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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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