Description
Creamy Miso Mushroom Pasta is a rich and savory dish that combines earthy mushrooms with the umami depth of miso, all coated in a smooth and velvety cream sauce. This comforting and easy-to-make pasta is perfect for vegetarians and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, making it an ideal meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Mushrooms and Aromatics
- 8 oz cremini or shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Sauce
- 2 tbsp miso paste (white or red)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
- Reserved pasta water, as needed (about 1/4 cup)
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Garnishes (Optional)
- Parmesan or vegan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water; set both aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Make the Miso Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the miso paste with a splash of the warm reserved pasta water to dissolve it. Pour this mixture into the skillet with mushrooms, then add the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand in the mushroom miso cream sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen and enhance the silkiness of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives and grated parmesan or vegan cheese if using. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest and most delicious.
Notes
- Choose quality miso for best flavor; white miso is milder, red miso is stronger.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing mushrooms to ensure caramelization instead of steaming.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Add cream gradually and taste to balance the richness to your preference.
- Fresh herbs add brightness and help cut through the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg