Creamy Korean Chili Pasta (Printable Version)
A silky fusion dish combining Italian pasta with Korean gochujang for a spicy, creamy comfort food ready in under 15 minutes.
# Ingredients:
01 -
12 oz (340 g) pasta (bucatini, fusilli, or pasta of choice)
02 -
2 tbsp salted butter
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
¼ cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
06 -
¾ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
07 -
½ cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese
08 -
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 -
Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt the water if desired. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7–12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and black pepper, cooking for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic. Stir in the gochujang, heavy cream, and shredded cheese. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
03 -
Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Let it cool completely before storing.
02 -
This pasta pairs beautifully with pan-seared shrimp, grilled chicken, tofu, or sliced steak for a heartier meal.
03 -
Add sautéed or roasted vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra texture and balance.
04 -
For a vegan option, use coconut cream and a plant-based cheese alternative. Mushrooms or tempeh make excellent additions.
05 -
While bucatini offers a great texture, this sauce works just as well with spaghetti, penne, ramen, or rice noodles.
06 -
Serve with kimchi, quick-pickled vegetables, or garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added brightness.
07 -
Gochujang is a traditional Korean fermented red chili paste made from chili peppers, rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Its flavor is savory, slightly sweet, and spicy, with deep umami notes.