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Gochujang Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Gochujang Pasta delivers spicy-sweet Korean chili paste fused with rich heavy cream and Parmesan creating ultra velvety sauce coating al dente rigatoni. Bold umami weeknight dinner blending fiery gochujang heat with classic Italian pasta comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Pasta & Sauce Base:
  • 12 oz rigatoni or penne
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving
  • Aromatics & Seasoning:
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Garnish:
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  • 1. Cook rigatoni in heavily salted boiling water until al dente (1 minute less than package). Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain.
  • 2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium. Add sliced garlic and shallot; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
  • 3. Add gochujang and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until darkened and aromatic. Pour in heavy cream; simmer 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • 4. Reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese; whisk until melted and smooth. Add ½ cup reserved pasta water; simmer until velvety sauce forms.
  • 5. Add cooked pasta directly to sauce. Toss vigorously 1-2 minutes until noodles absorb sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for silky consistency.
  • 6. Divide into bowls. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use good-quality gochujang (not sweetened sriracha); brands like Bibigo or Mother-in-Law’s work best.
  • Thinly slice garlic paper-thin for maximum flavor without bitterness.
  • Low simmer prevents cream from breaking; never boil after adding dairy.
  • Reserve extra pasta water – starchy water is key to perfect sauce consistency.
  • Spice level: 3 tbsp = medium heat; reduce to 2 tbsp for milder, add 4 tbsp for spicy.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully with splash of milk over low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: gochujang pasta, creamy spicy pasta, korean pasta, gochujang cream pasta

Find it online: https://dishfoody.com/gochujang-pasta-recipe/