Name: Gochujang Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 8 oz dried rigatoni pasta (rigatoni, fusilli, spaghetti, etc.); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or more as needed); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium shallot, diced; 2 1/2 tablespoons gochujang; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (about 25 g, freshly grated); Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Chives, chopped

If you love exploring bold, comforting dishes with a twist, you are going to adore this Gochujang Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion that brings together the creamy, cheesy richness of classic pasta with the vibrant, spicy kick of Korean gochujang. Every bite is an exciting balance of flavors and textures — from the tender al dente pasta coated in a luscious sauce, to the subtle sweetness and umami depth that only gochujang can provide. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you crave a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight clear glass bowls and one measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl on the right contains pale yellow, short tube-shaped pasta. Next to it are two medium-sized bowls, one with off-white shredded cheese and the other with minced garlic. To the left of these are three smaller bowls, holding dark red tomato paste, finely chopped pink shallots, and yellow butter cubes. There is also a very small bowl with dark brown sauce and a clear measuring cup filled with white cream on the far left. All bowls have a smooth, transparent glass texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Gochujang Pasta Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each component plays an important role — from the sharpness of garlic and shallots to the creamy texture that heavy cream offers, and of course, the spicy umami magic in the gochujang itself.

8 oz dried rigatoni pasta: Choose rigatoni or your favorite shape like fusilli or spaghetti for a perfect sauce hug.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic gives the sauce a fragrant, savory backbone.
1 medium shallot (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a silky richness that softens the heat of the sauce.
2 1/2 tablespoons gochujang: This Korean chili paste creates the signature spicy and slightly sweet flavor that defines the recipe.
1 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings umami complexity and a touch of savory saltiness.
1/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds nutty, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
1/2 cup pasta water: Reserved to help adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): For garnishing and an extra cheese hit.
Chives (chopped): Adds a fresh, mild oniony brightness on top.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook your rigatoni pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, which means tender but with a slight bite. Be sure to save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this will be key in perfecting your sauce consistency later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat until it’s beautifully foamy. Toss in your minced garlic and diced shallots, and gently sauté until fragrant and starting to turn golden, around two minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation of the sauce and enhances its depth.

Step 3: Add Gochujang

Next, stir in the gochujang, allowing it to cook for about two minutes with the shallots and garlic. This brief cooking helps mellow the chili paste’s heat and unlocks its complex layers of flavor, setting the stage for a sauce that’s spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Step 4: Incorporate Heavy Cream and Oyster Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and oyster sauce, then stir everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. This creamy, velvety sauce is where the magic happens—the richness balances perfectly with the bold gochujang flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return your drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce to coat every piece thoroughly. Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water little by little, stirring until you reach a creamy, luscious consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta. Let it cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, plate your Gochujang Pasta and generously sprinkle with chopped chives and extra parmesan cheese for a fresh, flavorful finishing touch. This dish is ready to impress with its vibrant color and irresistible aroma.

How to Serve Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped fresh chives bring a hint of mild onion flavor, brightening each bite and adding a lovely green contrast. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top boosts the dish’s savory and cheesy notes for an extra indulgent finish.

Side Dishes

This spicy and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy cucumber kimchi for an additional Korean-inspired element. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement this meal well without overwhelming the unique flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta family-style in a large bowl to encourage sharing and conversation. For a more elegant touch, twirl ribbons of pasta onto each plate using a fork and spoon, then garnish artistically with chives and extra parmesan. You can even add a soft-boiled egg on top for an irresistible fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Gochujang Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of cream or pasta water before reheating.

Freezing

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Store in a freezer-safe container, and use within 1 month for optimal flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta on the stove over low heat, stirring in a little cream or reserved pasta water to bring back that silky sauce texture. Avoid microwaving unless you stir well to heat evenly and prevent drying out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Rigatoni works wonderfully for holding the sauce but fusilli, spaghetti, penne, or even linguine are great alternatives depending on what you have on hand.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat largely depends on the type and amount of gochujang you use. This recipe balances spice with creaminess, so it’s pleasantly spicy but not overwhelming. You can adjust the gochujang quantity to suit your taste.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds important umami depth and mild sweetness that enhances the overall flavor, but if you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute with soy sauce or a vegetarian mushroom sauce.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

To make the Gochujang Pasta Recipe vegan, swap butter for a plant-based alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

What can I serve alongside this pasta for a complete meal?

Pair it with crisp green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, or some Korean-inspired sides like pickled radishes or kimchi for a delightful contrast that rounds out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Gochujang Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Its unique fusion of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors is unlike anything you’ve had before, yet so comforting and satisfying. Give it a go for your next dinner and watch it disappear in no time — you’ll be sharing this gem with your friends and family over and over again!