Best Gochujang Pasta Recipe
This BEST Gochujang Pasta recipe combines the creamy richness of a classic pasta sauce with the spicy, savory depth of Korean gochujang paste. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made with garlic, butter, gochujang, and heavy cream, then topped with freshly grated Parmesan and optional smoked paprika for a smoky twist. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful fusion dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Italian)
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb (250g) pasta of choice (large rigatoni recommended; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tsp olive oil (plus more for coating the pasta)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil/vegan butter if needed)
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp gochujang (add 3 tbsp if a spicier sauce is desired)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or vegan cream/full-fat canned coconut milk)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use vegan Parmesan if needed)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions to ensure it is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prevent Sticking: Drain the pasta and transfer it to a bowl. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat. Once sizzling, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Add and Toast Gochujang: Stir in the gochujang paste, toasting it for 1-2 minutes until it darkens in color and begins to caramelize slightly, enhancing its flavor.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta thoroughly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Remove from heat and taste the pasta. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Substitute heavy cream with vegan cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust gochujang quantity to control spice level; adding up to 3 tablespoons will make it spicier.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the gochujang.
- To keep pasta from sticking, toss immediately with olive oil after draining.
- Gochujang paste can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online.
- Serve with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness if desired.
Keywords: Gochujang pasta, spicy pasta recipe, Korean fusion pasta, creamy pasta sauce, easy dinner, rigatoni pasta dish
Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/best-gochujang-pasta-recipe/