Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving something bold, comforting, and just a little bit spicy, this Creamy Gochujang Pasta recipe is about to become your next obsession. It effortlessly blends the rich, velvety goodness of a classic creamy pasta with the undeniably addictive heat and depth of Korean gochujang. Best of all, it comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for both an impressive weeknight treat or a quick, satisfying dinner. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Every element plays a role in creating the ultimate Creamy Gochujang Pasta experience, whether by adding richness, balancing spice, or creating that irresistible silky texture.
- Pasta (8 ounces): Spaghetti, linguine, or rigatoni all hold up well to the creamy sauce and soak in the flavors with every swirl.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the flavors marry beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers aromatic depth and that signature savory bite.
- Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): Softens the heat with a gentle sweetness and a hint of complexity.
- Gochujang (1 tablespoon): The star ingredient, providing spicy, tangy, umami-packed flavor.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Brings that luscious, creamy texture that makes each bite luxurious.
- Whole milk (¼ cup): Lightens the sauce without sacrificing silkiness.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds saltiness and that special hit of savory depth.
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce with a pop of acidity.
- Sugar (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and tames the heat just a bit.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing all the ingredients and making everything pop.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick and a little extra warmth.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for deep umami and a hint of nuttiness.
- Green onions & toasted sesame seeds (for garnish): Add freshness, color, and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your favorite pasta shape until perfectly al dente. Before you drain the pasta, remember to save about half a cup of that starchy water—it will work magic in your sauce later on. Drain and set the pasta aside so it’s ready when the sauce calls.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter alongside the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot, stirring for two or three minutes. As the kitchen fills with a savory aroma, you’ll know the flavors are coming together already.
Step 3: Wake Up the Gochujang
Now let the star of the show shine! Add the gochujang to the skillet and stir for about a minute. This little bit of cooking deepens and rounds out the chili paste, marrying it with the aromatics so the whole dish pulses with complex, spicy warmth.
Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, giving everything a good stir. The sauce will take on a stunning blush color as the dairy mixes with the gochujang and aromatic base. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar or lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about three to four minutes, thickening slightly to cling perfectly to pasta strands.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese
Lower the heat a bit and add the cooked pasta into the sauce, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Use tongs to toss until every noodle is coated in that luxurious, cheesy, spicy sauce. If it needs to be loosened, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the texture is just right.
How to Serve Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Garnishes
For the perfect final touch, scatter plenty of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over each serving. The green onions add a pop of color and sharpness, while the sesame seeds bring a toasty crunch and hint of nuttiness that ties the dish together.
Side Dishes
Creamy Gochujang Pasta plays beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Try a simple cucumber salad dressed lightly with rice vinegar, or some steamed or roasted broccoli for a little extra green. If you want a heartier meal, gochujang-marinated tofu or crispy roasted mushrooms make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the pasta in warm, shallow bowls and twirl a neat nest of noodles in the center, then top with the green onions and sesame. For a dinner party, you could even sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top or garnish with a few microgreens for added drama. Or, keep it fun and casual piled high on a platter for everyone to share and dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Gochujang Pasta should be cooled to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Properly stored, the pasta will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to keep the garnishes separate until you’re ready to serve again, so things stay fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
Freezing creamy pasta can be a little tricky, as cream sauces sometimes separate once thawed. While you technically can freeze Creamy Gochujang Pasta for up to a month, the texture may change a bit when reheated. For best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately if you’re planning in advance.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring as you go. This helps bring that creamy texture back to life and keeps the flavors tasting just as good as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Creamy Gochujang Pasta works with almost any pasta shape—spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, or even penne. Just pick your favorite and enjoy.
How spicy is gochujang, and can I adjust the heat?
Gochujang has a lovely, mellow heat that builds rather than burns. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with a little less, then taste and add more if you’re craving extra spice power in your pasta.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! You can swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut cream or an unsweetened oat or soy creamer. Choose a vegan cheese or simply skip the Parmesan for a plant-based twist.
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Go wild! Sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, or bok choy make wonderful additions. You could also toss in shrimp, sliced chicken, or cubes of crispy tofu to make your Creamy Gochujang Pasta a real meal-in-one.
How do I make the dish ahead for a party?
You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta just before serving, then toss everything together with a bit of pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. Garnish generously for a delicious crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Creamy Gochujang Pasta before, let this be the dish that wins you over. Every twirl is a flavor-packed adventure, and it’s honestly hard not to fall in love at first bite. Give it a go, have fun with toppings and sides, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation!
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Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of this Creamy Gochujang Pasta that combines the heat of Korean chili paste with the creaminess of Parmesan cheese. A quick and easy fusion dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or rigatoni)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Prepare sauce: Sauté garlic and shallot. Add gochujang, cream, milk, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with sauce and Parmesan cheese. Add pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust gochujang for spice level.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
