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Creamy Gochujang pasta with chicken and vegetables.

Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Gochujang Pasta is a creamy, spicy fusion dish that combines Korean gochujang chili paste with classic pasta for a bold yet comforting flavor. The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and gently spicy, making it appealing even to those new to Korean flavors. This dish reflects modern fusion cooking, blending Asian heat with Western comfort food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • ½ pound pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve one by four cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  3. Lower the heat and add the gochujang. Stir well and cook for about one minute, then add soy sauce and brown sugar or honey and mix until combined.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Season with black pepper and chili flakes if using. Remove from heat, garnish with Parmesan cheese and green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Short pasta like penne holds the sauce well, while long pasta gives a smoother texture
  • For protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the final step
  • Mushrooms or spinach work well for a vegetarian version
  • Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce texture