Name: Gochujang Cacio e Pepe Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound dried spaghetti noodles; Kosher salt, for boiling water; 3 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon coarsely crushed black peppercorns; 3 to 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean pepper paste)

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Introduction

Gochujang Cacio e Pepe is an exciting twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, blending the creamy, cheesy flavors of Pecorino Romano with the spicy depth of Korean gochujang. This fusion recipe is simple yet bold, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their comfort food.

A white bowl filled with thick spaghetti noodles fully coated in smooth, bright orange tomato sauce. The pasta looks glossy and a bit creamy, twisted loosely around a fork held by a woman's hand on the right side of the bowl. Small flakes of grated white cheese are sprinkled evenly over the top, with some black pepper flakes scattered across the noodles adding texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm colors of the pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound dried spaghetti noodles
Kosher salt
3 ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (about 1 cup), plus more for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon coarsely crushed black peppercorns
3 to 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean pepper paste)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve 2 cups of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Place the finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese in a small bowl. Drizzle in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and mash with a fork until the cheese forms a soft paste.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the crushed black peppercorns and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the gochujang and 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, then bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until well coated. Turn off the heat, then add the cheese paste. Use tongs to vigorously toss the pasta, adding more pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if needed, until a creamy sauce clings evenly to the noodles.
Step 5: Serve immediately with additional grated Pecorino Romano on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best aroma and flavor.
If you prefer less heat, start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang and adjust to taste.
For a richer sauce, add a tablespoon of butter when tossing the pasta with the cheese paste.
Substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmesan if Pecorino is unavailable, though the flavor will be milder.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. The pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed carefully.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with thick spaghetti noodles coated evenly in a creamy orange-red sauce, with visible specks of black pepper scattered across the dish. The pasta is twirled neatly in multiple loops around a silver fork resting on the right side of the bowl, which holds a small bundle of noodles. There are small shreds of white cheese sprinkled lightly on top of the pasta, adding texture and contrast to the smooth sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while spaghetti is traditional and works best for this dish, you can use other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Short pasta may not hold the sauce as well.

What if I don’t have gochujang? Can I substitute it?

If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste and a small amount of miso paste to mimic its sweet and savory flavor, but the authentic taste will be slightly different.