Gochujang spaghetti is a delicious pasta dish that combines Italian and Korean flavors for an easy weeknight meal. This creamy, mildly spicy pasta only requires a few simple ingredients like gochujang (Korean red chili paste), butter, garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes, gochujang spaghetti comes together in a flash.

Keep reading to learn all about this trendy pasta recipe, from what exactly gochujang is to tips for making the tastiest bowl of creamy spicy noodles. With this guide, you'll be able to whip up a batch of mouthwatering gochujang spaghetti any night of the week!

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What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a thick, sweet, and spicy condiment that originates from Korea. It's made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, salt, and chili peppers. The fermentation process gives gochujang a complex, umami flavor profile.

This Korean chili paste lends a savory, slightly sweet heat to dishes. The texture is smooth and pourable. Gochujang contains a touch of sweetness to balance out its heat level.

You can find gochujang sold in plastic tubs at most major grocery stores, Asian supermarkets, or online. When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will keep for several months.

The versatility of gochujang makes it a staple ingredient in Korean cooking. It's used for marinades, stews, soups, dipping sauces, and more. That's why it makes such a tasty addition when combined with pasta!

Why Make Gochujang Spaghetti?

There are so many reasons to love this simple gochujang spaghetti recipe:

It's incredibly fast and easy to make on a busy weeknight
The ingredient list is short and straightforward
Gochujang adds a complex flavor that's both spicy and sweet
The creamy, cheesy sauce clings to each strand of pasta
It's customizable based on your preferences for heat and add-ins
Leftovers keep well for meal prep lunches or dinners later in the week

Tips for Delicious Gochujang Spaghetti

Here are some additional tips to ensure your gochujang pasta turns out perfectly:

Cook the pasta al dente so it finishes cooking properly in the sauce. Undercook it slightly.
Use a large, deep skillet to have room for the sauce and pasta to simmer together.
Stir the sauce frequently to prevent the garlic and gochujang from burning.
The sauce should coat the pasta but not be soupy. Add pasta water gradually.
Let the finished pasta rest for 1-2 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes.
Swap the green onions for chopped scallions, chives, or basil.
For extra creaminess, stir in an extra spoonful of butter at the end.

With this easy formula and a few tips in mind, you're sure to have delicious results. The only tricky part is waiting for the pasta water to boil!

Variations on Gochujang Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Get creative with these gochujang pasta variations:

Add protein - Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu work nicely.
More veggies - Stir in spinach, kale, broccoli, mushrooms, etc.
Different pasta - Try penne, farfalle, rigatoni, or udon noodles.
More cheese - Mix in mozzarella, Monterey jack, or cottage cheese.
Switch up the sauce - Substitute sour cream or yogurt for part of the heavy cream.
Make it vegan - Use vegan butter, skip the parmesan, and swap cashew cream for the heavy cream.
Spice it up - Add sriracha, gochugaru, sambal oelek, or other chili pastes along with the gochujang.

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to possible mix-ins and toppings for gochujang spaghetti. The basic recipe handles additions extremely well for an easy, customizable weeknight dinner.

How to Store Leftover Gochujang Pasta

Like many creamy pasta dishes, gochujang spaghetti keeps well for several days in the refrigerator. Here are some storage tips:

Let leftover pasta cool completely before storing.
Transfer to an airtight container. Glass containers work best.
Gochujang pasta will be kept for 3-5 days in the fridge.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin out the sauce.
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Stir frequently to distribute the sauce evenly when reheating.
Adding extra butter or olive oil before reheating can revive the taste.

With proper storage methods, you can enjoy leftovers of this yummy gochujang pasta all week long. The flavors continue developing as the dish sits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pasta shape works best?

Short tubular or twisted shapes like penne, fusilli, or campanelle hold the sauce nicely, as do long strands like spaghetti or linguine.

Can I use jarred minced garlic?

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic. But in a pinch, jarred minced garlic will work.

Do I need to cook the sauce?

You'll want to gently simmer everything just until heated through and slightly thickened. This allows the flavors to meld.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce ahead then gently reheat and toss with cooked pasta. Or cook the entire dish then reheat it later.

What side dishes go well with it?

Steamed broccoli, dressed salad, or garlic bread are perfect complements.

Conclusion

Gochujang spaghetti is an easy way to add delicious Korean flavor to a weeknight pasta dinner. With just a few pantry staples, you can cook up a satisfyingly creamy, mildly spicy pasta for the whole family to enjoy.

Follow this simple recipe to whip up a batch of gochujang spaghetti anytime a craving strikes for some comfort food with a kick. Then get creative trying out different add-ins and serving suggestions. This versatile recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal plan rotation.