Gochujang Pasta: The Spicy Creamy Dish You’ll Crave Every Week
I’ll be honest with you—I never thought pasta and gochujang would work together.
But one day I had leftover pasta, an almost-empty tub of gochujang in the fridge, and no mood for plain tomato sauce. I mixed them, added some cream, and boom—it became one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had.
Now, it’s my go-to comfort food, and I promise you’ll love it too. Let’s dive in and I’ll show you exactly why this recipe works and how you can make it at home.
What is Gochujang?
If you’ve never used gochujang before, let me explain quickly. It’s a Korean chili paste that’s sweet, spicy, and savory all at once. It’s made with red chili, glutinous rice, and fermented soybeans.
Unlike hot sauces that just burn, gochujang has depth—it adds flavor, not just heat. That’s why it works beautifully in pasta. It gives the creamy sauce a kick without overpowering everything.
Why Gochujang Pasta Works So Well
The magic of this dish is the balance. Pasta is usually rich, creamy, and cheesy. Gochujang cuts through that richness with spice and umami. Together, it creates a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
It’s also a quick recipe. In about 20 minutes, you get a meal that tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but it’s made with pantry basics. And trust me, once you try it, plain pasta will feel boring.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make gochujang pasta. Most of these are simple and easy to find:
- Pasta (any type, but spaghetti or penne works best)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Butter or olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (optional, finely chopped)
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil (optional)
If you want protein, you can add chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. It works with all.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Let me break it down so you can follow easily:
1. Cook Your Pasta
Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Save about a cup of the pasta water before draining—it helps make the sauce creamy later.
2. Make the Base
In a pan, heat butter or olive oil. Add garlic (and onion if using) and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the Gochujang
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of gochujang. Cook it for 30 seconds so the flavor deepens.
4. Make it Creamy
Pour in heavy cream and stir well. The sauce will turn a beautiful orange-red color.
5. Add Pasta & Cheese
Toss in the cooked pasta, add Parmesan cheese, and a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix until everything is coated.
6. Season & Serve
Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra gochujang if you like it spicier. Garnish with fresh herbs. Done!
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Adjust spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tablespoon gochujang. Add more later if needed.
- Cheese upgrade: Besides Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Protein boost: Chicken breast, shrimp, or crispy bacon makes it more filling.
- Vegan version: Use coconut cream instead of dairy and skip the cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
I love this pasta because it’s different yet familiar. It feels cozy like a bowl of Alfredo but with that spicy Korean twist that makes it exciting. It’s the perfect “lazy but impressive” dinner—whether you’re cooking for yourself or want to impress friends.
FAQs About Gochujang Pasta
Q: Is gochujang very spicy?
A: Not really. It’s milder than hot sauce and has sweetness too. You can control the spice by adjusting how much you add.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. If using milk, add a bit of butter or cheese to thicken it.
Q: What pasta shape is best?
A: Spaghetti, linguine, or penne work best because they hold the sauce nicely.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: It tastes best fresh, but you can reheat with a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back.
Q: Where can I buy gochujang?
A: Most Asian grocery stores carry it. You can also find it online or in the international section of bigger supermarkets.
That’s it—you now have a new favorite pasta recipe to add to your list. I’ve made this dish so many times, and every single time I finish the bowl with a smile. Try it once, and I’m sure you’ll do the same.
