Hidden Miso Pasta with Golden Broth

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta dish where miso paste is 'hidden' in the sauce until revealed by a final swirl, creating a rich umami depth. This japanese-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Spaghetti, White miso paste, Sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp white miso paste, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tbsp soy sauce until smooth; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 cups dashi stock in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering (do not boil), then stir in the miso mixture until fully dissolved and the broth turns golden.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the saucepan with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing gently for 1 minute until the sauce clings to the strands and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Divide into bowls, top with 3 tbsp sliced green onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Miso Pasta with Golden Broth take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hidden Miso Pasta with Golden Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Miso Pasta with Golden Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hidden Miso Pasta with Golden Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hidden Miso Pasta with Golden Broth?

Japanese pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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