If you’re searching for a dish that delivers cozy comfort with an exciting twist, then you are going to fall in love with this Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe. It blends luscious creaminess with the umami depth of miso and earthy mushrooms, creating a pasta experience that’s both rich and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet impressive, combining simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward pantry and fridge staples, each playing a vital role in building the dish’s delicious layers. From the tender mushrooms to the silky cream and savory miso paste, these ingredients come together to create a harmony of textures and flavors you’ll adore.
- 8 oz pasta: Choose spaghetti, fettuccine, or your personal favorite to form the hearty base of the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and gentle foundation for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a fragrant punch that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced: Cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully, offering earthiness and a meaty texture.
- 1 tbsp white miso paste: Delivers savory umami that makes the sauce truly stand out.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth, creamy sauce—use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and balances the creaminess with a dash of saltiness.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that lifts the entire sauce.
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil: Infuses the sauce with a delicate, nutty aroma.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for final seasoning adjustments.
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional): Brightens the dish with freshness and a pop of color.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A nutty, salty topping that’s perfect if you’re not dairy-free.
How to Make Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking your pasta al dente is key—it should be tender but still have that slight bite. Drain it well but don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. That starchy liquid is like gold when it comes to adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until they’re fragrant and just softened. This step is crucial because it builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Add your sliced mushrooms to the pan and let them cook down for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the mushrooms to release their moisture and start to caramelize a bit, boosting their natural umami richness in every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate the Miso
Stir in the white miso paste, making sure it dissolves completely. This step coats the mushrooms and onions in savory goodness, setting the stage for the creamy sauce that’s coming next.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, followed by the vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Give everything a good stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce can thicken ever so slightly.
Step 6: Season and Adjust
Taste your sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you find the sauce too thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up to your desired creaminess.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now, add the cooked pasta right into the pan with your beautiful miso mushroom sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every strand of pasta is coated in that irresistible creamy, umami-packed sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Dish it out into bowls and don’t be shy about adding chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. If you enjoy Parmesan cheese, grate some over now for an extra burst of flavor. Grab a fork and savor every bite of this heartwarming Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are brilliant on this dish—their bright flavors and vivid green color elevate the creamy sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory finish that’s hard to resist if you’re not avoiding dairy.
Side Dishes
Pairing this pasta with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables or crusty garlic bread also complement this dish perfectly, adding texture and flavor balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty crunch. Alternatively, try plating with edible flowers or microgreens to impress guests or brighten up a weeknight dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before refrigerating to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and mushroom flavor.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the cream component which can separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within a few days.
Reheating
When reheating, warm your pasta gently on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of broth, cream, or reserved pasta water helps restore the luscious sauce texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can sometimes cause the sauce to become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mushrooms for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms would all bring unique flavors and textures that work wonderfully in this Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the mushroom type.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure your miso paste and soy sauce are vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version!
What kind of miso paste is best to use?
White miso paste is recommended here because it’s mild and slightly sweet, which pairs perfectly with creamy sauces. However, yellow miso can also work if you prefer a slightly earthier taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Just make sure to check that your miso paste is also gluten-free for a fully safe dish.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it a bit longer to reduce or add less broth. To thin it out, stir in reserved pasta cooking water or additional broth slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s perfect for those days when you want something comforting yet flavorful, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own! Cooking this recipe will bring a little extra warmth and joy to your kitchen—bon appétit!
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Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese-inspired, Western pasta)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish combining tender mushrooms sautéed with garlic and onion, blended into a savory miso cream sauce, and tossed with your favorite pasta. This quick and comforting meal features an umami-rich sauce enhanced with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of sesame oil, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
- Add Miso Paste: Stir in the white miso paste, ensuring it dissolves completely and evenly coats the vegetables in the pan.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season Sauce: Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with the creamy miso mushroom sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the pasta into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy miso mushroom pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to make this dish dairy-free.
- Adjust the soy sauce and miso paste quantity based on your preferred saltiness level.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Use cremini mushrooms for a deeper flavor, or button mushrooms for a milder taste.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory topping.
