Introduction

Gochujang Pasta is a delightful fusion dish that combines the creamy richness of pasta with the spicy, savory kick of Korean chili paste. This easy recipe offers a unique twist on your regular pasta night, perfect for those who love bold flavors and simple cooking.

A black plate holds a one-layer serving of bright orange curly pasta coated in creamy sauce, sprinkled with green herbs on top, adding a fresh contrast. Two light bamboo chopsticks with black decorative grips rest on the edge of the plate. To the right, there is a small white bowl filled with thick dark red sauce, and a white cloth is partly visible near the top left corner on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta (Bucatini Pasta or any pasta shape you prefer)
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)
2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it if desired. Add the pasta and cook for 7-12 minutes or until it reaches your preferred texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and optional black pepper, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant without burning.
Step 3: Stir in the Gochujang, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
Step 5: Transfer the pasta to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and enjoy your flavorful Gochujang Pasta.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky depth, try adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
You can substitute fusilli bucatini with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta you like.
Adjust the amount of Gochujang to control the spice level to your taste.
Use vegetarian parmesan or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Storage

Store any leftover Gochujang Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A black plate holds a generous serving of spiral pasta coated in a bright orange sauce, topped with small bits of green herbs scattered evenly. Two pairs of light wooden chopsticks with black and white decorative patterns rest on the right edge of the plate. Next to the plate, on a white marbled surface, is a white bowl filled with a thick dark red sauce swirled on top. The scene is softly lit, showing the creamy texture of the pasta and the smooth shine of the red sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is Gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste, offering a spicy, sweet, and savory flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mixture of miso paste and chili paste or Korean chili flakes blended with a touch of honey.

Can I make this pasta vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter, non-dairy cream, and vegan cheese alternatives. Ensure your Gochujang does not contain any animal products.

Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

This Gochujang Pasta is a delightful fusion dish combining the spicy, umami-rich Korean red chili paste with creamy Italian-style pasta. Using Bucatini or your favorite pasta shape, it offers a quick, flavorful meal with a creamy gochujang-infused sauce enhanced by garlic, butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for those craving a spicy twist on classic creamy pasta.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Italian)

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

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

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)
2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Optionally add salt to the water to season the pasta. Add the pasta and cook for 7-12 minutes or until it reaches your desired tenderness. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In a sauté pan over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once melted and hot, add the minced garlic and optional freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Add Gochujang and Dairy: Stir in the gochujang paste, heavy cream, and shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese into the pan. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked Bucatini pasta back into the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy gochujang sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the coated pasta to plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your spicy, creamy gochujang pasta!

Notes

You can substitute Bucatini with any pasta shape like fusilli, spaghetti, or penne based on preference.
Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your preferred spice level.
For a richer taste, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
If you do not have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of butter, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Black pepper is optional but adds a nice depth to the sauce.
Garnish with parsley or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra Korean touch.

Keywords: Gochujang pasta, Korean pasta recipe, creamy spicy pasta, Bucatini pasta, gochujang sauce, fusion pasta recipe