Imagine a pasta recipe that will completely transform your dinner routine with an unexpected twist of umami and freshness. This Parsley Miso Pesto Pasta is not just another boring pasta dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines the vibrant green goodness of fresh parsley with the rich, complex flavor of miso, creating a sauce so delicious it'll make your taste buds dance with excitement. In just 25 minutes, you can elevate your weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent, impressing both yourself and your dinner guests with this innovative and incredibly easy-to-make recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup miso paste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh parsley, miso paste, garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse until roughly chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant green sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add the parsley miso pesto and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
- Optional: For added texture, toast additional pine nuts and sprinkle on top before serving.
Tips
- Use high-quality miso paste for the best flavor – white or yellow miso works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Toast your pine nuts before adding them to the pesto for an extra layer of nutty depth.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial – its starchy nature helps the sauce cling perfectly to the pasta.
- For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
- Fresh parsley is key – avoid dried parsley to maintain the vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta – al dente texture is essential for the best mouthfeel.
- If you're not a fan of pine nuts, try substituting with walnuts or almonds for a different twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
