Creamy Korean Ssamjang Pasta That Will Change The Way You Eat Pasta Forever

I know what you’re thinking—Korean ssamjang in pasta? Sounds a little crazy, right? But hear me out. I was craving something creamy, comforting, but also bold and packed with flavor.

That’s when I looked at the jar of ssamjang in my fridge and thought, why not mix it with pasta?

And let me tell you—this creamy Korean ssamjang pasta turned out so good that I had to share it with you. If you love fusion food, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.

What is Ssamjang and Why It Works in Pasta

Ssamjang is a thick, savory Korean sauce usually eaten with grilled meat and lettuce wraps. It’s made from doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gochujang (spicy chili paste), garlic, sesame oil, and other seasonings. The flavor is salty, nutty, a little spicy, and deeply rich.

Now imagine that bold flavor balanced with creamy pasta sauce. The cream softens the spice and saltiness, while the ssamjang adds layers of flavor that regular Alfredo or cream sauce just can’t match. The result? A pasta that’s creamy, spicy, savory, and unforgettable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is super simple and doesn’t need any fancy ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne works best)
• Butter or olive oil
• Garlic (finely chopped)
• Heavy cream or milk + cream combo
• Parmesan cheese (optional but adds depth)
• 1–2 tablespoons of ssamjang (adjust to taste)
• A little gochujang (if you like more spice)
• Salt and pepper
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Ssamjang Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. Keep a cup of pasta water aside—you might need it later to loosen the sauce.

2. Make the Creamy Base

In a pan, melt butter or warm olive oil. Add garlic and cook until it smells amazing. Pour in the cream and let it simmer gently.

3. Add the Ssamjang Magic

Now comes the fun part—stir in ssamjang. It will melt into the cream and instantly change the sauce into something rich and flavorful. If you want more heat, add a small spoon of gochujang too.

4. Mix with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss it well so the sauce coats every strand. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water.

5. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle parmesan cheese if you like, then top with green onions or sesame seeds. That’s it—you’ve just made creamy Korean ssamjang pasta.

@erictriesit

Ep. 1 of Asian Pasta Fusion : Creamy Korean Ssamjang Pasta 🌶️ #ssamjang #gochujang #koreanrecipe #koreanfood #koreanpasta #koreanbbq

♬ Feather – Sped Up – Sabrina Carpenter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy but different – It takes less than 30 minutes but feels like a restaurant dish.
• Fusion done right – It mixes Italian comfort with bold Korean flavor.
• Customizable – Make it mild or spicy depending on how much ssamjang you use.
• Crowd-pleaser – Even people who’ve never tried ssamjang will love it.

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Tips for the Best Ssamjang Pasta

• Don’t add too much ssamjang at once. Start small and taste as you go.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• If you want protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon.
• Garnish matters—green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and crunch.

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Serving Ideas

This pasta can be served on its own or with:

• A simple green salad
• Grilled meat (Korean BBQ + pasta = heaven)
• Garlic bread for extra comfort

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Final Thoughts

When I first made this, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But after one bite, I knew it was something special. The creaminess balances the bold ssamjang perfectly, creating a sauce that’s rich but not heavy, spicy but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of pasta you’ll want to make again and again.

So, if you’ve got a jar of ssamjang sitting in your fridge, give this recipe a try. I promise—it might become one of your favorite fusion dishes ever.

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FAQs About Creamy Korean Ssamjang Pasta

Q: Can I make this without cream?
Yes! You can use milk mixed with a little flour for thickness, or even oat/soy milk if you want it lighter.

Q: How spicy is this pasta?
It depends on your ssamjang and how much you add. Start with one spoon and increase if you like more heat.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip any meat additions and maybe add mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Q: How long does it keep?
The pasta tastes best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.

Q: What protein works best in this dish?
Shrimp, chicken, or even bacon pair really well with the creamy, spicy flavor.