Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Gochujang Pasta is a delightful fusion of Korean and Italian flavors, combining spicy, creamy, and savory elements in one bowl. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for anyone looking to spice up their pasta night with a bold twist.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta (Bucatini Pasta) or any pasta shape you prefer
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste Sauce)
• 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

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Optionally, add salt to the water.
2. Step 2: Add the pasta and cook for 7-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired texture. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and optional black pepper, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Gochujang, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine thoroughly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the pasta onto plates, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor or parmesan for a more traditional taste.
• Add a splash of pasta water to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
• Adjust the amount of Gochujang to control the spiciness to your liking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any pasta shape works well. Bucatini, fusilli, or spaghetti are all good choices, depending on your preference.

Is Gochujang very spicy?

Gochujang has a moderate heat level with a sweet and savory flavor. You can adjust the amount used based on your spice tolerance.

Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 120 reviews

This Gochujang Pasta recipe offers a creamy, mildly spicy fusion of Italian and Korean flavors, combining tender Bucatini pasta with a rich sauce made from gochujang, butter, cream, and cheese. Perfect for those seeking a unique and comforting weeknight meal with a hint of heat and umami.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Korean)

Ingredients

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Pasta

• 8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta (Bucatini pasta) or any pasta shape you prefer

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste Sauce)
• 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

1. Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt if desired to season the pasta water. Add the Bucatini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 7-12 minutes, until pasta reaches your preferred texture.
2. Drain Pasta: Once cooked, strain the pasta in a colander and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Start Sauce: In a sauté pan, melt the butter and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if using, freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
4. Add Gochujang and Dairy: Stir in the gochujang paste, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained Bucatini pasta to the pan and toss well to coat each strand evenly with the gochujang cream sauce.
6. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately while hot.

Notes

• Gochujang adds a mild to moderate spiciness with a deep fermented umami flavor—adjust quantity to taste.
• You can substitute parmesan with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
• If you prefer a less rich sauce, reduce the heavy cream or substitute with milk.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will create bitterness in the sauce.
• This recipe works well with any long pasta shape such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine.
• Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

Keywords: Gochujang pasta, Korean fusion pasta, spicy creamy pasta, Bucatini pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, Korean chili paste pasta