Made by
Foodie Randy

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EBT Friendly: Approximately 88%

Total Time: 30 Minutes

This creamy kimchi bacon pasta combines smoky, crisp-edged bacon with tangy kimchi and spicy gochujang in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Every strand of spaghetti is coated in the silky orange sauce for a bold, comforting dinner with savory Korean-inspired flavor.

Ingredients:

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•   200 g thick cut bacon (diced)
•   105-110 g onion (finely diced)
•   16 g garlic (minced)
•   150 g kimchi (chopped)
•   150 g spaghetti
•   1 tbsp gochujang
•   3/4 cup heavy cream
•   1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
•   1/4 cup reserved pasta water (plus more as needed)
•   salt (to taste)
•   black pepper (to taste)

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the SPAGHETTI and cook until al dente according to the package directions.
2. Before draining, reserve at least ¼ cup of the PASTA WATER. Drain the spaghetti promptly to prevent it from overcooking.
3. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced BACON and cook until it begins to crisp and releases enough fat to coat the bottom of the pan.
4. Transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
5. Add the finely diced ONION to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
6. Stir in the minced GARLIC and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
7. Add the chopped KIMCHI and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing some of the moisture to evaporate and the flavors to deepen.
8. Stir in the GOCHUJANG and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so it evenly coats the kimchi and aromatics.
9. Pour in the HEAVY CREAM and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling the sauce aggressively.
10. Stir in the grated PARMESAN CHEESE until melted and the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and creamy.
11. Season with BLACK PEPPER. Taste before adding salt because the bacon, kimchi, gochujang, and Parmesan already contain salt.
12. Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved bacon to the skillet. Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated in the kimchi cream sauce.
13. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing continuously, until the sauce loosens slightly and clings smoothly to the noodles.
14. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the bacon remains crisp.