Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Gochujang Pasta Recipe: Spicy, Simple & Sensational

The one pot gochujang pasta delivers a culinary explosion of vibrant flavors that upgrade ordinary weeknight dining into an extraordinary experience.

Korean chili paste mingles with silky noodles, creating a harmonious blend of intense spiciness and comforting richness.

Bold and complex, this dish challenges traditional pasta recipes with its unexpected heat and depth.

Creamy textures intertwine with smoky undertones, promising a sensory journey for adventurous food lovers.

Each forkful carries a symphony of tangy, umami-packed notes that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques make this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to revolutionize your pasta routine with a single skillet of fiery, irresistible deliciousness.

One Pot Gochujang Pasta: A Bold, Spicy Flavor Boost

  • Simplify Cooking: Whip up a delicious meal using just one pot, minimizing cleanup and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
  • Flavor Explosion: Gochujang's spicy-sweet kick combines with creamy Parmesan and rich heavy cream, creating a bold and unforgettable pasta experience that tingles your taste buds.
  • Quick Comfort Food: Ready in under 20 minutes, this hearty pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're craving something satisfying and fast.
  • Protein-Packed Perfection: Loaded with sausages and Parmesan cheese, this dish provides a substantial 30g of protein, making it an excellent option for those seeking a filling and nutritious meal.

Key Ingredients for One Pot Gochujang Pasta

  • Pasta: Quick-cooking base for the dish, choose a short pasta like penne or rigatoni for better sauce coating.
  • Sausages: Protein-rich component that adds savory flavor, use mild or spicy Italian sausage for variety.
  • Gochujang: Korean red chili paste that provides deep, spicy-sweet heat and rich umami flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture and balances the spiciness of gochujang.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the pasta sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty taste and helps thicken the sauce, choose freshly grated for best results.
  • Fresh or Dried Parsley: Light herb that adds color and subtle freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make One Pot Gochujang Pasta in Minutes

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Place pasta and water in a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook following package instructions, stirring occasionally. Keep a small amount of pasta water in the pot after cooking.

Step 2: Add Sausages

When 2 minutes are left in pasta cooking time, add sliced sausages and stir to combine.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low. Add ingredients to create sauce:
  • Gochujang
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly until sauce becomes smooth and completely coats pasta.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed. Add salt or pepper if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates. Top with:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Dried parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.

Tips for Mastering the Gochujang Pasta Flavor

  • Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
  • Control Gochujang Heat: Start with less spicy gochujang and gradually add more to customize the heat level to your preference.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
  • Sausage Selection: Choose spicy or mild sausages to complement the gochujang's bold flavor profile and add extra depth to the dish.
  • Creamy Consistency Hack: Lower the heat when adding cream and cheese to prevent separation and maintain a luxurious, velvety sauce texture.

Storing One Pot Gochujang Pasta for Later Enjoyment

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed pasta will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before transferring to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
  • Reheating Stovetop: Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of water or cream to prevent drying. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency. Stir continuously to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
  • Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of water or cream to help restore moisture. Check temperature and texture, ensuring the pasta remains creamy and doesn't become rubbery.

Best Accompaniments for One Pot Gochujang Pasta

  • Spice Up with Kimchi: Add a tangy, fermented Korean kimchi side that cuts through the creamy pasta richness and provides a zesty crunch.
  • Pour Korean Beer Pairing: Grab a crisp, light Korean beer like Cass or Hite to complement the spicy gochujang flavor and refresh your palate between bites.
  • Brighten with Fresh Salad: Create a simple green salad with cucumber and light sesame dressing to balance the pasta's heavy, creamy texture and provide a cool contrast.
  • Cool Down with Cucumber Banchan: Serve a quick Korean cucumber side dish with rice vinegar and sesame oil to add a refreshing element that offsets the pasta's spiciness.

Fun Twists on Gochujang Pasta Recipes

  • Veggie Volcano: Replace sausages with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Sauté vegetables before adding them to the pasta for extra flavor depth.
  • Seafood Fusion: Swap sausages with shrimp or crab meat for a marine-inspired dish. Add a splash of white wine for enhanced oceanic notes and richness.
  • Spice Adventure: Increase gochujang quantity for a more intense heat level. Include red pepper flakes and chopped green onions to amplify the kick and provide additional texture.
  • Protein Power: Substitute sausages with grilled chicken or crispy tofu cubes. Incorporate additional protein sources to make the pasta more substantial and filling.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Gochujang Pasta Recipe

Gochujang Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Korean-inspired one pot gochujang pasta delivers bold flavors with minimal kitchen effort. Creamy, tangy sauce and tender noodles create a quick weeknight meal that satisfies cravings for complex, comforting cuisine without complicated preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 sliced sausages

Dairy:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated parmesan
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated mozzarella
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated sharp cheddar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) macaroni pasta or pasta of choice
  • 3 cups (720 ml) water
  • 2.5 tablespoons gochujang
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1.5 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine uncooked pasta and water in a large pot, heating over high flame until liquid reaches a vigorous boil. Lower temperature to medium heat and simmer pasta, periodically stirring to prevent sticking, ensuring some cooking liquid remains in the pot after pasta reaches desired tenderness.
  2. Approximately 2 minutes before pasta completion, introduce thinly sliced sausages into the pot, gently incorporating them with the pasta using a wooden spoon or spatula.
  3. After pasta achieves perfect al dente texture, reduce cooking temperature to medium-low. Immediately introduce gochujang sauce, rich heavy cream, minced garlic, and finely grated Parmesan cheese into the pot.
  4. Vigorously whisk and blend ingredients until a smooth, glossy sauce develops, completely enveloping each pasta strand. Carefully taste the mixture and modulate seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cheese as needed.
  5. Transfer the creamy, spicy pasta directly to serving plates, generously sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley or dried herb flakes. Optional: Finish with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by reserving some starchy pasta water, which helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
  • Gochujang transforms this simple one-pot meal into a spicy, creamy delight with restaurant-quality depth and complexity.
  • Choose high-quality smoked or spicy sausage for an extra punch of flavor that complements the Korean chili paste.
  • Adjust heat levels by adding more or less gochujang, tailoring the dish to personal spice preferences.
  • Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and provides a pop of color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Korean-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 700 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star