Save A fusion pasta dish combining the umami richness of miso with creamy sauce and the comforting bite of ditalini, finished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
This dish perfectly balances Japanese and Italian elements, becoming a quick family favorite whenever I want something hearty yet unique.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g ditalini pasta, salt for pasta water
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon ginger finely grated, 2 tablespoons white miso paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 200 ml heavy cream, 60 ml reserved pasta water
- Finish & Garnish: 3 scallions thinly sliced, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, freshly ground black pepper to taste, optional chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 60 ml (¼ cup) of pasta water then drain.
- Step 2:
- While pasta cooks melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Stir in miso paste and soy sauce incorporating well.
- Step 4:
- Pour in heavy cream stirring until smooth and slightly thickened about 2 3 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Step 6:
- Add cooked ditalini to the skillet tossing to coat evenly in the creamy miso sauce.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss again.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately garnished with scallions toasted sesame seeds and black pepper. Add chili flakes if desired.
Save My family loves gathering around this dish enjoying the rich flavors and quick preparation together especially on busy weeknights.
Notes
Add sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for extra vegetables. Pairs well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sake.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, measuring cups and spoons, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, soy, and sesame. Check all labels for hidden allergens if unsure.
Save This creamy miso ditalini is a perfect weeknight meal bringing fusion flavors with simplicity and speed.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Ditalini pasta is ideal due to its small size and ability to hold sauce well. Small pasta shapes like elbows or orecchiette can also be substituted.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace unsalted butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut cream or cashew cream.
- → What adds the umami flavor in this dish?
White miso paste combined with soy sauce delivers a rich umami depth, perfectly balanced by garlic and ginger.
- → Can I add vegetables for extra nutrition?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach can be stirred in to increase vegetable content and enhance texture.
- → What garnish complements the flavors here?
Thinly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds add freshness and nuttiness, while sesame oil heightens the aroma.