Gochujang Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gochujang pasta combines the best of two worlds: the rich, comforting creaminess of a pasta dish with the spicy, fermented kick of Korean cuisine. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and easy to customize to your spice level and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Korean flavors or just looking to try something new, this dish will become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
• Gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste)
• Butter or olive oil
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion (finely chopped, optional)
• Heavy cream or plant-based cream
• Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast (optional)
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Pasta water (reserved from cooking)
• Salt and pepper
• Scallions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
3. Stir in gochujang and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Add cream and soy sauce, stirring until the gochujang is fully incorporated into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Toss to coat the noodles in the sauce, adjusting the consistency as needed.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or an extra drizzle of gochujang.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Use plant-based cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Protein Add-Ins: Top with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or grilled chicken.
• Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or more gochujang to amp up the spice.
• Miso Flavor: Stir in a spoonful of white or red miso for extra umami.
• Sweet & Spicy: Add a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar to balance the heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce texture may change.

FAQs

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.

Is gochujang very spicy?

It has a medium heat level with a rich, deep flavor. You can adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.

What cream should I use?

Heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dairy-free alternative like oat, coconut, or cashew cream work well.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, any pasta shape works—short types like penne or fusilli are great for catching the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your gochujang and soy sauce are certified gluten-free.

How much gochujang should I use?

Start with 1–2 tablespoons and adjust based on your desired spice level.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little butter or cheese to help thicken it if needed.

What goes well with gochujang pasta?

Serve with a fresh salad, kimchi, or a simple cucumber sesame side dish to complement the bold flavors.

Is gochujang pasta kid-friendly?

It may be too spicy for young children, but you can reduce the amount of gochujang and add a touch of sweetness to mellow the heat.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

Gochujang pasta is a spicy, creamy fusion dish that offers the perfect balance of comfort and bold flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something unique to spice up your pasta routine, this dish delivers. Customizable, easy, and unforgettable, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Gochujang Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Gochujang pasta is a creamy, spicy fusion dish that blends the bold, umami-rich flavor of Korean gochujang with comforting pasta and a silky cream sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1–2 tbsp gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste)
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• Chopped scallions or sesame seeds, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion (if using) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in gochujang and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
4. Add cream and soy sauce, stirring until well combined. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, adding more water as needed for desired consistency.
6. Stir in Parmesan or nutritional yeast if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with scallions or sesame seeds.

Notes

• Adjust gochujang quantity to your spice preference.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Add sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• A touch of maple syrup or sugar can help balance the heat.
• Reheat leftovers with a splash of water or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg