Why You’ll Love Gochujang Pasta Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of two worlds: the comforting creaminess of pasta and the umami-packed heat of gochujang. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The sauce is rich but balanced, with garlic, Parmesan, and cream mellowing the spice. It’s also highly customizable, so you can easily adjust the heat or add proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
400 g pasta shapes or spaghetti
1 tbsp oil
1 onion, peeled and finely diced
5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3 tbsp gochujang paste
3 tbsp tomato puree
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
100 g Parmesan, grated or shredded
120 ml double cream
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Small bunch of spring onions, finely chopped
Grated or shredded Parmesan for topping
Sesame seeds
Directions
- Boil the pasta in a large pan of water for 1 minute less than the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and reserve about 500 ml of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Add the garlic, salt, and pepper, and stir for 30 seconds.
- Mix in the gochujang, tomato puree, and soy sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the Parmesan and cream, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Drain the pasta, keeping the reserved cooking water.
- Pour half of the pasta water into the sauce and stir. Add the pasta and butter to the pan.
- Toss everything together and cook for 1 minute until the pasta is well coated. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve in bowls and top with spring onions, extra Parmesan, and sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein. For a vegetarian twist, include sautéed mushrooms or spinach. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the gochujang slightly and add more cream. For extra heat, sprinkle in chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also swap Parmesan for another hard cheese if desired.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as the sauce may thicken too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works well, though short shapes like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce best.
What is gochujang?
It is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds spice, sweetness, and depth of flavor.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a moderate heat level, but you can adjust the amount of gochujang to your preference.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
What protein works best with this pasta?
Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all pair nicely with the flavors of the sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and combine it with freshly cooked pasta later.
Why reserve pasta water?
The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.
How can I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the Parmesan quantity.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement it well.
Conclusion
Gochujang pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something unique and satisfying. Its creamy texture combined with a spicy kick makes it a standout meal that’s easy enough for any day of the week while still feeling special.
