Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe (Bold, Cozy, and Comforting)

gochujang pasta topped with chicken breast and topped with fresh herbs

Creamy Gochujang Pasta Recipe (Bold, Cozy, and Comforting)

This creamy gochujang pasta is rich, bold, and perfectly comforting. Made with paccheri, garlic, cream, and cheese for an easy dinner.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 1056kcal

Author Savory Thoughts

Equipment

Saucepan

Ingredients

1 lb. paccheri pasta
¼ cup chopped onions
1 green onion; sliced (separate whites and greens)
8 garlic cloves; grated or finely processed
1 bell pepper; orange, yellow, or red, seeds removed and processed with garlic
4 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoon tomato paste
4 tablespoon gochujang paste
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup pasta water
3 tablespoon chopped parsley; plus more for garnish
½ cup mozzarella cheese; or more as needed
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese; or more as needed
Grated parmesan cheese; for topping

Instructions

Cook the Pasta First: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the paccheri pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Important: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water — this helps create that silky, restaurant-style sauce.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base: Blend the garlic and bell peppers in the food processor. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the chopped onions and green onions.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Next, add the grated garlic and bell pepper mixture. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring often so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step builds the deep flavor foundation of the sauce.
Add the Tomato Paste and Gochujang: Stir in the tomato paste and gochujang paste.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This helps deepen the flavor and removes any raw taste from the tomato paste.
You’ll notice the color getting rich and beautiful — that’s exactly what you want.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly pour in the heavy cream; reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Stir well until the sauce becomes smooth and cohesive.
Let it gently simmer for about 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Add the Cheese (The Cozy Part ❤️): Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
Mix until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.
Bring Everything Together: Add the cooked paccheri pasta to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated.
Stir in the chopped parsley and the remaining green onions.
Let everything warm together for about 1–2 minutes.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and finish with grated parmesan, extra parsley, and fresh cracked pepper (optional). Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite.

Notes

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Calories are estimated per serving.

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