I've been making this creamy Nutritional Yeast Pasta over and over again recently because it's insanely quick, I always have the ingredients on hand (pantry pasta extraordinaire) and it’s pretty darn delicious.
The nutritional yeast pasta sauce in this recipe brings together the cheesiness of nutritional yeast, the salty complexity of miso paste, and the richness of butter to create a major umami bomb.
Bonus: This pasta can easily be made vegan by using vegan butter and egg-free pasta.
Why are these nooch noodles so awesome?
So what's the deal with these nooch noodles? It's a super creamy pasta that uses nutritional yeast to create that irresistible cheesy flavor. I love having this recipe in my back pocket for those nights when I need something quick and satisfying that saves me a trip to the grocery store. The combo of nutritional yeast, butter, and miso creates a sauce that's so luscious, it gives Alfredo a run for its money.
- Cheesy Flavor, No Dairy: Nutritional yeast (aka "nooch") is the star here, giving you all that savory, umami goodness.
- Velvety Smoothness: Butter and pasta water team up to make this perfectly creamy.
- Quick & Easy: Ideal for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food ASAP.
It really is the perfect marriage of incredible taste, satisfying texture, and simple ingredients. Once you’ve got this in your repertoire, it’s bound to become a busy weeknight staple.
Meet Your New Best Friend: Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast, often called "nooch," is a deactivated yeast that tastes wonderfully nutty and savory, with a distinct cheesy note. It's super popular in vegan cooking for adding depth and that sought-after umami flavor, but it’s not just for plant based folks! Just a few tablespoons can transform a simple sauce into something truly delightful.
Beyond pasta, nooch is fantastic sprinkled on popcorn and roasted veggies, blended into dressings, or stirred into soups. It’s a versatile ingredient for all types of cooking, not just vegan recipes!
Gather Your Ingredients
Making this nutritional yeast pasta is as simple as raiding your pantry (and fridge door).
- Nutritional Yeast: For that irresistible cheesy, umami flavor.
- Miso Paste: Adds a deep, savory, umami richness to the sauce.
- Butter: Provides a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
- Pasta: Your favorite shape – anything goes!
- Salt: For the pasta water, but practice restraint because miso is quite salty!
With these essentials on hand, you're only a few minutes away from having dinner on the table.
Pasta Shapes That Play Well with Creamy Sauces
The ideal pasta shape can make all the difference in capturing that delicious sauce. Here are some perfect options:
- Fusilli: Spiral shapes that create perfect sauce-catching pockets
- Penne: Ridged tubes that hold sauce both inside and out
- Farfalle: Bow-ties whose folds and pinched centers grip the creamy sauce
- Long Noodles: Spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine offer an elegant, twirl-worthy vehicle for this velvety sauce
Let's Make It! Step-by-Step Guide
Whipping up this creamy pasta is as simple as it gets:
Step 1 - Bring your water to a boil. This recipe serves 1, so I generally boil about 1 litre of water in a medium-sized pot.
Step 2 - Season the water with a pinch of salt (not too much), and add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions.
Step 3 - While your pasta is cooking, make the sauce by mashing together the butter, miso, and nooch in a small bowl. (Sometimes I do this in the bowl I’m planning to eat out of. Less dirty dishes for me!)
Step 4 - When the pasta is cooked, drain it, but be sure to reserve some of the cooking water.
Step 5 - Add the pasta to the nutritional yeast mixture and stir to combine. Add a bit of pasta water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you’ve got a luscious sauce. (It'll probably need between 1-3 teaspoons).
Step 6 - Garnish to your heart’s content, and enjoy! (Keep reading for garnish suggestions.)
Garnish Ideas and Other Variations
Once you've got the basic recipe under control, feel free to play around! This pasta can be customized in endless ways to suit your mood and hunger level.
Add some veggies:
- Broccoli: Steamed florets soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy boost, and even more umami flavor.
- Spinach: Wilted spinach adds color and nutrients.
- Other: Baby bok choy, Swiss chard, broccolini, you name it.
