Ingredients
Sauce and Pasta
- 200g pasta (paccheri preferred)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Breadcrumb Topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup furikake seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 clove minced garlic and 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, toasting them gently for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl, then stir in 1/4 cup furikake seasoning to infuse the topping with a savory, umami flavor.
- Make Gochujang Cream Sauce: In the same or a clean pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic. Stir in 3 tablespoons gochujang and fry for 1 to 2 minutes to release its peppers’ complex flavors. Pour in 3/4 cup heavy cream and whisk well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook 200g of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it directly into the pan with the gochujang cream sauce. Toss gently to coat noodles evenly. Slowly drizzle in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring constantly, until the sauce achieves a glossy, silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and generously sprinkle the furikake breadcrumb topping over it. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra light and crispy topping texture.
- Adjust gochujang quantity to taste depending on preferred spice level.
- Furikake can be substituted with toasted sesame seeds and seaweed flakes if unavailable.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to achieve the perfect cream sauce consistency.
- Parmesan and parsley garnish are optional but enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Korean-Italian)