Name: One-Pot Spicy Gochujang Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup gochujang (adjust to taste); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed); Chopped scallions or parsley, for garnish

Description

A creamy and spicy twist on classic Alfredo pasta, this one-pot recipe combines the rich flavors of Parmesan and heavy cream with the bold heat of Korean gochujang. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful sauce, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice

Sauce & Flavoring

1 tbsp olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup gochujang (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra spice)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Garnish

Chopped scallions or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Prepare Sauce: Add the milk, heavy cream, and gochujang to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients and bring the mixture to a light simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for the desired consistency.
Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the dish with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped scallions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your preferred spice level.
Using reserved pasta water helps to achieve a smooth and silky sauce texture.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly or cook the pasta a bit longer.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives and use vegan Parmesan.
Make sure to stir frequently when cooking pasta in the sauce to prevent sticking.