Easy Miso Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Easy Miso Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that blends the umami of miso with comforting cream and parmesan. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without much effort.

Ingredients
- 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta
- 1.5 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1.5 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 3/4 cup cream
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 40 grams parmesan cheese, very finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (or any herb you like)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water in case you need it later.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the white miso paste with hot water until smooth. This loosens the miso and makes it easier to combine with the cream. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and let it gently sizzle for about a minute, taking care not to brown it.
- Step 4: Add the cream and black pepper to the skillet and bring to a very gentle simmer. Lower the heat slightly so it’s barely bubbling.
- Step 5: Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese in 2 to 3 additions, allowing it to melt fully into the cream before adding more.
- Step 6: Stir in the miso mixture, whisking well to combine everything smoothly.
- Step 7: Add the fresh lemon juice and whisk again. Let the sauce gently thicken for 1 to 2 minutes at a very gentle simmer—avoid too many bubbles.
- Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat and let it gently bubble for a minute or two. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Step 9: Remember that cream sauces thicken quickly once off the heat, so keep the sauce quite saucy when still in the pan.
- Step 10: Serve immediately, topped with fresh rosemary leaves or your preferred herb.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute fresh rosemary with basil, thyme, or parsley based on your taste preference.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of light cream.
- If you want extra umami, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of miso paste?
Yes, but white miso is recommended for its mild flavor. Red or brown miso are stronger and saltier, which may overpower the dish, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta you like will work—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking times based on whether the pasta is fresh or dried.
PrintEasy Miso Pasta Recipe
Easy Miso Pasta is a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional pasta that combines the umami richness of white miso paste with garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese. This quick and simple recipe results in a velvety sauce perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, topped with fresh rosemary for a fragrant finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Ingredients
Pasta
- 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta
Sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1.5 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 3/4 cup cream
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 40 grams parmesan cheese, very finely grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (or any herb of choice)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta in well salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the miso mixture: In a small bowl or ramekin, mix the white miso paste with hot water to loosen the paste, making it easier to incorporate into the cream sauce. Set aside.
- Start the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the finely chopped garlic. Allow it to gently sizzle for about a minute without browning to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add cream and pepper: Pour in the cream and sprinkle in the black pepper. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer, lowering the heat so it is barely bubbling.
- Incorporate parmesan: Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese in 2 to 3 additions, stirring well and allowing it to melt fully into the cream before adding more, creating a smooth, rich sauce.
- Mix in miso paste: Whisk the miso mixture into the sauce thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Add lemon juice: Quickly whisk in fresh lemon juice, then let the sauce gently thicken over very low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring it does not bubble vigorously.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. Let the mixture bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Keep in mind that cream sauces thicken quickly once off heat, so keep the sauce slightly loose and saucy before serving.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh rosemary leaves on top for a fragrant and visually appealing finish.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary or other herbs like thyme or basil for variation.
- White miso paste is milder and sweeter than red miso; adjust type based on preference.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and maintain creaminess.
- Do not let garlic brown in the pan to avoid a bitter taste.
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream, but lighter cream can be substituted for a lower-fat option.
- Parmesan cheese melts best when added gradually; ensure it’s finely grated.
Keywords: Miso pasta, creamy pasta, miso cream sauce, easy pasta recipe, Japanese inspired pasta, garlic pasta, parmesan pasta, quick dinner

