Name: BEST Gochujang Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 450 g (1 lb) pasta of choice (rigatoni, penne, or gluten-free alternative); 120 ml (½ cup) pasta water (reserved); 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil, plus more for coating pasta; 28 g (2 tbsp) butter (or olive oil/vegan butter); 12–18 g (4–6 cloves) garlic, minced; 30–45 g (2–3 tbsp) gochujang paste (adjust to spice preference); 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream (or vegan cream/coconut milk); 1.5 g (¼ tsp) salt; 1.5 g (¼ tsp) smoked paprika (optional); 25 g (¼ cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (vegan parmesan if needed); Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bold, comforting, and a little adventurous, look no further than Gochujang Pasta. This creamy pasta dish brings together the deep, spicy kick of Korean chili paste with the cozy, carb-filled goodness we all love about Italian pasta. It’s the ultimate Korean fusion recipe that checks every box: fast, flavorful, and weeknight dinner–approved.

The best part? You only need 20 minutes and a handful of pantry staples to whip this up. So whether you’re cooking for yourself after a busy day, or trying to impress someone who thinks pasta can only be marinara or Alfredo, this dish is ready to prove otherwise. Let’s just say—one bite and you’ll understand why Gochujang Pasta has become a trending favorite across kitchens everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Pasta

Creamy and spicy all at once—think comfort food with a kick.
Quick enough for a busy weeknight, but impressive enough for date night.
A fun twist on traditional pasta that brings global flavor right to your table.
Easily adaptable for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

450 g (1 lb) pasta of choice (rigatoni or gluten-free alternative)
120 ml (½ cup) pasta water
5 ml (1 teaspoon) olive oil, plus more for coating pasta
28 g (2 tablespoons) butter (or olive oil/vegan butter)
12–18 g (4–6 cloves) garlic, minced
30–45 g (2–3 tablespoons) gochujang paste (adjust to spice preference)
240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream (or vegan cream/coconut milk)
1.5 g (¼ teaspoon) salt
1.5 g (¼ teaspoon) smoked paprika (optional)
25 g (¼ cup) freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving (vegan parmesan if needed)
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until 1 minute shy of al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and toss with olive oil. Set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in gochujang paste and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Pour in heavy cream and half the pasta water, stirring until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer gently.
Return pasta to the pot. Add parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles. Add more pasta water if needed.
Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with extra parmesan and parsley.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Bowl

Don’t skimp on the garlic—it balances the heat of the gochujang beautifully.
Start with less gochujang and add more as you go; the spice builds quickly.
Reserve that pasta water! It’s liquid gold for creating the silkiest sauce.
For extra depth, try a squeeze of lemon juice at the end—it brightens everything up.
Want it richer? Add an extra pat of butter before serving. Want it lighter? Use half-and-half or coconut milk.

A Little Story Behind This Dish

I first made Gochujang Pasta on a weeknight when I was desperate to shake up my usual dinner routine. My fridge held cream, garlic, and parmesan, while a half-used tub of gochujang stared back at me from the pantry. A lightbulb moment: why not marry the two? The result was pure magic—creamy, spicy, tangy, and utterly addictive. It reminded me that some of the best recipes come from simply experimenting with what’s on hand. Since then, it’s become a family favorite (and yes, my kids call it “spicy mac and cheese” to make it sound less intimidating).

What to Serve with Gochujang Pasta

This pasta can absolutely shine on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with sides. A crisp green salad with citrus dressing adds freshness to balance the richness. Garlic bread? Always a yes. If you want to lean into the fusion theme, serve it alongside Korean-inspired sides like kimchi or pickled cucumbers. For a heartier spread, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent protein add-ons. And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon—it keeps the meal feeling light and refreshing.

How to Store Leftovers

Gochujang Pasta reheats surprisingly well, which means you can look forward to a second helping the next day. Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring halfway. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but loosening it with a bit of liquid brings it right back to life. I don’t recommend freezing this one since cream sauces can separate, but trust me—it won’t last long enough to freeze anyway.

FAQs About Gochujang Pasta

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter and cream for vegan alternatives (like coconut cream or oat milk), and use dairy-free parmesan.

How spicy is gochujang?

It has a slow-building heat that’s savory and slightly sweet—not overwhelming. You can always start small and add more.

What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti works too. Use what you love.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2 days. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta.

Is this healthier than traditional creamy pasta?

Thanks to gochujang, you get big flavor without needing tons of butter or cheese. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got a balanced meal.

One Bite and You’re Hooked

At the end of the day, Gochujang Pasta is proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. With just 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you can transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into something creamy, spicy, and unforgettable. It’s comfort food with an edge, a little global flair in your everyday kitchen. So next time pasta night rolls around, ditch the jarred sauce and stir up a pot of this fiery, velvety magic—you won’t regret it.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.