Spicy Cream Pasta
Super Easy! How to Make Spicy Cream Pasta at Home
This is my ultimate go-to recipe for cream pasta that I discovered when I found regular cream pasta a bit too rich! It has a subtle spiciness, giving it a flavor profile akin to a fusion of arrabiata and cream pasta – absolutely delicious! (Apologies for my poor food photography skills!)
Main Ingredients- 4 slices of ham (adjust quantity to your preference)
- A little olive oil
- A pinch of salt
- Spaghetti pasta (approx. 1 serving, measured by the size of a 500-won coin)
Sauce & Seasoning- About 10 Tbsp store-bought cream sauce (adjust according to product volume)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- A little parsley flakes (for garnish)
- About 10 Tbsp store-bought cream sauce (adjust according to product volume)
- 1/2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- A little parsley flakes (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a wide pan. Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces and sauté over medium heat. For an even richer flavor, you can also add minced garlic, onions, mushrooms, or other ingredients you enjoy.
Step 2
Now, let’s cook the pasta. In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Once boiling, add a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add the spaghetti – roughly twice the amount shown in the picture (about the size of a 500-won coin) for one serving.
Step 3
Here’s a tip for cooking the pasta: If you lightly break the pasta in half before adding it to the pot, it prevents sticking and makes stirring much easier, simplifying the cooking process. You can also cook it whole if you prefer.
Step 4
Continue to sauté the ham until it becomes golden brown and appetizing. The rendered fat from the ham will infuse the oil, creating a delicious base for the pasta.
Step 5
When the pasta is almost cooked, add about one ladleful of the pasta cooking water to the pan with the ham. Stir well to combine. The pasta water is crucial as it helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
Step 6
You can either make your own cream sauce or use a store-bought one for convenience. This recipe uses a store-bought sauce to make things quick and easy, but feel free to prepare your favorite homemade version using milk, cream, and cheese.
Step 7
Pour the store-bought cream sauce over the sautéed ham and pasta. Use about twice the amount shown in the picture. Stir well over medium heat, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta evenly. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and adheres to the noodles.
Step 8
Now, add about half a tablespoon of gochujang to introduce a spicy kick. Stir quickly over medium heat. The gochujang balances the richness of the cream sauce and adds a wonderful depth of flavor, creating a perfect harmony. Be careful not to overcook, as the gochujang flavor might become too intense.
Step 9
Your delicious Spicy Cream Pasta is now ready! Garnish with parsley flakes, or top with grated cheese or mozzarella for an extra touch. (Note: The photo was taken under yellow lighting and may not perfectly represent the actual color.)
