Creamy Kimchi Pasta — Spicy, Savory, and Comforting in 15 Minutes

If you’re craving something bold, creamy, and bursting with umami flavor, this Creamy Kimchi Pasta is about to become your new obsession.

This dish fuses Italian comfort with Korean heat — think silky noodles coated in a spicy, tangy cream sauce infused with the punch of kimchi. It’s fast, flavorful, and a total game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Ready in just 15 minutes, this pasta hits all the right notes: rich, spicy, tangy, and slightly smoky. It’s the kind of meal that tastes gourmet but comes together faster than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect flavor balance: Creamy sauce meets tangy kimchi and savory spice.
• Comforting fusion: Italian-style creaminess meets bold Korean flavors.
• Customizable: Add proteins like bacon, tofu, or shrimp for variation.
• Restaurant-worthy: Simple enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Kimchi Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 2 tbsp kimchi juice (optional but adds flavor)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Kimchi:
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped kimchi and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly caramelized. This step intensifies the flavor.
3. Make the Sauce:
   Stir in the kimchi juice, soy sauce, and gochujang. Mix well to create a spicy base.
4. Add Cream:
   Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until everything combines into a smooth orange-pink sauce.
5. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish & Serve:
   Drizzle with sesame oil for aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish:
   Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love extra heat. Serve immediately.

Creamy Kimchi Pasta

A bold and creamy 15-minute pasta dish featuring kimchi, garlic, and gochujang — a Korean-Italian fusion that’s spicy, tangy, and irresistibly comforting.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 2 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Korean Fusion

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Sauce

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 1 cup kimchi chopped
• 2 tbsp kimchi juice optional
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp gochujang Korean chili paste
• 1 tsp sesame oil optional
• salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

• 1 green onion sliced
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped kimchi and garlic for 3–4 minutes.
3. Add kimchi juice, soy sauce, and gochujang. Stir to combine.
4. Lower heat and stir in cream until a smooth sauce forms.
5. Add pasta to the sauce and toss, adding pasta water as needed to thin.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Flavor Breakdown

This dish is a flavor explosion — the cream tones down the spice and acidity of kimchi, creating a velvety, umami-rich sauce. The gochujang deepens the color and adds smoky chili flavor, while soy sauce brings saltiness and balance.

Every bite delivers a perfect combo: creamy, spicy, and a little funky in the best way possible.

Tips for the Best Creamy Kimchi Pasta

• Use well-fermented kimchi: Older kimchi has more tang and depth, ideal for cooking.
• Don’t skip the sauté: Lightly frying kimchi in butter before adding cream enhances its umami.
• Reserve pasta water: The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
• Balance the spice: Add more or less gochujang to adjust heat.
• Add toppings: Crispy bacon, fried egg, or even shredded nori make it next-level.

Fun Variations

1. Bacon Kimchi Pasta: Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra smokiness.
2. Vegan Version: Use coconut cream instead of dairy and tofu instead of meat.
3. Cheesy Kimchi Pasta: Stir in a handful of mozzarella or parmesan before serving.
4. Seafood Twist: Add shrimp or scallops for a creamy seafood fusion.
5. Spicy Boost: Stir in extra chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with a side of cucumber salad or pickled radish for freshness.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or cold beer to balance the heat.
• For a comforting meal, top it with a runny fried egg — the yolk makes the sauce even richer.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
• Freezing: Not recommended — the sauce texture changes after thawing.

Nutritional Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it’s surprisingly balanced:

• Kimchi adds probiotics and vitamins.
• Garlic boosts immunity and flavor.
• Pasta provides energy and comfort.

A single bowl offers flavor satisfaction that rivals any restaurant pasta.

Quick Fun Fact

Kimchi pasta became popular in Korean cafes as part of the “Korean fusion comfort food” trend, combining Western ingredients like cream and pasta with traditional Korean staples. The result? The best of both worlds — cozy, spicy, and utterly craveable.

Why It’s the Ultimate Weeknight Hero

When you’re short on time but want big flavor, this 15-minute creamy kimchi pasta is unbeatable. It’s fast, flavorful, and flexible — the kind of dish you’ll make on repeat.

Spicy. Creamy. Addictive. A true comfort meal with global flair.