If you have been craving something that perfectly marries the bold heat of Korean flavors with the comforting richness of Italian pasta, look no further than this Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together silky creaminess and spicy umami in a way that’s both exciting and soothing, making it an instant favorite for anyone who loves a little adventurous twist in their weeknight dinner. With just the right balance of chili paste, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers layers of flavor that will make you want to savor every bite again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each is essential to creating that perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, and savory notes. They come together to create a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, delivering rich taste with a kick of heat and texture from the toppings.
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose a shape that holds sauce well to soak up every tasty drop.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds depth and richness while sautéing the garlic.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings smooth creaminess and melds flavors together.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fragrant aromatic base with sharp pungency.
- 1/4 cup gochujang Korean chili paste: The star ingredient giving spicy heat and savory complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Extra heat if you like things on the fiery side.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that drapes the pasta.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens the sauce slightly while keeping it ultra creamy.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami punch and subtle nuttiness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Boosts savory depth and balances the spice.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A hint of sweetness to mellow the chili paste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and elevates all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and slight bite.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Fresh crunch and vibrant color on top.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Nutty flavor and wonderful texture contrast.
How to Make Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your choice of pasta until al dente—tender but still firm when bitten. Reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water is key because this liquid will help you perfect the sauce’s texture later. Once done, drain the pasta but keep that magic water aside!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. This step awakens the flavors that set the tone for your sauce.
Step 3: Add the Heat
Stir in the gochujang Korean chili paste along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for about a minute, allowing the chili paste to deepen in flavor and release its vibrant aroma. This quick toasting process really transforms the paste into a complex, smoky addition.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just a bit, coating your spoon with a silky texture that promises indulgence.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Add the Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly until everything blends together into a smooth, rich, and creamy sauce. Then, toss in the cooked pasta and gently combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if your sauce feels too thick. This step ensures every noodle is luxuriously coated with spicy creaminess.
Step 6: Final Touches
Let the pasta cook in the sauce for another minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully and the dish heats evenly. It’s now ready to be plated and garnished for that eye-catching finish.
How to Serve Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These little touches add fresh bursts of flavor and a pleasant crunch that contrast perfectly with the creamy pasta, making every forkful exciting.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Think crisp cucumber salad or a simple garlic sautéed spinach. The refreshing greens balance out the richness of the Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with an extra drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts for texture variation. You can even garnish with a soft-boiled egg to add richness and a nicely runny yolk that blends into the sauce like magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy gochujang pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely overnight, making your reheated meal just as delicious.
Freezing
Although the creamy sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked pasta mixture if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to prevent separation.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture without drying it out or breaking the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chili paste instead of gochujang?
While gochujang provides a unique sweet-spicy and fermented flavor, you can experiment with other chili pastes like sambal oelek or harissa. Just remember the taste will be slightly different, so start with smaller amounts and adjust to your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients. For a vegan version, consider substituting dairy with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives and check the gochujang ingredients for any non-vegan additives.
How spicy is the pasta, and can I adjust the heat?
This dish has a medium heat level thanks to the gochujang chili paste and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less chili paste or skipping the red pepper flakes altogether.
What pasta shapes work best?
Fettuccine, penne, or any pasta with enough surface area to hold sauce works wonderfully. The creamy sauce clings nicely to flat or tubular shapes, making each bite flavorful.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! For extra protein, add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even crispy tofu. Adding proteins complements the spicy cream sauce and makes the meal more filling.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want an exciting twist on comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that you’ll want to add to your weekly menu!
Print
Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Gochujang Pasta is a delicious Korean fusion dish that combines the rich, spicy flavors of gochujang chili paste with a smooth, creamy sauce. This easy stovetop recipe features tender pasta coated in a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a subtle hint of honey, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a flavorful kick.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta such as fettuccine or penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Gochujang and Spices: Stir in the gochujang and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- Simmer Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Finish Sauce: Add Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the pasta is fully coated, heated through, and the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.
- For extra protein, add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to the pasta.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and milk for a lighter sauce option.
