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Gochujang Vodka Pasta Recipe | Creamy Spicy Pasta in 20 Minutes

Make the best Gochujang Vodka Pasta with tomato paste, cream, garlic, and Pecorino. This easy 20-minute pasta recipe is rich, creamy, spicy, and restaurant-worthy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 670
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound rigatoni
  • Salt for pasta water
For the Sauce
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon vodka optional
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 –2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano divided
  • Pasta water as needed

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook the rigatoni until just al dente according to the package directions. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.
Start the Aromatics
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced shallot and sliced garlic immediately, followed by a pinch of salt.
  3. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until softened without browning.
Build the Sauce
  1. Stir in the gochujang and tomato paste.
  2. Cook while stirring until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
Deglaze
  1. Add the vodka, if using, followed by the water.
  2. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and any browned bits are incorporated.
Add the Cream
  1. Pour in the heavy cream.
  2. Whisk or stir until the sauce becomes silky and evenly blended.
  3. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
Combine with the Pasta
  1. Transfer the cooked rigatoni directly into the sauce.
  2. Add the butter and half of the grated Pecorino Romano.
  3. Toss continuously until the butter melts and the cheese forms a smooth, glossy sauce.
  4. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Finish
  1. Stir in the remaining Pecorino Romano.
  2. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
  3. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese on top.

Notes

This Gochujang Vodka Pasta proves that an unforgettable pasta dinner doesn't need hours in the kitchen. Creamy, rich, slightly spicy, and loaded with savory flavor, it's a recipe that's simple enough for weeknights while feeling special enough for entertaining. Once you try the addition of gochujang, you may never go back to traditional vodka sauce.