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Large plates of gochujang pasta on a table.

Gochujang Pasta

Carissa Erzen
This creamy gochujang pasta is my new favorite way to eat pasta! It's ready in just 30 minutes, so it's perfect for busy weeknights. It tastes a little spicy, a little sweet, a little salty, and so delicious!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Korean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 433 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon gochujang (or more, if you prefer spicier pasta)
  • 1 cup full fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan, optional topping

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in salted water until it is al dente (still pretty chewy).
    Once the pasta is cooked, drain into a colander, and reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. Set the colander of pasta in your sink to drain.
  • While the pasta boils, cook the vegetables. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium heat.
    Add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and golden, after 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and golden.
  • Stir in the gochujang paste and cook for one minute.
  • Add ½ cup of the starchy pasta water to loosen the sauce and cook for one minute.
  • Add the coconut milk or heavy cream. Stir until a creamy sauce is formed.
  • Add the pasta to the pan and mix until all the noodles are coated in the sauce.
  • To serve, top with sliced green onions or chives, grated parmesan cheese, or fresh basil.

Notes

  • Any type of pasta works well in this recipe. You can use spaghetti, fettucine, macaroni, penne, or even ramen noodles.
  • When using high fat coconut milk, either shake the can rigorously or pour it out into a bowl and stir it. It tends to separate into a thick coconut cream at the top and then liquid at the bottom. 
  • Instead of coconut milk, you can swap in heavy cream.
  • You can serve your gochujang pasta with shredded chicken, ground beef, meatballs, salmon, shrimp, or tofu for more protein.
  • Allow leftover pasta to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 433kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 326mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 47IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 2mg
Keyword gochujang pasta
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