5-Ingredient Miso Broccoli Orecchiette Recipe
Introduction
This 5-ingredient Miso Broccoli Orecchiette is a simple yet flavorful pasta dish that combines tender broccoli with a creamy miso sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings a delightful umami twist to your usual pasta routine.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into small florets, stalk trimmed and finely diced
- 500g (1 lb) orecchiette
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
- 2 tbsp white or ‘shiro’ miso paste
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the broccoli in boiling water for 5 minutes or until soft. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Bring the same water back to a boil and salt it for your pasta. Add the orecchiette and cook according to packet instructions. When the pasta is al dente, scoop up 1½ cups of pasta cooking liquid and set aside. Drain the orecchiette into a sieve or colander and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat the oil in a large deep sauté or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the miso paste and a ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Mix with a wooden spoon until the miso has almost dissolved.
- Step 4: Add the broccoli to the pan and use the back of the spoon to crush it roughly. Now add the pasta and the remaining pasta cooking liquid. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes or until the pasta water forms a thick ‘creamy’ sauce. Stir through the parmesan.
- Step 5: Divide among serving plates, drizzle with extra olive oil and a little more parmesan, then tuck in.
Tips & Variations
- Use white or ‘shiro’ miso for a milder flavor; red miso can be substituted for a stronger, earthier taste.
- If you like some heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving.
- For a vegan option, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast and ensure miso paste is vegan-friendly.
- Reserve some pasta water carefully; it’s key to achieving that creamy sauce texture.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of orecchiette?
Yes, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
What does miso paste add to this dish?
Miso paste adds a rich umami flavor and slight saltiness, enhancing the overall taste and creating a creamy texture when combined with pasta water and oil.
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5-Ingredient Miso Broccoli Orecchiette Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful 5-ingredient Miso Broccoli Orecchiette recipe featuring tender broccoli, miso-infused sauce, and parmesan cheese. This dish combines easy-to-find ingredients into a creamy, savory pasta that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head of broccoli, cut into small florets, stalk trimmed and finely diced
Pasta
- 500g (1 lb) orecchiette
Other
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
- 2 tbsp white or ‘shiro’ miso paste
- 1 cup finely grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
Instructions
- Cook the broccoli: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets and diced stalk for 5 minutes or until soft. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to transfer the broccoli to a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Return the boiling water to the pot and salt it generously. Add the orecchiette and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, scoop out 1½ cups of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta using a colander.
- Prepare the miso sauce: Heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large deep sauté or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of white or shiro miso paste and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the miso dissolves almost completely.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked broccoli to the pan and use the back of the spoon to roughly crush it. Then add the drained pasta and the remaining pasta cooking water. Cook while stirring for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the pasta water to thicken into a creamy sauce.
- Finish the dish: Stir in 1 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Divide the pasta among serving plates, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with additional parmesan to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- This dish uses white or ‘shiro’ miso paste for a milder flavor, but you can experiment with red miso for a deeper taste.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water added to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Extra grated parmesan and olive oil add richness and can be adjusted based on taste preference.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to retain some texture.
- If you want a vegetarian option, ensure the parmesan is made without animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Japanese Fusion
Keywords: Miso broccoli orecchiette, 5-ingredient pasta, easy dinner, miso pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta
