If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Korean flavors meet Italian comfort food, this Creamy Kimchi Pasta is your answer. It’s a quick 15-minute meal that’s bold, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. The sauce is luxuriously creamy, speckled with crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and tangy kimchi that adds just the right amount of heat and acidity.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy date nights, or anytime you’re craving something a little different — this dish will become one of your go-to favorites.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: Creamy, smoky, tangy, and a little spicy — the ultimate comfort food fusion.
- Uses Leftover Kimchi: A delicious way to use up fermented kimchi that’s been sitting in your fridge.
- Restaurant Quality: Fancy enough for date night, but easy enough for a Tuesday dinner.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
(See recipe card below for exact measurements.)
- Dry Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine work best for slurping up that rich sauce.
- Bacon: Adds smoky depth and renders fat for sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion & Garlic: Build the base of flavor for your sauce.
- Fermented Kimchi: The star of the dish! Use well-fermented kimchi for the perfect balance of spice and tang.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a touch of umami.
- Salt: To taste — adjust depending on how salty your bacon and kimchi are.
- Green Onion (Optional): For garnish and a pop of color.
🔥 How to Make Creamy Kimchi Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside — but don’t rinse! The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles later.
Pro Tip: Start the sauce while the pasta cooks to save time.
2. Render the Bacon
In a large nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until most of the fat has rendered and it’s just beginning to crisp. The bacon grease will serve as your cooking oil.
3. Add the Aromatics
Add sliced onion to the pan and sauté until translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Sauté the Kimchi
Add the chopped kimchi to the pan and cook for about a minute, allowing the juices to evaporate. This step intensifies the kimchi flavor and gives it a slightly caramelized depth.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld. Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling.
6. Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed.
7. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in that rich, creamy kimchi sauce.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan and green onions. Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
💡 Recipe Tips
- Use a Nonstick Pan: Helps prevent the cream from curdling and makes cleanup easier.
- Fermented Kimchi Only: Fresh kimchi won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
- Don’t Rinse Pasta: The starch helps the sauce cling better.
- Cut Kimchi in a Bowl: Use kitchen shears in a glass bowl to avoid staining your cutting board.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
This dish tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place the pasta in a pan with a splash of milk or cream. Warm gently over medium-low heat until creamy again. Avoid microwaving — it can make the sauce split.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh kimchi?
A: For the best flavor, use fermented kimchi. Fresh kimchi is crisp and mild — great for snacking, but not for this recipe’s balance of creaminess and acidity.
Q: Can I use fresh pasta instead of dry?
A: Absolutely! Use about double the amount of fresh pasta since it’s denser.
Q: What can I substitute for bacon?
A: You can use pancetta, ham, or even plant-based bacon for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add a teaspoon of gochujang or chili flakes for extra heat!
🍝 Recipe Summary
Creamy Kimchi Pasta is the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy — a delicious fusion of Korean and Italian flavors that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 1147 kcal per serving