Creamy Gochujang Pasta 

This Creamy Gochujang Pasta is a bold fusion of Korean heat and Italian comfort, perfect for a quick weekday supper. The gochujang chili paste brings a rich, spicy-sweet umami flavor, balanced with creaminess from heavy cream and Parmesan. With just a handful of pantry staples, it's ready in around 12–15 minutes. You’ll sauté garlic (and onion if desired), cook the gochujang to deepen flavor, then stir in cream and cheese. Toss in al dente pasta and a splash of pasta water to get a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each strand. Garnish with scallions or chives and serve hot—a flavorful twist that’s satisfying, simple, and budget‑friendly. 

Ingredients

• 500 g (about ½ lb) spaghetti (or preferred pasta)
  
  

• 2 Tbsp gochujang paste (adjust to heat preference)
  
  

• ½ cup heavy cream
  
  

• ¼–½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• 1 Tbsp olive oil (plus optional butter)
  
  

• ~¼ cup reserved pasta water (plus extra as needed)
  
  

• Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes, finely diced onion or shallots
  
  

• Garnish: chopped scallions or chives
  
  

Directions

1. Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water until just under al dente; reserve at least ¼ cup pasta cooking water before draining.
   
   

2. Meanwhile, heat oil (and butter if using) over low-medium heat in a large pan. Add garlic (and chopped onion/shallots if using) and sauté until fragrant and just softened (~2–3 min).
   
   

3. Stir in gochujang paste and chili flakes; cook for 1–3 minutes until paste darkens slightly, enhancing its flavor.
   
   

4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine, lowering heat to medium-low. Let the sauce bubble gently and thicken as you stir.
   
   

5. Add drained pasta to the pan. Toss, then pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and coats the noodles.
   
   

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese (and butter if reserved). Adjust seasoning with salt or more gochujang if needed. Cook another minute to meld flavors.
   
   

7. Serve immediately, garnished with scallions or chives.
   
   

Nutrients (approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal (varies by cream and cheese)
  
  

• Protein: ~15–20 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~55–60 g
  
  

• Fat: ~18–25 g (from cream, oil, cheese)
  
  

• Fiber: ~2–3 g
  
  

• Sugar: ~3 g
  
  

• Sodium: variable depending on gochujang and cheese