Japanese-Inspired Creamy Miso Ditalini

Featured in: Wham-Worthy Weeknights

This Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini offers a perfect balance of umami and creaminess. The tender ditalini pasta is coated in a smooth miso and soy-infused cream sauce, enhanced with garlic, ginger, and butter. Finished with thinly sliced scallions, toasted sesame oil, and seeds, this dish brings savory depth and a subtle nutty aroma. Easy to prepare and packed with harmonious flavors, it makes a satisfying main dish for any occasion.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:48:00 GMT
Creamy miso ditalini, a bowl of rich pasta coated in velvety sauce, ready to serve with scallions. Save
Creamy miso ditalini, a bowl of rich pasta coated in velvety sauce, ready to serve with scallions. | whambite.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.

This dish quickly became a favorite at home because of its unique flavor and simplicity. It reminds me of cozy family dinners filled with laughter and good food.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 300 g ditalini pasta, salt for pasta water
  • Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger, 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 23 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.
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This recipe has become a staple for our family weekends bringing everyone together around the table to enjoy the unique flavors and warmth it provides.

Notes

Substitute ditalini with small pasta shapes like elbows or orecchiette. For vegan version use plant-based butter and cream. Add sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for extra vegetables. 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.

Textured close-up of Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini, showing the perfectly coated pasta and sesame seeds. Save
Textured close-up of Japanese-inspired creamy miso ditalini, showing the perfectly coated pasta and sesame seeds. | whambite.com

Enjoy this flavorful fusion dish as a quick comforting meal that delights with every bite.

Kitchen Guide

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Ditalini pasta is ideal, but small shapes like elbows or orecchiette can be used as alternatives.

Can I make a vegan version of this dish?

Yes, substitute unsalted butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives to keep it vegan-friendly.

How do scallions and sesame seeds enhance the dish?

Scallions add fresh, mild onion notes while toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty crunch, complementing the creamy sauce.

Is this dish spicy by default?

No, but you can add chili flakes to your preference for a subtle heat boost.

What wine pairs well with creamy miso ditalini?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or sake balance the richness and umami flavors nicely.

Japanese-Inspired Creamy Miso Ditalini

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

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Complete Duration
25 min
Created by Brandon Ellis


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Fusion (Japanese-Italian)

Output 4 Portions

Diet Requirements Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 10.5 oz ditalini pasta
02 Salt, for pasta water

Sauce

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
04 2 tbsp white miso paste
05 1 tbsp soy sauce
06 ¾ cup heavy cream
07 ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Finish & Garnish

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

Method

Phase 01

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ditalini until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 03

Incorporate Miso and Soy: Stir in white miso paste and soy sauce, blending thoroughly with the aromatics.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce as needed.

Phase 06

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Introduce cooked ditalini to the skillet, tossing until each piece is evenly coated with the creamy miso sauce.

Phase 07

Finish with Sesame Oil: Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle toasted sesame oil over the pasta and toss gently to incorporate.

Phase 08

Garnish and Serve: Plate immediately. Sprinkle with thinly sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and freshly ground black pepper. Add chili flakes to taste, if using.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Guide

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, soy, and sesame. Verify labels for potential hidden allergens.

Nutrient Breakdown (per portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 450
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Proteins: 11 g