If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with umami goodness, then you’re in for a treat. This Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta is a game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of heat from gochujang, richness from the cream, and the deep savoriness of garlic. The best part? It comes together in no time, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat!
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Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly:
Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy:
Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable:
Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing:
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Pasta:
The base of the dish! Choose your favorite pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work great.
Gochujang:
This Korean chili paste adds a deep, spicy, and slightly sweet kick that makes this dish irresistible.
Garlic:
A key player in the flavor department! Fresh garlic gives this pasta its bold, aromatic depth.
Heavy Cream:
The secret to that silky, rich texture that balances out the heat from the gochujang.
Butter:
Enhances the overall creaminess while adding a subtle richness to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese:
A little bit of salty, nutty goodness to round out the flavors.
Soy Sauce:
Adds a deep umami flavor and enhances the overall savory notes.
Honey:
Balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness, making the dish perfectly rounded.
Green Onions & Sesame Seeds:
For a final pop of color and texture—these toppings take it to the next level!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic:
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, and honey, mixing until combined. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Toss in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese & Garnishes:
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve & Enjoy:
Plate up your pasta, grab a fork, and dig in! This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads:
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread:
Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Protein Additions:
Want to make it more filling? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Vegetable Sides:
Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone:
Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead:
Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up:
Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments:
If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch:
This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ
Q1: Can I substitute gochujang with something else?
A1: If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a mix of sriracha and a little miso paste for a similar umami-rich, spicy flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and toss it in the warmed sauce.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess.
Q6: Can I add protein to this recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even crispy bacon work wonderfully in this dish.
7: Is this dish very spicy?
A7: It has a mild kick, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of gochujang. Add more cream or a pinch of sugar if you want to tone it down.
Q8: What type of pasta works best?
A8: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great choices, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.
Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap butter for a plant-based alternative.
Q10: How can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your gochujang and soy sauce are gluten-free alternatives.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta that’s bold, creamy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
Print
Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pastas
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Italian Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Gochujang Pasta is a perfect balance of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, packed with umami in every bite. Made with a rich and velvety gochujang-infused cream sauce, this easy dinner recipe is a must-try for spice lovers. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 500g pasta
- Green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the gochujang and cook until its color deepens slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and soy sauce, mixing well.
- Add grated parmesan and stir until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and simmer until fully coated and cooked to your preference.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve warm, garnished with more parmesan and green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang based on your spice preference.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use any pasta shape you like—fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni work well.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 90mg