Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I scoured my pantry for something new and exciting, my eyes landed on a vibrant tub of Gochujang, the spicy Korean chili paste that holds the power to elevate any dish. Thus began my journey to creating a delightful fusion meal—Gochujang Pasta. This quick and creamy delight marries the captivating heat of Gochujang with the beloved comfort of Italian pasta, making it perfect for those hurried weeknight dinners or an intimate date night. Not only is it customizable to suit your taste—whether you prefer extra veggies or a protein twist—but it can also be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Trust me, your taste buds are going to dance with joy! Who knew a simple pasta dish could turn into such a satisfying and vibrant experience? Ready to dive in and discover how to make this unique recipe? Why is Gochujang Pasta a Must-Try? Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy days! Unique Fusion: The vibrant Gochujang infuses traditional pasta with a spicy twist that you won’t forget. Customizable Delight: Feel free to throw in your choice of protein or veggies to make it truly your own. Check out my Garlic Butter Pasta for more customizable ideas! Creamy Indulgence: The combination of creamy sauce with a kick balances perfectly for a sensational meal experience. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, everyone will ask for seconds! Elevate your weeknight routine with this extraordinary dish! Gochujang Pasta Ingredients For the Pasta • Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta – This twisted shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to use any pasta you love. For the Sauce • Gochujang – This spicy Korean chili paste is essential for that fiery flavor profile; check for gluten-free options if needed. • Garlic – Freshly minced or pressed garlic enhances depth; it’s a key ingredient to elevate this sauce. • Salted Butter – Adds richness; choose unsalted if you prefer more control over the saltiness. • Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing; substituting with sesame oil adds a nutty, Asian twist. • Shredded Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese – This adds creaminess; swap for nutritional yeast to keep it vegan-friendly. • Heavy Cream – This contributes to the luxurious texture; coconut cream is an excellent vegan alternative. • Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Optional but recommended; it adds a zesty note to the sauce. For Garnish • Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of freshness to brighten up the dish before serving. Feeling inspired to whip up this Gochujang Pasta? You’re just a few ingredients away from an unforgettable meal! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gochujang Pasta Step 1: Boil the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add in the Fusilli Corti Bucati pasta and cook it for 7 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an al dente texture. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, strain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, leaving it warm. Step 2: Sauté the Garlic In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and let it melt completely. Toss in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the base of your Gochujang Pasta with deep garlic flavor, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Step 3: Create the Sauce Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of Gochujang, following it with 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, watching for it to thicken slightly. The cream will blend beautifully with the Gochujang, creating a rich and spicy base for your pasta—make sure to keep the heat moderate to prevent the sauce from boiling. Step 4: Add Cheese to the Sauce Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce. The addition of cheese transforms your Gochujang Pasta into a creamy, indulgent meal. Be sure to mix thoroughly until all the cheese has integrated into the sauce, creating a luscious consistency. Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce Return the strained pasta to the sauté pan, tossing it gently with the creamy Gochujang sauce until every piece is well coated. Allow the pasta to warm through for about 1 minute over low heat, if necessary. The pasta will soak in the spicy flavors of the sauce, giving you that perfect spicy comfort you’re craving. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Transfer the beautifully coated Gochujang Pasta to plates, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Optionally, sprinkle on some freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors that makes weeknight dinners truly special! Gochujang Pasta: Exciting Variations Customize your Gochujang Pasta experience with these delightful twists that will tickle your taste buds and bring new life to your dinner table. Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying boost. These proteins will absorb the sauce’s bold flavors beautifully. Vegan-Friendly: Swap heavy cream for silken tofu blended with plant-based milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy texture without dairy. Vegetable Boost: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale into the pasta for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients. These colors will transform your dish into a vibrant feast! Noodle Swap: Try ramen or soba noodles in place of traditional pasta for an exciting texture twist. It brings an authentic Asian flair, making you feel extra adventurous. Creamy Coconut: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical, rich twist that pairs perfectly with Gochujang’s spiciness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Heat Levels: Adjust the heat to your liking by adding more Gochujang or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less Gochujang and taste as you go. Savory Additions: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a depth of umami that really enhances the overall flavor profile. These add a gourmet touch to your homemade dish. Feeling inspired to mix and match? Serve your Gochujang Pasta with a side of crunchy kimchi or toss in some pickled radishes for that extra zing! For more delightful pasta variations, check out my Wild Mushroom Pasta for delicious inspiration! Expert Tips for Gochujang Pasta Avoid