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–+ servings

Pumpkin Miso Pasta

5 from 1 vote
This 5-ingredient pasta is creamy, vegan, simple and delicious. It's the perfect mix of fall comfort with savory, umami miso. It's a quick dinner or a weekend comfort food, and can be put together in minutes.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion, Italian, Japanese
Keyword: dinner, miso, pasta, pumpkin
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dried pasta of choice
  • 2 tbsp salt or more as needed
  • 6 ounces canned pumpkin purée 1/2 of a can
  • 3 tbsp white miso paste
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes less if you are spice-sensitive
  • 1 cup plant-based milk of choice unflavored and unsweetened

Optional breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary

Instructions

For the breadcrumbs

  • If you are opting to add the breadcrumbs, begin by preparing them first. Pulse the panko, sage, fennel and rosemary in a food processor until you have an even breadcrumb consistency.
  • Toast the breadcrumbs either on the stovetop or under your oven's broiler for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden. Set to the side.

For the pasta

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt to the pasta water, then the pasta. Boil until al dente, for most pastas this is about 7 minutes.
  • While the pasta is boiling, bring a skillet to medium heat. Add the pumpkin, miso paste and red pepper flakes to the pan. Immediately begin to mix the ingredients together.
  • About 1/4 cup at a time, gradually add the milk to the pan, stirring constantly so that all of the ingredients meld together. During this time you are cooking the "raw" flavor out of the pumpkin, while simultaneously bringing out the umami flavor of the miso. Cook this mixture on the stove for about 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • When you see the sauce start to thicken and reduce, turn off the heat source but keep the pan on the stove.
  • When your pasta is done boiling, reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the rest.
  • Add the pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Mix to combine, then using 1 tbsp at a time, gradually add in the pasta water. You might not need all of the water, so just add until you think the sauce is smooth, glossy, and coating the pasta.
  • Top with the breadcrumbs and serve warm!