the sea, don't skip the optional kizami nori, furikake, or thinly sliced seaweed snacks as a garnish – they truly elevate the dish.

Serving & Context

This creamy miso pasta is ideal for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner, but it's elegant enough to serve guests. The optional seaweed garnishes provide a beautiful visual and a delightful textural contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions