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
Scale
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.
