Super creamy Gochujang pasta (easy recipe)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

These Gochujang pasta features a super rich and creamy sauce, packed with flavors, and ready with minimal effort. They're so good, I'm not even sure they'll make it to your dinner table - someone might have devoured them up first! Trust me, once you've tried them, they'll be on the menu every week!

Creamy Gochujang pasta in a large skillet with spring onions and fresh chopped chives.

💙Why you'll love them

A handful of ingredients - you won't need a ton of different, complicated ingredients to prepare this mouth-watering recipe!
Quick and easy - ready within 20 minutes, it's the perfect comforting and lazy weeknight meal that I typically cook when I don't feel like cooking.
Budget friendly - it's a low budget and inexpensive recipe!

😍For spicy lovers

Spicy vodka pasta with shrimp

Spicy salmon crispy rice

Spicy chicken pasta

🌶Ingredients

You can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below. Here are a few ingredient notes to make this quick meal.

Gochujang paste - for those who don't know, it's a popular Korean fermented chili paste. You can find it in Asian grocery stores, in Asian markets or online.
Parmesan cheese - I really recommend buying a large block and grating it yourself at the last moment, it's so much better!
Pasta - you can choose the pasta shape that you like, I personally love Penne pasta with this sauce!
Garlic - if you want to choose your garlic carefully so you do not encourage the slavery of Chinese prisoners, read my Eco Tips on the subject.

Ingredients to make Gochujang pasta in white and beige bowls and plates.

🍗Variations

Feel free to change this recipe to go with your tastes. I suggest several options:

Gluten-free - use gluten-free pasta.
Vegan - replace heavy cream with vegan cream.
Proteins - this recipe can be delicious with crispy tofu or cooked and shredded chicken breast.
More veggies - baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes go especially well with this creamy and velvety sauce.
Spice it up with some red pepper flakes or chili powder - adapt according to your spice preference.

This recipe has not been tested using any other substitutions. If you do try substituting ingredients, it may not turn out as it's meant to. Please leave a comment below letting me know if it worked out!

✨How to make these delicious pasta?

Recipe detailed instructions and quantities are in the recipe card below.

Place pasta in a large pot of boiling water and cook following the package instructions. Reserve ⅛ cup pasta water.
While pasta cooks, heat a large pan over medium heat, add sesame oil and minced garlic.

Minced garlic cooking with sesame oil in a large skillet.

Let it cook until translucent, then add the Gochujang paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

Cooked minced garlic with sesame oil in a large skillet.

Gochujang added to the skillet of cooked garlic.

Cooked Gochujang mixed with the garlic in the skillet.

Lower the heat, pour heavy cream and continue to stir for 2 more minutes.
Then add the reserve pasta water, honey, salt, black pepper and cooked pasta.

Heavy cream, honey, salt, black pepper and reserve pasta water combined in the skillet to create the creamy sauce.

Cooked pasta added to the skillet of creamy Gochujang sauce.

Serve with Parmesan cheese, green onions and fresh chives.

👩🏻‍🍳Chef's tips

Cook the pasta al dente - the pasta will finish cooking while in the pan, so don't overcook them or you might end up with a mishmash haha.
Use high-quality ingredients - there are very few of them, so I really recommend investing in quality ingredients, they really make a difference - you won't regret it!
Optional - add sesame seeds or soy beans as toppings.

💡Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gochujang spicy?

As it's a paste made from fermented chillies, yes, it's pretty spicy (although it can vary depending on which one you buy). I always recommend, when cooking a spicy dish, to put a little on, taste, and add more if needed. For me, that's the way to go. Taking it one step at a time is the best way to end up with a dish that's 100% to your liking.

How is it different from other chili paste?

It is distinguished from other chili pastes by its prolonged fermentation process (several months, sometimes several years), its thick, sticky texture (which enables it to coat other ingredients with which it comes into contact), and its use in Korean cuisine to season sooooo many dishes.

How to store Gochujang?

You should follow the package instructions, but I advise you to close it very well and personally, I store mine in the refrigerator. Also, if you use one that's in a non-reusable packaging, transfer it in an airtight container.

Is it vegan/gluten-free?

It's often vegan and gluten-free, at least mine is, but I'd advise you to check the label as this can change depending on the brand.

What other recipes can I use Gochujang in?

Typical Asian recipes include Bibimbap (a dish of rice, protein and stir-fried vegetables), Tteokbokki (rice cakes simmered in a sauce containing Gochujang), Bulgogi beef, ramen, and many others...
But you can also use it to replace the hot sauce on your pizza, prepare a salad dressing by combining olive oil, Gochujang, lemon and honey, add some to a burger... there are a thousand different ways you can use this delicious chili paste!

What to serve this dish with?

I really love to serve a pasta dish with some bread. My number one recommandation would be my delicious Ciabatta, but a focaccia bread would be heavenly too!

❄️Storage and freezing

Store - once completely cold, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat - place leftovers in a microwave safe dish and heat until pipping hot.
Freeze - once completely cold, place in a freezer bag labelled with the date and the name of the recipe. Freeze.
Defrost - place in a microwave safe dish or in a pan, and heat for a few minutes, until completely defrosted and pipping hot.

😋Other creamy pasta dishes you'll love

📖 Recette

Pas encore de vote