Tomato Miso Pasta with Chili Oil
Imagine a dish that marries the rich umami of miso with the fresh, tangy burst of cherry tomatoes; all brought together in a silky pasta. Tomato miso pasta with chili oil is a unique fusion that elevates a simple pasta dish into a gourmet experience.
For the pasta, spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine will all work perfectly. The long, twirlable strands are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce and ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of all the ingredients.
Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved to release their juices, provide a fresh, sweet contrast to the savory notes of the dish. These little bursts of flavor add a delightful pop of color and freshness. Garlic, minced finely, is sautéed in olive oil, releasing its aromatic goodness and forming the base of the sauce.
White miso paste and soy sauce are the umami powerhouses in this recipe. The miso paste brings a deep, savory flavor that is slightly sweet and salty, while the soy sauce adds an extra layer of complexity and enhances the overall taste profile.
Grated Parmesan cheese is incorporated to add a creamy, nutty element that balances the tanginess of the tomatoes and the umami of the miso and soy sauce.
Chili oil, adjustable to your taste, infuses the dish with a gentle heat that lingers and complements the other flavors beautifully. It adds a fiery kick that makes the dish even more intriguing. Finally, fresh basil leaves are used for garnish, providing a fragrant, herbal note that ties all the flavors together and adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
The first bite is an explosion of flavors. The perfectly cooked pasta serves as the ideal vehicle for the sauce, which is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy. The tomatoes provide a juicy freshness that cuts through the richness of the miso and Parmesan, while the garlic adds depth and warmth. Tomato miso pasta with chili oil is a dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients brought together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner or serving it to impress guests, this pasta dish is sure to delight and satisfy.
Tomato Miso Pasta with Chili Oil
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1-pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
- fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook until they start to blister and burst, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in miso paste and soy sauce, then add reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and drizzle with chili oil. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
