Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta: Super Simple Pasta Tons of Umami Flavor
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that’s packed with umami? This creamy miso mushroom pasta is your go-to dish.
With rich, earthy mushrooms, a savory miso sauce, and a creamy finish, this simple yet satisfying recipe will become a weeknight favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of Japanese-inspired flavors, this creamy miso mushroom pasta will hit the spot. The miso adds a deep umami flavor, while the creamy sauce ties everything together, making this dish comforting yet light.
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Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients!
This dish combines the best of both worlds: umami-rich miso and the heartiness of mushrooms, all coated in a silky, creamy sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 200g pasta (spaghetti or your favorite type)
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, cremini, or white button mushrooms)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta
This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes to make. Here’s how you can whip up this flavor-packed pasta:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, saving about a cup of the pasta water.
This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and bind everything together later.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan in a single layer, allowing them to brown properly.
Stir occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mushrooms have shrunk and released their moisture. They should become golden and tender, with a caramelized edge for extra flavor.
The key here is to cook the mushrooms well, allowing them to release their natural juices and concentrate their flavor. If you find that the mushrooms are sticking to the pan, you can add a little more oil or a splash of water to deglaze.
Step 3: Prepare the Miso Sauce
Once the mushrooms are golden and aromatic, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Next, pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and miso paste.
Stir everything together until the miso paste dissolves completely, creating a smooth sauce.
Let the mixture simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. The miso will add a rich, savory depth to the broth, and the garlic will bring a layer of warmth to the sauce. The goal is to allow the flavors to meld together as the sauce reduces slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Once the miso broth has simmered, it’s time to add the cream. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The cream will create a luscious, velvety texture that balances out the salty miso. Keep the heat low so the cream doesn’t curdle.
Simmer the sauce for another 3 to 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
For extra flavor, you can add a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy miso sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure each strand is coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve a smoother, silkier consistency.
The starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta, giving it that perfect creamy texture.
At this stage, you can adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt or more black pepper, depending on your preference. Keep stirring for another 2 minutes to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is well-coated and everything is nicely incorporated, serve the dish immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, if you like. This will add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Why Miso Is the Secret to Flavor
Miso is a fermented soybean paste that’s commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Known for its rich, umami flavor, miso is the perfect ingredient to elevate simple dishes like pasta. It adds a savory depth to sauces, soups, and marinades, making it a must-have in your pantry.
The unique flavor of miso comes from its fermentation process, which creates a depth of taste similar to that of aged cheese or soy sauce. It’s this umami flavor that will bring your creamy pasta sauce to life.
Tips and Variations
- Mushrooms: Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms for varied textures and flavors. Mushrooms are great at absorbing flavors and adding richness to the sauce.
- Vegan Version: Make this dish vegan by using coconut cream or almond milk and ensuring that the soy sauce is gluten-free.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make the dish even more nutritious. You can sauté them with the mushrooms or toss them in when combining the pasta and sauce.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. This will give your dish a delightful kick and balance the richness of the sauce.
Not Your Ordinary Pasta
This creamy miso mushroom pasta is the perfect dish to add to your weekly dinner rotation. It’s comforting, flavorful, and quick to make, and the miso sauce will leave your taste buds craving more.
So next time you’re looking for a pasta that’s anything but ordinary, give this recipe a try. Your family and friends will love it!
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Source: Marion's Kitchen
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