Gochujang Pasta is a delightful and spicy dish that combines the goodness of pasta with the unique flavor of Gochujang, a Korean red chili pepper paste. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavors that please both spicy food lovers and pasta fans. Cooking at home allows you to enjoy this creative fusion meal any time you want. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, Gochujang Pasta will surely impress your guests.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Gochujang Pasta. First, it offers a wonderful mix of flavors. The heat from the Gochujang complements the creamy sauce and the richness of butter and cheese. It creates a satisfying dish that is both spicy and comforting.
Second, this recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find. Most people already have pasta, garlic, butter, and olive oil in their kitchens. Gochujang is growing in popularity and can be found at most grocery stores or Asian markets. Because of this, you can whip up this dish any night of the week.
Lastly, Gochujang Pasta is versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables, protein, or different types of cheese. This makes it a great option for picky eaters or anyone looking to use up ingredients in the fridge.
Cooking Gochujang Pasta is simple, and the result is a hearty meal that feels both unique and familiar.
How to Make Gochujang Pasta
Making Gochujang Pasta is an enjoyable activity that you can do in less than 30 minutes. Below are all the ingredients and a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dry Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta (Bucatini Pasta)
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste Sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Directions
Boil Water: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water. This water will help thicken and bind the sauce later.
Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, take a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
Add Butter: After the garlic has cooked for a minute, add the salted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt and mix with the garlic.
Stir in Gochujang: Next, add Gochujang to the melted butter and garlic mixture. Stir well and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Create the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the Gochujang mixture. Stir continuously and cook until the cream thickens slightly. This usually takes around 3–5 minutes.
Incorporate Cheese: Now, add the shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese into the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy texture. If the sauce seems too thick, adjust it by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combine with Pasta: Once the sauce is ready and the pasta is cooked, carefully toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Gochujang sauce. Mix well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. You can season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Serve: Plate the pasta on individual dishes. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. You can also serve with extra cheese on the side for those who want even more cheese.
How to Serve Gochujang Pasta
Serving Gochujang Pasta is simple and fun. This dish can be served hot and made beautiful with a few garnishes. Here are some suggestions:
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley on each serving for a pop of color. Grated cheese can also be sprinkled on top for added flavor.
Accompaniments: Pair the dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables. A simple side salad with greens and a vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, consider pairing this dish with a chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. It can help cut through the creaminess and enhance the meal.
How to Store Gochujang Pasta
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish in advance, storing Gochujang Pasta is easy:
Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing.
Store in Airtight Containers: Place the pasta in airtight containers. This will help keep the flavors fresh.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat it again, simply reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing: If you want to freeze Gochujang Pasta, it is best to do so without the cheese and cream sauce. The sauce may change in texture upon reheating. You can freeze the pasta alone, and then cook up a fresh sauce when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Tips to Make Gochujang Pasta
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the amount of Gochujang you use. Start with 1 tablespoon and increase according to your taste.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream.
Use Different Cheeses: Get creative with your cheese choices! Mozzarella or feta can provide different flavors and textures.
Mix Proteins: You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
Finish with Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can add a bright touch to the dish.
Variations
Gochujang Pasta is versatile, and you can experiment with many variations. Here are some ideas:
Seafood Gochujang Pasta: Substitute the protein with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. Cook the seafood first and then combine it with the sauce and pasta.
Vegetarian Gochujang Pasta: Make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also include various vegetables for color and nutrition.
Baked Gochujang Pasta: After mixing the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes for a delicious baked version.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Gochujang Pasta without cream?
A: Yes, you can make a lighter version using vegetable broth instead of cream. This will still provide a delicious sauce while reducing the fat content.
Q2: Is Gochujang very spicy?
A: Gochujang has a unique flavor that combines spice and sweetness. It tends to be medium spicy, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Q3: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! You can use any pasta type you prefer. Spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta will work well with the sauce.
With this simple guide to making Gochujang Pasta, you can explore a faraway flavor right in your kitchen. Enjoy the richness and warmth of this creative dish!
Gochujang Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the salted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt and mix with the garlic.
- Stir in Gochujang, cooking for about 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream thickens slightly (around 3–5 minutes).
- Add the shredded cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Gochujang sauce until well coated. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.