Gochujang Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and creamy textures, you’re going to adore this Gochujang Pasta Recipe. This fantastic fusion dish brings together the spicy kick of Korean gochujang paste and the comforting creaminess of a classic pasta sauce, creating a vibrant meal that’s both unexpected and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to become a favorite with its perfect balance of heat, richness, and that irresistible umami punch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Gochujang Pasta Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy depth of gochujang to the silky richness of cream and butter, every component brings something special to the plate.

• 8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like, but this sturdy, hollow pasta holds the sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Gochujang: This Korean red chili paste is the heart of the dish, delivering its signature sweet heat.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced or pressed): Garlic adds a fragrant base that complements the chili’s spice perfectly.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter: Butter lends a rich, creamy body that softens the spice and enriches the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps sauté the garlic gently without burning and enriches the flavor profile.
• ½ cup shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese: Cheese creates a luscious gooey texture and salty depth to balance the spicy paste.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and mellowed out.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional): Adds a touch of warmth without overpowering the gochujang.
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish): A fresh herbal note that brightens the final dish.

How to Make Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Pasta Preparation

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salting the water is optional but highly recommended as it seasons the pasta from within. Add your choice of pasta—Fusilli Corti Bucati works perfectly—and cook it for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on whether you prefer it al dente or softer. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside to be tossed later in that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Making the Gochujang Pasta Cream Sauce

Take a sauté pan and melt the salted butter along with the olive oil over medium heat. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and (if you’re using) freshly ground black pepper. Let the garlic gently cook for about 30 to 60 seconds until you can smell that irresistible aroma, but be cautious—don’t let it burn. This step is the flavor foundation of your sauce.

Step 3: Combining the Sauce Ingredients

Now, stir in the star of the show: the gochujang paste. Follow it up by pouring in the heavy cream and sprinkling the shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese. Stir continuously over low to medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy consistency. The sauce will coat your pasta beautifully, offering that rich, spicy, and cheesy hug every forkful deserves.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Finally, add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with your sauce. Toss everything together until every strand or spiral is luxuriously coated. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes just a little extra cheese or pepper does the trick. Then plate it up and get ready for the best Gochujang Pasta Recipe experience!

How to Serve Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds just the right pop of color and freshness to brighten the creamy, spicy sauce. You could also add a few flakes of parmesan cheese on top for extra indulgence and to enhance the umami flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber kimchi for a nod to the Korean inspiration. Garlic bread or crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or family? Serve your Gochujang Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant color and creamy texture, then drizzle with a little extra olive oil and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. For a fun twist, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add crunch and a nutty flavor dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s best to reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to regain that creamy consistency.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for Gochujang Pasta Recipe because the cream-based sauce can separate and change texture, becoming grainy. If you must freeze, separate the pasta and sauce, freezing the sauce alone in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating and stirring well.

Reheating

When reheating, use a low heat setting on the stove or microwave, adding a little cream or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce warms evenly, restoring the dish’s luscious silky texture without overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Gochujang Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While Fusilli Corti Bucati is recommended because it holds the sauce well, you can use penne, spaghetti, or even farfalle—pick whatever shape you enjoy most or have on hand.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of heat depends on the gochujang brand you choose. Some are milder and sweeter, others pack more heat. If you prefer less spice, start with a smaller amount of gochujang and add more once you’ve tasted the sauce.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce might be less rich and creamy. Coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness that works surprisingly well with gochujang.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses regular pasta which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook differently.

What if I don’t have gochujang on hand?

If gochujang is not available, you can mix a bit of miso paste with chili paste and a touch of honey as a substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Sourcing a jar of gochujang is worth it—it’s a kitchen staple for adding rich, complex heat.

Final Thoughts

Packing a punch of flavor with its unique blend of sweet heat and creamy comfort, the Gochujang Pasta Recipe is simply a must-try for anyone wanting to shake up their pasta routine. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners that impress without any fuss. Grab your ingredients and dive into this flavorful adventure; your taste buds will thank you!

Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 2 reviews

This vibrant and creamy Gochujang Pasta combines the spicy, savory flavors of Korean red chili paste with the comforting creaminess of parmesan cheese and butter. Ready in just 15 minutes, this fusion dish offers a delightful twist on classic pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Italian)
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pasta

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

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)

Garnish

• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Optionally, add salt to the water to enhance the pasta flavor.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 7-12 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture (al dente is recommended). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make Sauce Base: In a sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and combined. Add the minced garlic and optional freshly ground black pepper, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Add Gochujang and Cream: Stir in the gochujang paste, heavy cream, and shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked Bucatini pasta to the sauce in the pan and toss gently to ensure every strand is coated evenly with the creamy and spicy gochujang sauce.
6. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Gochujang paste can vary in heat, so adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
• Using freshly grated parmesan will yield a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
• If parsley is unavailable, fresh basil or chives can be used as alternative garnishes.
• Salt the pasta water properly to season the pasta itself, enhancing the overall dish flavor.