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A delicious bowl of gochujang pasta garnished with herbs.

Gochujang Pasta

A comforting fusion dish that combines the warmth of Italian pasta with the bold flavors of Korean gochujang, resulting in a creamy and spicy sauce that's perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Korean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cream Sauce Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or udon) Choose thicker varieties for better sauce adherence.
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang Use high-quality brands for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Low-sodium options are preferred.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • to taste salt and pepper Kosher salt is recommended.
  • for garnish chopped green onions Adds color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Making the Sauce
  1. Stir in the gochujang and soy sauce, cooking for another minute until well combined.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy, achieving a nice pink hue.
Combining
  1. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For meal prep, the pasta and sauce can be cooked separately and combined right before serving. Adjust the spiciness with sugar or honey if needed.