BEST Gochujang Pasta

The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills the kitchen as a quick and delightful meal transforms before your eyes. BEST Gochujang Pasta is creamy, spicy, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights. With its flavorful gochujang sauce, this recipe strikes a balance between richness and heat that keeps you coming back for more.

This dish is ideal for anyone looking to spice up their pasta night or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home but easy enough for a quick lunch, too. If you have leftovers, simply store them in the fridge for up to three days for a tasty, reheatable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The gochujang adds an exciting flavor twist that elevates traditional pasta dishes.
• Creamy texture from the heavy cream balances the heat of the gochujang perfectly.
• Quick preparation ensures you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile ingredient options allow for gluten-free or vegan adaptations.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious dish:

For the Pasta

• 1 lb (250g) pasta of choice (I use large rigatoni; use gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup pasta water
• 1 tsp olive oil (plus more for coating the pasta)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter (use olive oil or vegan butter if needed)
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp gochujang (add 3 tbsp if you like it really spicy)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or vegan cream or full-fat coconut milk from a can)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For Serving

• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, and more for serving (use vegan parm if needed)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Note: Substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivities.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast for vegan cheese flavor.
• Adjust gochujang amount based on your heat preference.

How to Make It

Start creating this flavorful dish with these simple steps:

Boil pasta

Fill a large pot with water and season with salt. Once it comes to a boil, add the pasta, stir, and cook for 1 minute shy of what the packaging says, until al dente.

Reserve and drain

When ready, reserve the pasta water, and drain the rest. Add the pasta to a bowl and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking. Set aside.

Sauté garlic

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it starts to sizzle, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring very often, or until fragrant.

Toast gochujang

Add gochujang paste and stir. Toast the paste for 1-2 minutes, or until it darkens in color and caramelizes a little bit.

Mix cream

Then, add the heavy cream and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) and bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, alongside the grated parmesan cheese. Turn the heat to low and cook until the sauce has thickened and the pasta is well coated, stirring often.

Taste and adjust

Remove from the heat and give it a taste test. Add more salt or black pepper if needed, or more pasta water if you need to thin out the sauce.

Serve

Serve immediately with more parmesan cheese on top and a few sprinkles of fresh parsley (optional).

How to Store It

Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, sauce may separate upon thawing.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor.
• Drain pasta over a bowl to reserve water easily.
• Add more pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
• Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread for a comforting feast.
• Great for a casual dinner party or family gathering.