Fresh Tomato and Miso Butter Pasta Recipe

Fresh Tomato and Miso Butter Pasta is a delicious and umami-packed dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of miso butter with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes. This dish has a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian influences, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.

Fresh Tomato and Miso Butter Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite type)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp white miso paste (or more, to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil (for drizzling, optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

2. Make the Miso Butter Sauce:

• While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
• Stir in the miso paste, mashing it into the butter with the back of a spoon to fully combine.
• Add the halved tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the miso butter sauce and tomatoes. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
• Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. You may not need the full cup, so add it slowly until you reach the desired consistency.

4. Add Cheese and Season:

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss the pasta again, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste (keep in mind that miso is already salty, so adjust carefully).
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

5. Serve:

• Divide the pasta among plates and drizzle with a little olive oil, if desired.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Serve with extra Parmesan on the side.

Tips:

• Miso Variety: White miso (shiro miso) is preferred for this recipe due to its mild, sweet flavor. If you only have red or brown miso, use a smaller amount as they are more intense and salty.
• Extra Flavor: For an even richer dish, you can add a bit of heavy cream or a pat of extra butter to the sauce.
• Protein Addition: If you want to add protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would pair wonderfully with the miso-tomato sauce.

Summary:

This Fresh Tomato and Miso Butter Pasta is an easy and flavorful dish that merges the deep umami of miso with the bright sweetness of fresh tomatoes, creating a rich, savory sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s full of unique, comforting flavors.