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Gochujang Pasta

A creamy, spicy, and deeply savory pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Korean
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce
  • 8 oz Fusilli Corti Bucati pasta Or any pasta shape — penne and rigatoni both work great
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang The key ingredient — adjust for spice tolerance
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced For aromatic depth
  • 4 tbsp Salted butter Creates a rich, silky base
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing the garlic
  • ½ cup Heavy cream For creamy texture
  • ½ cup Shredded cheese — parmesan or cheddar Choose based on what you have
  • 1 pinch Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of starchy cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 to 90 seconds until golden and fragrant.
  3. Add gochujang to the garlic and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to bloom the flavors.
  4. Mix in the salted butter and let it melt completely, stirring to combine.
  5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet in a slow stream while stirring. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
  6. Remove the pan from heat, then add shredded cheese in batches, stirring until melted.
  7. Return the pan to low heat and adjust the sauce's consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat.
  9. Divide the pasta between serving bowls, top with black pepper and parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Reserve more pasta water than you think you might need. This dish is flexible; consider adding proteins like chicken or vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms. Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of gochujang used.