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Quick Gochujang Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

Quick Gochujang Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful fusion dish that combines the spicy and savory notes of Korean gochujang paste with creamy coconut milk and fresh spinach. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy pasta recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional tomato-based sauces, perfect for a weeknight dinner that packs a punch.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Italian)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb dried pasta of choice (454g)

Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons oil (plain oil like canola or sunflower)
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 Tablespoons tomato paste (tomato concentrate)
  • 4 Tablespoons gochujang paste
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 13.5 fl. oz. can coconut milk (400ml)

Add-ins

  • 3-4 cups baby spinach (100-125g)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • (Optional) 3 Tablespoons chopped roasted walnuts or pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in well-salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté onions: Heat oil in a large deep saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate seasonings: Mix in gochujang paste, tomato paste, and salt. Fry the mixture for 3 minutes, stirring often until the sauce darkens slightly.
  5. Add coconut milk and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and whisk to combine thoroughly with the pastes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
  6. Add spinach and lemon juice: Stir in baby spinach and lemon juice, then remove the pan from the heat.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the pan. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
  8. Adjust and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately topped with optional toasted chopped walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch.

Notes

  • Gochujang paste can be found in Asian grocery stores or online and adds a spicy, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
  • Use any dried pasta you prefer – penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce the gochujang amount to 2 tablespoons or substitute with a milder chili paste.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the toasted walnuts or pine nuts.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta perfectly.
  • This recipe is vegetarian, and substituting coconut milk keeps it dairy-free.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/quick-gochujang-pasta-recipe/