If you love dishes that blend creamy richness with a kick of bold flavor, this Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. The silky texture of heavy cream perfectly balances the vibrant, spicy notes from the Korean chili paste, Gochujang, creating a sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. This recipe is not only a beautiful fusion of flavors but also incredibly straightforward, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of simple ingredients come together to make this extraordinary Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s the garlic bringing aromatic warmth, olive oil lending a smooth base, or fresh parsley adding a burst of color and freshness at the end.
- Pasta (250 grams): Choose your favorite dry pasta to soak up the luscious sauce perfectly; something like penne or spaghetti works beautifully.
- Gochujang paste (2 tablespoons): This spicy, fermented Korean chili paste is what gives the dish its signature depth and boldness.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The key to a velvety, luscious sauce that balances heat with richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh minced garlic brings a pungent, savory punch that wakes up the palate.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A good-quality olive oil is essential for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all flavors, making the dish come alive.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds a mild heat and depth beyond the gochujang.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: A sprinkle here brightens the finished dish with fresh herbal aroma and color.
How to Make Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 250 grams of your chosen pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the oil—and the final dish—with such a wonderful aromatic note.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add 2 tablespoons of Gochujang paste into the pan, stirring it into the garlic and oil mixture. This paste is concentrated and flavorful, so mixing it well helps it release its complex sweetness and spice. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir everything together to create a silky, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so it thickens just a bit. Now’s the perfect time to season with salt and pepper to taste—these simple additions really help balance the heat and the creaminess.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Add the drained pasta straight into the pan with your creamy Gochujang sauce. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated in that glossy, spicy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Plate your pasta while it’s piping hot, ready to be garnished and devoured. The creamy texture combined with the fiery kick is truly irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of green and a fresh herbal lift. You can also add a little bit of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for an extra layer of nutty aroma that complements the Korean flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or simple steamed vegetables. A bright cucumber salad with rice vinegar or roasted broccoli tossed with lemon juice will add refreshing contrasts that keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the creamy Gochujang pasta in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or crispy pancetta for extra richness or crunch. You could also roll it into bite-sized pasta “nests” for a party appetizer or drizzle a little extra Gochujang sauce on top for heat lovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is creamy, it will thicken and may soak into the pasta, so a quick stir before reheating is essential to bring it back to life.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh because the creamy sauce can separate when frozen. However, if needed, freeze the pasta in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy Gochujang pasta over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking and to revive that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Is Gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a unique balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. It has some spice, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less and adjust to your taste.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, coconut cream or cashew cream are good dairy-free options that will maintain the creamy texture, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
How do I adjust the spiciness of this pasta?
To make it less spicy, reduce the amount of Gochujang paste. If you want extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes along with the sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently warm it and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe is a delightful fusion that’s as comforting as it is exciting. The melding of creamy richness with spicy, tangy notes creates a dish that’s simple to make but rich in flavor—and bound to impress anyone lucky enough to have a taste. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This creamy Gochujang pasta combines the spicy, savory flavors of Korean Gochujang paste with a rich and smooth cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. A quick and delicious fusion dish that brings bold Asian flavors into a comforting Italian favorite, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250 grams pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling 250 grams of pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a separate pan, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Garlic: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Gochujang: Stir in 2 tablespoons of Gochujang paste, combining thoroughly with the garlic and olive oil to release its spicy and umami flavors.
- Add Cream: Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend it smoothly with the Gochujang mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly and develop deeper flavor integration.
- Season Sauce: Season the creamy sauce with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Gochujang pasta hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Relish your delicious and spicy Korean-inspired creamy pasta dish.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for best sauce adhesion.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang paste to control the spiciness level according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright note, but you can substitute with chopped green onions or cilantro.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
