If you’re on the hunt for a flavor-packed, comforting dinner that’s just as easy to make as it is delicious to eat, Creamy Gochujang Pasta delivers in every way. Silky noodles are drenched in a luscious sauce of spicy-sweet Korean chili paste, rich cream, and aromatic garlic, all balanced perfectly with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh green onion. It’s a fusion pasta that feels both cozy and exciting—perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want to give your taste buds a little happy dance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Creamy Gochujang Pasta starts with everyday ingredients that each play a special supporting role, from the star of the show—gochujang—to subtle accents like honey and soy sauce. Choosing good-quality basics ensures layers of flavor, color, and creaminess in every twirl.
- Spaghetti or Fettuccine (8 ounces): Choose your favorite long pasta; both stand up beautifully to the creamy, clingy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): The melt-in richness brings everything together and helps bloom the garlic and gochujang.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): No shortcuts—fresh, fragrant garlic makes all the difference here.
- Gochujang (2 tablespoons): This Korean chili paste provides a punchy backbone of spice, sweetness, and umami.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Gives the sauce its signature silkiness and tames the heat for a velvety finish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty depth and finishes the sauce with undeniable Italian flair.
- Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Deepens the savory notes and rounds out the dish with a subtle salty tang.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Just a touch to balance the gochujang’s heat with enough sweetness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly cracked always brings a gentle kick that supports the other spices.
- Reserved Pasta Water (1/4 cup): The starchy liquid loosens the sauce and ensures it hugs every strand of pasta.
- Green Onions, thinly sliced (2): Sprinkled on top, they offer crunch and a pop of color.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For crunch and toasty aroma that’s irresistible as a finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook until the noodles are just al dente—tender with a little bite. Don’t forget to scoop out 1/4 cup of that precious pasta water before draining! This starchy water is key for pulling the sauce together later on.
Step 2: Bloom the Garlic and Gochujang
While your pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute or two, stirring gently until it’s fragrant but not browned. Scoop in the gochujang and stir for about a minute, letting its flavors wake up and blend with the garlic—this blooming step makes the finished pasta so much more flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to the gentlest simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Quickly whisk in the soy sauce, honey, and black pepper. The mixture should look smooth and a little rosy! As it heats through, you’ll notice the gochujang coloring the cream, hinting at the depth of flavor to come. Pause for a moment—your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 4: Toss Pasta and Finish the Sauce
Add the drained pasta straight to your skillet, tossing gently to coat every strand. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while drizzling in splashes of reserved pasta water, stirring constantly. The cheese will melt and the sauce will luxuriously cling to every noodle, just the way creamy gochujang pasta should. Adjust the consistency as needed with a little extra pasta water.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Once the sauce is silky and glossy, remove your skillet from the heat. Pile the pasta high in serving bowls and shower with thinly sliced green onions and a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds. The final look should be utterly inviting—every bite bursting with fusion flavor and color.
How to Serve Creamy Gochujang Pasta
Garnishes
No bowl of creamy gochujang pasta is complete without its finishing touches. Bright, fresh green onions and the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds add not only flavor but also striking color and texture. If you love a little extra cheese, sprinkle more Parmesan over the top. For a truly special night, consider a handful of microgreens or a drizzle of chili oil for extra glam.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a star but pairs beautifully with crisp, quick-fix veggies. Try a side of steamed edamame with sea salt, a light Asian slaw with tangy dressing, or even garlicky roasted broccoli. For something heartier, serve with Korean pickles or a fresh cucumber salad to cut through the richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your friends by serving creamy gochujang pasta in shallow pasta bowls with chopsticks and forks side-by-side—an instant nod to its Korean-Italian spirit. Want to take it a step further? Nestle a jammy soft-boiled egg or a few sautéed shiitake mushrooms on top for restaurant-worthy charm. Or split the dish into small tasting portions for a crowd at your next dinner party—the colors alone make it a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pasta dishes often taste just as good the next day, and creamy gochujang pasta is no exception! To store, let your pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but that’s easily fixed during reheating.
Freezing
If you really want to get ahead, portion cooled pasta into airtight freezer containers. Cream-based sauces like this one freeze surprisingly well, but the noodles may soften a touch on thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months, and let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet.
Reheating
When you’re ready to revisit your leftover creamy gochujang pasta, splash in a little milk or water, then gently rewarm over low heat on the stovetop, tossing until silky. This brings back the original creaminess. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it may separate the sauce.
FAQs
How spicy is creamy gochujang pasta?
The beauty of this dish is its adjustable heat. The gochujang brings both spice and sweetness, but you can scale up or down to your heat preference. Start with less if you’re spice-cautious, and add extra at the end for a fiery finish.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Udon, bucatini, or even penne can sub in for traditional spaghetti or fettuccine, though the sauce clings best to long, flat pastas. You could even try rice noodles for a gluten-free version.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can make this creamy gochujang pasta dairy-free by swapping the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant cream, and omitting the Parmesan or using a vegan alternative. The flavor remains rich, silky, and satisfying.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Stir in sautéed shrimp, sliced grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or even a fried egg for a boost of protein and extra layer of texture. This dish is super adaptable and can even become a more filling main with these additions.
Where can I find gochujang?
Gochujang is widely available these days at Asian grocery stores, specialty food shops, or even the international aisle of most supermarkets. Look for it in a red tub or jar in the refrigerated section, or you can order it online for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let dinner routine get the best of you—whip up a batch of creamy gochujang pasta and discover just how exciting comfort food can be! Whether you’re a fusion food fanatic or just crave something new and unforgettable, this dish is pure flavorful joy from the first bite to the last twirl. Grab your chopsticks (or your fork!), call over your favorite people, and dig into a meal that’s worth every oozy, spicy, creamy mouthful.
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Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of this Creamy Gochujang Pasta. A fusion dish that combines the heat of Korean gochujang with the creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
8 ounces
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Gochujang:
2 tablespoons
Heavy Cream:
1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup, grated
Soy Sauce:
1 tablespoon
Honey:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Reserved Pasta Water:
1/4 cup
Green Onions:
2, thinly sliced
Toasted Sesame Seeds:
for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add Gochujang: Stir in gochujang and cook to bloom the flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat, add heavy cream, soy sauce, honey, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water and Parmesan until creamy.
- Finish: Remove from heat, top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust gochujang to taste.
- Optional: Add shrimp or chicken for protein.
- Try with udon noodles for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
