Description

This Creamy Gochujang Pasta is a delightful fusion dish combining the rich, spicy flavors of Korean gochujang with a luscious, creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta is enveloped in a velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and umami-packed ingredients like tomato paste and soy sauce, creating a unique and comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)

Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped scallions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot, sautéing them for about 2–3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Add the chili and tomato paste: Stir in the gochujang and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes to deepen and meld the flavors.
Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, soy sauce, and honey if using, stirring until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat all the noodles evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve the creamy gochujang pasta hot, garnished with optional chopped scallions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

To add extra protein, top the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Adjust the amount of gochujang depending on how mild or spicy you prefer the dish.
For a lighter or dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with milk or a plant-based alternative and vegan Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired