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- Tomato Gochujang Pasta (Vegan)

Tomato Gochujang Pasta (Vegan)
Ingredients
- ½ lbtomatoes
, i used a mix of grape and regular tomatoes
- 1 tbspolive oil
- salt and pepepr to taste
- 2 tbspvegan butter
or olive oil
- ½ mediumwhite onion
diced
- 6 clovesgarlic
, peeled and thinly sliced
- ⅓ ctomato paste
- 2 tbspgochujang
- 1 cvegan ground or crumbled sausages)
, 150 g (see notes
- 1 cplain unsweetened soy milk
or other plant based milk, i recommend oat milk as well
- 1 tspsugar
- ¼ cpasta water
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ lbuncooked tortiglioni or rigatoni
- feel free to use other pasta of choice
- chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
or basil
- grated vegan cheese or parmesan
optional
Directions
Tomatoes
- 1
Slice the tomatoes in half. Place in an over safe baking dish. Season with salt and pepper then drizzle with olive oil.
- 2
Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes at 350F/180C or until the tomatoes are lightly brown and start to burst.
Sauce
- 1
In a large pan or skillet over medium heat, melt the vegan butter.
- 2
Sauté the onion until translucent for minute. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- 3
Add in the tomato paste and gochujang. Mix with the onions and garlic. Sauté the tomato and gochujang paste for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
- 4
Add in the vegan ground or crumbled sausages (if using). Pour the soy milk or plant based milk.
- 5
Mix everything together. Add the toasted tomatoes. Break apart any large tomato pieces. Add some sugar, to counter the acidity.
- 6
Allow the sauce to simmer. Season the sauce to your taste, if needed.
Cooking the pasta
- 1
Meanwhile, cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less that the package recommendation or until al dente and very chewy. Once al dente, drain the pasta from the water.
- 2
Save some of the pasta water.
Finishing the pasta
- 1
Add some pasta water into the tomato gochujang sauce. Turn off the heat.
- 2
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Mix well to coat in the sauce. Add more pasta water, if desired. Season the pasta with some salt and pepper to taste, if desired. You can also finish this off with some grated vegan cheese.
- 3
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve while hot and enjoy!

Tomato Gochujang Pasta (Vegan)
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Based on 6 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a pasta dish that's anything but ordinary? This Tomato Gochujang Pasta (Vegan) delivers a captivating blend of savory umami and a gentle warmth, making it a truly unforgettable main course.
Why This Pasta Works
The magic in this recipe lies in the ingenious combination of classic tomato flavors with the bold, fermented complexity of gochujang, or Korean chili paste. This addition isn't just about heat; it introduces a deep, savory umami that transforms a simple tomato sauce into a rich, layered experience. Paired with sweet cherry tomatoes and a touch of vegan butter and plant-based milk, it creates a wonderfully "somewhat creamy" sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
What to Expect
Prepare your palate for a surprisingly rich and deeply satisfying pasta experience. You'll find a robust tomato base, brightened by the fresh tomatoes, and then elevated by the unique, savory-spicy kick from the gochujang. The sauce is velvety, not overly heavy, with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. With vegan ground or crumbled sausages, this dish is hearty and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner. While it boasts complex flavors, it's designed to be approachable for any home cook looking to explore new taste profiles.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape—while tortiglioni or rigatoni are suggested for holding the rich sauce, any pasta will work beautifully. For the creamiest results, oat milk is highly recommended, but plain unsweetened soy milk or other plant-based milks are also excellent options. Don't have fresh parsley? Fresh basil makes a wonderful aromatic substitute. To boost the richness, sprinkle with grated vegan cheese or parmesan before serving.
Serving & Context
This vegan pasta is a fantastic main course, perfect for a weeknight meal when you desire something comforting yet adventurous. Serve it simply in a bowl, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce.







