There is nothing quite as exciting as combining the rich, spicy heat of Korean flavors with the comforting embrace of pasta. This Gochujang Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe brings together tender ground chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with gochujang’s signature punch. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that will quickly make this dish a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends, this recipe brilliantly balances bold flavor and effortless cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a large white pot, there are three visible layers of ingredients. On the left side, the first layer shows cooked dark brown mushroom slices with a slightly shiny texture. Above the mushrooms and mostly on the right side, there is a layer of fresh, bright green spinach leaves with smooth surfaces and visible veins. Covering most of the pot is a layer of small, light beige crumbled cooked tofu that has a soft, crumbly texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that work wonders together. Each component plays a crucial role, adding taste, texture, or color to craft a visually stunning and delicious meal.

12 ounces dry spaghetti noodles: The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce while adding familiar comfort.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth to the cooking process.
1 pound ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that absorbs the spicy sauce beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
2 large portabello mushrooms (cut into thin strips): Imparts an earthy, meaty texture for a satisfying bite.
¾ cup chicken broth: Introduces moisture and richness to meld the flavors together.
¼ cup gochujang paste: The star ingredient that delivers vibrant Korean spice and umami.
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Creates a smooth, slightly nutty creaminess that rounds out the heat.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons): Adds a refreshing tang to brighten the overall taste.
2 cups fresh spinach: Provides a pop of color and fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich sauce.
6 scallions (sliced, for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor.
½ cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped, for garnish, optional): Brings an herbaceous lift to each bite.
¼ cup crushed peanuts (for garnish, optional): Offers a toasted crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Finishes the dish with a lovely nutty texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Gochujang Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles in salted water according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about one cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy water will later help you achieve that perfect smooth sauce consistency. Cooking the noodles al dente provides the ideal texture that will interlace beautifully with our vibrant sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat the toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken to the pan along with the half teaspoon of salt. Break the chicken up with your spatula and cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. Once ready, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; this prevents overcooking and sets us up for delightful layers of flavor in the next steps.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the thin strips of portabello mushrooms. Allow them to cook over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will brown and reduce in size, concentrating their rich, earthy flavor, which perfectly complements the spicy gochujang sauce that’s about to come together.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While mushrooms are cooking, whisk together the chicken broth, gochujang paste, creamy peanut butter, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a small bowl or jar. This mixture encapsulates the complex blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors that elevate this dish beyond ordinary pasta meals.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Spinach

Return the cooked ground chicken to the skillet with the mushrooms, then add the fresh spinach. Toss everything together and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, just until the spinach has wilted. This step infuses the greens with the savory aroma and ensures every ingredient is harmoniously mingling.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, then pour the prepared sauce over the top. Toss everything well to combine. If the sauce feels too thick or clings too much to the noodles, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you have a silky, luscious consistency that coats every strand beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle the dish with sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and a scattering of white sesame seeds, if desired. These garnishes not only add bursts of fresh flavor and crunch but also make your plate look irresistible. Now, dig in and enjoy every delicious mouthful!

How to Serve Gochujang Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe

A white pot filled with three layers of food sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is golden yellow noodles coated lightly with reddish sauce strands tangled together. On top, there are dark brown mushroom slices and fresh green spinach leaves scattered all over, giving a mix of smooth and leafy textures. The topmost layer is sprinkled with roughly chopped light brown peanuts, pale sesame seeds, and bright green cilantro leaves evenly spread. Near the edge of the pot, there are two halves of a lime showing bright green flesh and shiny texture. The pot has white handles visible on the bottom right and top left sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like scallions and cilantro bring a vibrant, herbaceous brightness while crushed peanuts and sesame seeds add toasty crunch, elevating the overall eating experience. Don’t shy away from piling them on—they make the dish even more visually attractive and texturally satisfying.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing side dishes to balance its bold flavors. Consider serving a simple cucumber salad tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil, or some steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt for an Asian-inspired touch that complements the gochujang beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting dinner or want to wow family and friends, serve this pasta in shallow bowls to show off its colorful layers. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top for a glossy finish and add a lime wedge on the side for those who love an extra citrus zing. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also turn your presentation into an eye-catching statement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next day’s meal even more inviting. Just be sure to cool the pasta to room temperature before refrigerating to keep that fresh taste intact.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Gochujang Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe, but it’s best to separate the pasta and sauce if possible for optimal texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and avoid sogginess.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the creamy sauce. Avoid microwaving at full power as it can dry out the pasta and sauce. Slow reheating preserves the nuances of the gochujang and peanut butter blend while keeping the spinach tender and bright.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly here, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even a short pasta like penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure you reserve some pasta water to get the sauce consistency just right.

Is there a substitute for gochujang paste?

If you can’t find gochujang, a mix of chili paste with a bit of miso and honey can offer similar spicy, sweet, and savory flavor notes. However, the unique depth of gochujang really sets this dish apart, so I recommend picking up a jar if you can.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground chicken for extra mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ll have a fantastic vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and flavorful.

How spicy is this Gochujang Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe?

The heat level is moderate due to the gochujang’s balanced spice and sweetness, making it accessible for many palates. If you prefer milder flavors, start with less gochujang and adjust to taste. For those who love spice, feel free to add a dash of chili flakes.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the noodles, brown the chicken, and sauté the mushrooms a day ahead. Store everything separately and combine with fresh spinach and sauce when ready to serve. This strategy saves time without compromising flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gochujang Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms and Spinach Recipe is a delightful way to bring exciting Korean flavors into your everyday cooking, without any fuss. The creamy, spicy sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh greens offers a perfect meal for family or friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how deliciously simple dinner can be when you infuse it with a little creativity and love.