Gochujang Butter Pasta (Spicy, Savory & Creamy!)

Looking for something a little different for pasta night? Enter Gochujang Butter Pasta, the bold Korean-Italian fusion recipe that’s taking over food blogs and home kitchens alike. This dish brings together the fire and fermented funk of gochujang—Korea’s beloved chili paste—with the mellow richness of European butter and a creamy Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a deeply flavorful, comforting, and slightly spicy pasta that tastes like it took hours. It’s fast, easy, satisfying, and totally addictive.

Whether you’re new to Korean ingredients or a longtime spice enthusiast, this recipe hits every note—savory, sweet, spicy, and buttery smooth.

Looking for another fusion favorite? Try our Creamy Kimchi Udon Noodles — a reader favorite for good reason.

Why You’ll Love This Gochujang Butter Pasta

This isn’t your average weeknight dinner. Gochujang butter pasta has a depth of flavor that belies its simplicity. Here’s why it stands out:

• Spicy yet balanced – thanks to the gochujang and butter blend
• Incredibly quick – dinner in 20 minutes
• Rich and creamy – but not heavy
• Umami-packed – gochujang and Parmesan give this depth
• Flexible – make it vegetarian, meaty, or vegan

It’s a modern, crave-worthy dish that takes cues from Korean tteokbokki, Italian cacio e pepe, and American mac and cheese, combining them into a single, soul-hugging bowl of comfort.

What Is Gochujang?

If you’re not familiar with it, gochujang is a spicy-sweet fermented red chili paste used in Korean cooking. Made from chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt, it adds heat, sweetness, and complexity to any dish.

You’ll find it in classics like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and now—pasta.

The beauty of gochujang is its versatility. It’s a flavor bomb that complements creamy, cheesy sauces just as well as traditional Asian dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might already have most of these on hand. Just grab a tub of gochujang from your local Asian market or online, and you’re ready to go.

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Chopped scallions (for garnish)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth
• Cooked shrimp or shredded chicken for protein
• Spinach or kale for greens
• A touch of honey or maple syrup to mellow heat

Tip: Use bronze-cut pasta for the best sauce cling.

How to Make Gochujang Butter Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.

2. Build the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently. Stir in the gochujang and soy sauce and let it sizzle and bloom—this unlocks the full depth of flavor.

3. Cream and Sesame Oil

Add heavy cream and sesame oil. Whisk until fully combined and slightly thickened. The sauce will turn a gorgeous brick-red color.

4. Toss and Finish

Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss with Parmesan and a splash of pasta water. Keep stirring until the sauce emulsifies and coats every strand.

5. Serve It Hot

Plate immediately and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Add a soft-boiled or fried egg on top if you like—you won’t regret it.

Tips for the Best Gochujang Pasta

• Use high-quality gochujang. Brands like Sempio and CJ Haechandle are great.
• Control the heat. Gochujang varies in spiciness. Start with less, taste, and add more if needed.
• Pasta water matters. It makes the sauce glossy and helps it cling.
• Grate your own cheese. Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that ruin the sauce texture.

Flavor Variations to Try

Extra Creamy

Add ½ cup mascarpone, Boursin, or even cream cheese.

Make It Vegan

Sub in plant-based butter and coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of cheese.

Meaty Upgrades

Sliced Korean bulgogi beef, shrimp, or crispy tofu take this over the top.

Add Veggies

Stir in roasted mushrooms, blistered cherry tomatoes, or wilted spinach.

Want a more pantry-based pasta? Try our Spicy Peanut Noodles with Chili Oil.

Perfect Pairings

• Korean Cucumber Salad – adds brightness and crunch
• Miso-Roasted Cauliflower – great for texture contrast
• Soft-Boiled Egg or Fried Egg – a silky topper
• Chilled Asian Pickles – balances richness

Need more side ideas? Check our full collection of Asian-inspired sides.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Keeps up to 3 days in an airtight container
• Reheat: Microwave gently with a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce
• Freeze: Not recommended—cream sauces break when thawed

For a next-day upgrade, try adding a spoon of broth and topping with a runny egg.

FAQs

What to do with gochujang butter?

Use it on everything—grilled meats, vegetables, rice bowls, corn on the cob, toast, even scrambled eggs. It’s a versatile condiment with kick and richness.

Can gochujang be used in pasta?

Absolutely. Gochujang pairs perfectly with cream, butter, and cheese to create a spicy-savory profile unlike any traditional tomato sauce.

What does gochujang butter taste like?

It’s spicy, a little sweet, deeply umami, and ultra-savory. The butter smooths out the edges and makes the chili flavor lush and rich.

Can you use gochujang paste as a sauce?

Yes, but it’s thick and concentrated. Combine it with water, broth, sesame oil, or soy sauce to create a pourable, balanced sauce for noodles, rice, or proteins.

Conclusion

Gochujang Butter Pasta is a dish that delivers beyond expectations. It’s comforting but bold, easy but layered. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself on a weeknight, it’s a show-stopper with minimal effort.

This is what happens when Korean heat meets Italian finesse—creamy, spicy, salty, and unforgettable.

Love flavor-fusion meals? Check out our Creamy Miso Ramen or Gochujang Fried Rice next.

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