Simply Wanderfull
Sometimes the best recipes happen completely by accident.
This Creamy Spicy Bucatini Pasta wasn’t something I planned out days in advance or tested over and over again. It was actually one of those “what can I make with what I already have?” dinners that came together on a busy weeknight when I wanted something easy, comforting, and full of flavour.
I opened the pantry, spotted some tomato paste, grabbed a tube of gochujang from the fridge, and figured I’d see what happened. A little garlic, a splash of cream, some parmesan, and before I knew it, I had created one of those meals that everyone kept going back for seconds.
The combination of creamy sauce and spicy gochujang creates the perfect balance. It’s rich without being too heavy, spicy without being overwhelming, and the bucatini noodles soak up every bit of that silky sauce. The sprinkle of Kraft cheese powder might sound a little unexpected, but it adds an extra layer of savoury goodness that works surprisingly well.
🌶️ Creamy Spicy Bucatini Pasta
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 can tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp Vegeta Seasoning
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- Sprinkle of Kraft Cheese Powder
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb bucatini pasta
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bucatini according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps deepen the flavor and remove any raw tomato taste.
4. Add the Spice
Stir in the gochujang and Vegeta seasoning. Mix until everything is well combined and fragrant.
5. Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Add a sprinkle of Kraft Cheese Powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Adjust the Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked bucatini directly to the sauce. Toss until every strand is coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
8. Finish with Parmesan
Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add more pasta water if needed for an extra silky texture.
9. Serve
Top with additional Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
✨ SimplyWanderfull Tip:
The secret to a glossy restaurant-style sauce is adding the reserved pasta water gradually while tossing the pasta. It helps the sauce cling beautifully to every strand of bucatini.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Creamy, rich, and packed with flavour
- Just the right amount of heat
- Uses simple ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy to customize with your favourite proteins or vegetables
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this Creamy Spicy Bucatini Pasta delivers big flavour with very little effort.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Happy cooking!