Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Spicy, creamy gochujang pasta blends Korean chili paste with parmesan cheese and more for pasta with a Korean twist, easy to make and ready in minutes!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: gochugaru, gochujang, pasta

Servings:

Calories: 374kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Ingredients

16 ounces pasta noodles use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti – works with any pasta!
3 tablespoons butter divided (or use vegetable oil)
1-2 spicy chilies chopped (optional, for extra spicy)
5-6 cloves garlic minced
3 tablespoons gochujang
1 teaspoon gochugaru Korean chili flakes – sub with red pepper flakes or paprika
1 cup heavy cream or use milk for a lighter version – try it with coconut milk!
¼ cup pasta water reserved from boiling the pasta
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For garnish. Extra gochugaru or chili flakes fresh grated parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley or green onion

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and add pasta noodles. Boil until al dente, about 8-10 minutes (check your packaging label for suggested times). Drain, but reserve ¼ cup pasta water. Reserve noodles.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes to soften the chilies.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Stir in the gochujang and gochugaru and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop the flavor, stirring. The paste should darken a bit.
Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, the reserved pasta water, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the pasta noodles and remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir to heat through and coat all of the noodles, and melt the butter through.
Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
Garnish and serve.

Video

Notes

Optional Flavor Adjustments. Want More Umami? Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce or oyster sauce when adding the gochujang. Touch of Sweet? Add 1-2 teaspoons honey to balance out the spicy flavors.

Nutrition