Boost the Protein:
- Chickpeas: Add a satisfying bite and extra fiber.
- Lentils: For a subtle earthiness and protein punch.
- Sausage (or vegan sausage): Crumbled and sautéed, it adds a savory, meaty element.
Flavor Twists:
- Fresh herbs: fresh thyme or basil add a delightful herbal twist.
- Lemon zest and juice: for bright, summery flavor. While this isn't part of the base recipe, I add it often!
- Garlic: Add to the nooch mixture before tossing with the pasta to soften the flavor slightly and remove that raw edge.
Garnish Ideas:
- Black pepper: freshly cracked, right over the top.
- Red pepper flakes: for a gentle kick of heat.
- Toasted sesame seeds: For some added crunch
- Vegan cheese topping: Combine nutritional yeast, toasted nuts, and salt in a food processor for a crumbly topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nutritional yeast, or "nooch," is a deactivated yeast with a savory, cheesy flavor. It's a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential B vitamins, making it a healthy staple in vegan cooking.
Yes! This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove top over low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or plant milk to revive the sauce's creaminess. Avoid high heat to keep it smooth.
If you need to make it ahead, I recommend preparing the sauce components separately and storing them, then cooking fresh pasta when you're ready to eat. This prevents the sauce from thickening too much when cooled.
Kind of! While nutritional yeast has a unique flavor profile, you can try these alternatives:
- Parmesan cheese: If you're not vegan, grated Parmesan provides that umami, savory quality.
- Miso paste: Adding a bit more miso can help compensate for missing nooch (though the flavor will be different).
- Cashew butter: When blended with a bit of garlic powder and salt, it can create a creamy, savory base.
Keep in mind that nutritional yeast has a distinct flavor that's hard to perfectly replicate, but these alternatives can still create a delicious pasta dish!
Yes! Nutritional yeast is naturally gluten-free, making this dish perfect for those with gluten sensitivities when paired with gluten-free pasta. Always check your specific brand's packaging to confirm there's no cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.
Easy! Just swap the butter for your favorite plant-based butter or even a good quality olive oil. Make sure your pasta doesn’t have eggs in it, and you’re in business. The nutritional yeast and miso paste are already vegan, so this switch makes the entire dish plant-based without sacrificing any of that rich, creamy texture.
What Goes Well With This Nutritional Yeast Pasta?
Accompany your nooch noodle experience with these delicious side dish ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Because is there anything better?
- Roasted Veggies: Think seasonal favorites like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing counterpoint with a zesty vinaigrette.
This Creamy Nutritional Yeast Pasta really exemplifies that simplicity doesn’t have to be boring. With its rich flavor, velvety texture, and simple preparation, this pasta is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. I hope you love it!
Looking for More Easy Pasta Recipes?
- Quick Tuna Pasta with Green Beans
- Weeknight Creamy Sausage and Leek Pasta
- Creamy Blue Cheese Pasta Recipe with Lemon and Walnuts
- Life Changing Simple Summer Spaghetti
3-Ingredient Nutritional Yeast Pasta (AKA Nooch Noodles)
Equipment
- Medium sized pot
- serving bowl
- fork
Ingredients
- 100 grams dried pasta
- 1 Tbsp butter or vegan butter, or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp white miso
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes
Optional Extras
- .25 lemon zest and juice so good when stirred in with the sauce!
- 1 clove garlic mash in with the butter etc.
- 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
- cracked black pepper
- sliced green onions (scallions)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, use a fork to mash together the butter, miso, and nutritional yeast in a bowl and set aside. I generally do this in the bowl I plan to eat it in. it doesn't have to be thoroughly mixed at this stage, but it helps to break up the miso and start the mixing process. Now is a good time to add minced garlic if you want to!
- Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water to thin the sauce.
- Add the pasta, along with a teaspoon or so of pasta water to the nutritional yeast mixture and stir until the sauce is smoothly coating the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed. I find I usually need about 1 Tablespoon. Now is the time to add the lemon zest and juice if using.
- Sprinkle with optional garnishes and enjoy!
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