This Creamy Gochujang Pasta is a bold, spicy-smooth fusion of Korean and Italian flavors. Gochujang and cream create a silky sauce that clings to rigatoni, finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes.
8 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
2–3 tbsp gochujang paste
¾ cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
½ cup reserved pasta water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: parsley, scallions, sesame seeds for garnish
Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
In a skillet, heat butter or oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in gochujang and cook 1 minute.
Add cream and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and pasta water.
Toss in cooked pasta and stir to coat. Simmer 1–2 more minutes.
Garnish and serve hot.
Adjust gochujang to your spice level.
Add bacon, mushrooms, or spinach for variation.
Use oat or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.