Burning Garlic: Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Burning it can introduce bitterness to the sauce. Cheese Handling: Ensure the sauce is off the heat before adding cheese to avoid clumping and achieve a smooth Gochujang Pasta texture. Vegetable Additions: For added nutrition and texture, sauté vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini before mixing them into the sauce. Pasta Cooking: Always cook the pasta al dente; it will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce, ensuring the ideal bite. Flavor Balance: Adjust Gochujang to your preference—start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more to enhance the dish without overwhelming flavor. Make Ahead Options These Gochujang Pasta meals are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the pasta up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container, ensuring it remains fresh. Prepare the Gochujang sauce (minus the cheese) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; this helps those bold flavors deepen over time. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over medium heat, stir in the cheese until melted, and then toss with the warmed pasta. This method maintains the creamy texture and zesty flavor you love, making dinner not just quicker but just as delicious as if it were freshly made. Enjoy the ease of whipping up this delightful dish on busy weeknights! What to Serve with Quick and Creamy Gochujang Pasta Elevate your meal with delightful sides that perfectly complement the spicy, creamy goodness of this unique pasta dish. Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery crunch of garlic bread pairs beautifully, offering a satisfying contrast to the creamy texture of the pasta. Asian-Inspired Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with cucumbers, carrots, and sesame dressing provides a cool, refreshing bite against the heat of Gochujang. Kimchi: This fermented Korean staple adds a funky, spicy edge, enhancing the flavors of the pasta while promoting gut health. Steamed Broccoli: Tender, vibrant broccoli adds both nutrition and a lovely green hue, balancing out the richness of the creamy sauce. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted with a hint of chili, this dish echoes the pasta’s warmth while contributing an interesting texture that everyone will love. Chilled Sake: A glass of chilled sake complements the spicy notes and brings out the umami flavors in a way that feels celebratory. Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this classic Thai dessert brings a rich, tropical twist that balances the heat of your meal. Sesame Green Beans: Tossed in a savory soy-based dressing, these crunchy green beans add a delicious Asian twist that harmonizes beautifully with the pasta. Storage Tips for Gochujang Pasta Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of cream or water to the Gochujang Pasta in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warmed through to prevent dryness. Airtight Guidance: Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can lead to spoilage. Gochujang Pasta Recipe FAQs How do I select the ripeness of the vegetables for Gochujang Pasta? Absolutely! When adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, choose ones that are firm and vibrant in color. Look for bell peppers that are glossy with no soft spots and zucchini that feels firm without dark spots. Freshness is key! What are the best storage methods for Gochujang Pasta? To keep your Gochujang Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If refrigeration isn’t enough, you can also freeze your pasta—just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing in a container to avoid condensation. How do I freeze Gochujang Pasta properly? To freeze your Gochujang Pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over low heat with a splash of cream or water to keep it from drying out. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? Very! If your Gochujang Pasta sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit of warm water or cream to the pan while stirring over low heat. This will help loosen the sauce and reinstate that luxurious creamy texture. Keep adjusting until it achieves your desired consistency. Is Gochujang Pasta safe for those with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! Gochujang can be customized for various dietary needs. For a vegan option, swap out the butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and olive oil. Always check the Gochujang label for gluten-free options, as some brands may contain gluten. Creamy Gochujang Pasta: The Ultimate Spicy Comfort Dish Experience the delightful fusion of Gochujang and pasta with this creamy, spicy comfort dish, ideal for quick dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes mins Servings: 2 platesCourse: DinnerCuisine: Italian, KoreanCalories: 650 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta This twisted shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly.For the Sauce2-3 tbsp Gochujang Essential for that fiery flavor profile.2-3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced or pressed.2 tbsp Salted Butter Adds richness.2 tbsp Olive Oil Ideal for sautéing.1 cup Shredded Parmesan or Cheddar Cheese Adds creaminess; swap for nutritional yeast for vegan.1 cup Heavy Cream Contributes to luxurious texture.to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper Optional but recommended.For Garnish1 tbsp Chopped Parsley Adds freshness. Equipment large potsauté panColandermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons Method Cooking InstructionsBring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the Fusilli Corti Bucati pasta and cook for 7 to 12 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, strain the pasta and set aside.In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.Stir in Gochujang and 1 cup of heavy cream, allowing the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth.Add the strained pasta and toss it with the sauce, warming through for about 1 minute if necessary.Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with chopped parsley and optionally sprinkle with ground black pepper before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of cream or water to prevent dryness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
