Japanese-Inspired Creamy Miso Ditalini

Featured in: Everyday Family Meals

This dish unites the savory depth of white miso with a rich, creamy sauce coating tender ditalini pasta. Aromatic garlic and ginger are sautéed in butter before melding with miso and soy sauce, then enriched with heavy cream and reserved pasta water for a silky texture. Tossed with scallions, toasted sesame oil, and seeds, it offers comforting umami flavors with a delicate crunch. Easily adaptable, it suits vegan preferences and pairs beautifully with crisp white wines or sake, making it a quick, satisfying fusion meal.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:01:00 GMT
Steaming Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini, a fusion of pasta, miso, and rich cream for dinner. Save to Pinterest
Steaming Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini, a fusion of pasta, miso, and rich cream for dinner. | recipesbies.com

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.

I first served this creamy miso ditalini to my friends and family and they raved about its unique fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors making it a comforting yet exciting meal.

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
Close-up of luscious Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini, garnished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of luscious Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini, garnished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds. | recipesbies.com

This dish is a family favorite and always brings us together at the dinner table to enjoy the comforting flavors and share stories.

Notes

Substitute ditalini with small pasta shapes like elbows or orecchiette. For a vegan version use plant-based butter and cream. Adding sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach can boost the vegetable content. 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

Velvety smooth, creamy miso ditalini, a delicious vegetarian main dish with a Japanese flavor twist. Save to Pinterest
Velvety smooth, creamy miso ditalini, a delicious vegetarian main dish with a Japanese flavor twist. | recipesbies.com

Enjoy this creamy miso ditalini as a quick weeknight meal or a special fusion dinner that impresses every time.

Answers to Recipe Questions

What pasta works well as a substitute for ditalini?

Small pasta shapes like elbows or orecchiette can replace ditalini, providing similar bite and sauce retention.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives while keeping the other ingredients the same to maintain the creamy texture and flavor.

What role do scallions and toasted sesame seeds play?

Scallions add a fresh, mild onion flavor, while toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty crunch that enhances the dish's texture and aroma.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach make great additions without overpowering the creamy miso sauce.

What beverages pair well with this fusion pasta?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or traditional sake complement the umami and creamy notes beautifully.

Japanese-Inspired Creamy Miso Ditalini

Fusion pasta featuring creamy miso sauce, ditalini pasta, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Prep duration
10 mins
Time to cook
15 mins
Overall time
25 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Fusion (Japanese-Italian)

Serves 4 Serving size

Dietary Details No meat included

What you need

Pasta

01 10.6 oz ditalini pasta
02 Salt, for pasta water

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
04 2 tablespoons white miso paste
05 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 3/4 cup heavy cream
07 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Finish & Garnish

01 3 scallions, thinly sliced
02 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
03 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
04 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 Optional: chili flakes, for heat

How to Make It

Step 01

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Prepare aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate miso and soy sauce: Stir in white miso paste and soy sauce until fully combined.

Step 04

Add cream: Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 05

Adjust sauce consistency: Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.

Step 06

Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked ditalini to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy miso sauce.

Step 07

Finish with sesame oil: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle toasted sesame oil over the pasta, and toss gently to incorporate.

Step 08

Serve and garnish: Plate immediately, garnishing with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and freshly ground black pepper. Add chili flakes if desired.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, soy, and sesame. Verify labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 450
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein content: 11 g