If you’re looking to spice things up in the kitchen (literally and figuratively!), then Gochujang Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. This creamy, rich, and irresistibly spicy dish combines the comforting goodness of pasta with the bold flavors of Korean gochujang paste. Ready in less than 15 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner that’s both easy and exciting—perfect for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Pasta
Gochujang Pasta isn’t just your average pasta dish—it’s a flavor-packed adventure in a bowl. The combination of gochujang (a savory, spicy Korean chili paste) and creamy sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work with any pasta shape you have on hand and pairs beautifully with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. So whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Gochujang Pasta:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt it if you’d like (I’m a fan of adding a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors of the pasta). Add your pasta and cook it for 7-12 minutes or until it’s your perfect texture. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
2. Make the Creamy Gochujang Sauce
In a sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the minced garlic (and pepper if you like an extra kick) and sauté it for about 30-60 seconds until it smells amazing—just don’t let it burn!
Now for the star of the show: Add the gochujang, heavy cream, and shredded cheese to the pan. Stir it all together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens just a bit. Don’t worry if it looks a little rebellious at first—the cream will smooth everything out beautifully.
3. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy gochujang sauce, tossing everything to coat. It’s like a match made in heaven! Transfer your pasta to a plate and garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like a five-star bistro.
Cooking Tips to Make This Recipe Even Better:
- Adjust the Heat: If you want to dial down the spice a bit, start with just 1 tablespoon of gochujang and work your way up. Gochujang has a bold flavor, but you can totally make it work for your taste buds.
- Make It Your Own: Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra boost of flavor and texture. You could even throw in a handful of spinach for a burst of freshness.
- Garnish Like a Pro: Fresh parsley is lovely, but if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top for a cheesy finish, or add a few chili flakes for extra heat.
- Protein Power: If you want to turn this into a heartier meal, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would make great additions. I love how versatile this dish is—you can really make it your own.
A Personal Touch to Gochujang Pasta
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen after I whipped it up for some friends who dropped by unannounced one evening. They were so impressed that they asked for the recipe on the spot—and let me tell you, nothing beats that! It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight meal, but it also feels special enough for date night. Plus, it’s a fun way to play with flavors and explore Korean-inspired ingredients in an accessible way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love using Fusilli Corti Bucati for its fun twist, you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles will work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
What if I don’t have gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute with another chili paste or sauce, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. A mix of sriracha and a bit of soy sauce might get you close, but trust me, gochujang is worth tracking down!
How long does this keep in the fridge?
This Gochujang Pasta will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing, and when you reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.
Let’s Wrap This Up with Gochujang Pasta!
Gochujang Pasta is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to spice up their pasta game. It’s creamy, comforting, and packs that bold kick you crave. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering of friends, or just treating yourself, this dish has the perfect balance of flavor and convenience.
So next time you’re in the mood for something a little different yet incredibly satisfying, make Gochujang Pasta. You won’t regret it—and neither will your taste buds!
More Flavorful Recipes to Try
If you’re loving the spicy, creamy vibes of Gochujang Pasta, why not try a few more recipes that bring bold flavors to the table? From quick weeknight dinners to delicious sides, here are some dishes that complement your pasta perfectly:
- Looking for another plant-based option? Try One-Pan Harissa Chickpeas, a flavor-packed dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying.
- For something creamy and comforting, the Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup is the perfect balance of spices and smooth textures.
- If you want to add a hearty twist to your meal, these Vegetarian Lentil Meatballs will take your pasta to the next level with rich, savory flavors.
- Looking for a side to balance out that spice? Pineapple Chicken and Rice offers a sweet and savory combo that pairs beautifully with your gochujang pasta.
- If you’re craving more Gochujang pasta ideas, check out this fantastic recipe for Gochujang Pasta—it’s another take on this delicious dish that’s sure to excite your taste buds!
These dishes are full of flavor and are sure to inspire your next meal!
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Gochujang Pasta
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, spicy Gochujang Pasta is a delicious fusion of bold Korean flavors and comforting pasta. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a quick, flavorful meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste)
3 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil, salt it if desired, and add pasta. Cook for 7-12 minutes until the pasta reaches your desired texture. Drain and set aside.
Make the Gochujang Cream Sauce: In a sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (and pepper) and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine the Sauce: Add the gochujang, heavy cream, and shredded cheese to the pan. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Add Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing until well combined.
Garnish & Serve: Transfer to a plate and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy Gochujang Pasta!
Notes
Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Protein Add-ins: Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or ground beef for added protein.
Vegetable Options: Add sautéed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: American with Korean influence
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 535 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 346mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 42mg