Miso Pasta

This miso pasta is unbelievably rich, creamy, and comforting! Al dente spaghetti meets the umami-rich depth of white miso paste, nutritional yeast, garlic, and vegan butter. This fusion dish is ready in less than 15 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Healthy twist: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy element along with essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B12.
• Quick & easy: This dish is ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you're craving something different without the fuss.
• Customizable: This miso pasta can be made with any type of plant milk or pasta you have on hand. You can even make a gluten-free or low-carb version!

What is miso pasta?

I love using miso paste in traditional dishes, like my gluten-free miso soup, but I also enjoy trying it in new and unique dishes, like this miso pasta recipe. Traditional Italian pasta is blended with the rich, umami flavors of Japanese miso, and believe me, it just works!

Mixed with a few other ingredients, like vegan butter, garlic, nutritional yeast, and plant milk, the sauce is silky-smooth and beautifully coats each strand of spaghetti.

This dish is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, requiring only as much time as it takes to boil pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pasta: I prefer spaghetti or bucatini for the best texture and taste. You can use any variety, including whole wheat, gluten-free, or grain-free options.
• Vegan butter: Adds a smooth, rich flavor and texture to the sauce. Olive oil or flavorless coconut oil can be used as alternatives for lower-sodium options.
• Plant milk: Used to create a creamy pasta sauce. I prefer oat or soy milk for their richness, but almond or cashew milk are good substitutes.
• Garlic paste: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes. Minced fresh garlic or garlic powder can be used if you don’t have garlic paste.
• White miso paste: Provides the umami-rich element central to this dish. I prefer white miso paste for sauces since it has a mild, slightly sweet taste that isn’t overpowering.
• Nutritional yeast: Gives a cheesy flavor in place of Parmesan. If you can’t find nutritional yeast, omit it or use a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese.

How to make miso pasta

• Step 1: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente because the pasta will continue to cook once it’s mixed with the sauce. Don't forget to save ¼ cup of pasta water — this starchy water is the secret to a silky sauce.

• Step 2: While pasta is cooking - In a separate pan, heat vegan butter till the butter is completely melted. Then add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

• Step 3: Mix in the plant milk over the lowest heat till it starts to slightly simmer. Then whisk in the white miso paste, nutritional yeast, and the reserved pasta water. Add salt, if needed.

• Step 4: Give you cooked pasta a quick rise under cold water to prevent sticking. Toss the rinsed pasta in the miso sauce until every strand is nicely coated. The warmth of the sauce will reheat the pasta and help blend the flavors.

• Step 5: Serve your miso pasta recipe hot, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This miso makes such a flavorful lunch or dinner! To bulk it up, try serving it alongside some side dishes like these:

• Semolina bread
• Turkish pide
• Harvest salad
• Turkish flatbread

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftover miso pasta, keep it fresh by following these simple storage and reheating guidelines: 

• Fridge: Store leftover miso pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: It's best not to freeze the finished dish, as the texture of the pasta and sauce will change too much once it has thawed.
• Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of plant milk if the sauce has thickened. Keep stirring until the dish is evenly heated.
• Prep ahead: You can blend the miso sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.

Variations

• Spicy miso pasta: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creamy mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms before the sauce for an earthy flavor.
• Pesto: Mix in a few tablespoons of dairy-free pesto, spinach pesto, or red pepper pesto.
• Tomato: Stir in some tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
• Miso carbonara: Incorporate cooked vegan bacon and black pepper for a miso-infused version of the classic carbonara.

Top tips

• Quality miso: Use high-quality, fresh miso paste from an Asian food market.
• Adjust the consistency: Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need to adjust the sauce's consistency to your liking.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
• Watch the heat: Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent the miso from burning and losing its healthy properties.
• Stir the sauce thoroughly: Make sure the miso and vegan butter are well-incorporated to prevent a grainy texture.

FAQ

More pasta recipes

If you enjoyed this miso pasta recipe, take a peek at some more of my favorite pasta dishes like these:

• Lemon orzo salad: Zesty orzo salad filled with Mediterranean flavors.
• Mushroom couscous: An earthy, hearty, and umami-rich dish ready in 15 minutes.
• Linguine pasta: A simple Italian dish served with a garlic-herb sauce.
• Vegan Baked Pasta: A vegan spin on TikTok’s viral baked pasta recipe.