Create a viral creamy pasta with a spicy kick using Gochujang. This recipe balances heat and richness for a deeply satisfying fusion dish.
Author:Richard Langley
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Fusion (Korean-Italian)
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Do not let it brown.
Reduce heat to low. Add the Gochujang, heavy cream, reserved pasta water, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil to the skillet. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
If using, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Taste the sauce. If you desire more spice, add a small spoonful of extra Gochujang. If it is too thick, add a little more pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently until every strand is coated evenly.
Serve immediately. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
The Gochujang paste is the main source of both spice and salt. Start with the listed amount and adjust based on your preferred heat level.
For a richer sauce, use a little less pasta water initially. The starch helps the sauce cling perfectly.
For a vegetarian option, ensure your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet, or omit it entirely.