Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta

Steaming hot kimchi pea pasta garnished with Parmesan cheese

Kimchi pasta is a viral sensation for a reason – it’s umami packed full of flavour. And this creamy kimchi and pea pasta hits all the right notes.

Kimchi is a Korean side dish, usually made from fermented cabbage and containing chilli. It’s powerful in flavour – and that’s why it’s so perfect in this dish.

Kimchi works exceptionally well with smoky bacon (or pancetta, as I’ve used here), and that – with the cream – makes the popular dish. I’ve added peas, for their sweetness and freshness. They add a lovely balance to the dish (as well as some extra vitamins!), making this a meal you can eat any time!

Love this recipe? Why not take a look at these 22+ of the Best Creamy Pasta Recipes.

Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta – The Ingredients

  • Pasta – use any pasta you like. This works just as well with spaghetti as it does with rigatoni, which is what I used.
  • Pancetta – smoked pancetta is salty and full of umami flavour, which complements the kimchi so well. You can switch for smoked bacon, but make sure that you use a good quality one.
  • Onion and garlic – of course, these add plenty of flavour and give it that Italian flavour that ensures it feels like a pasta dish. If you’re in a hurry, though, you can omit them.
  • Kimchi – use your favourite kimchi. Top tip – kimchis from the refrigerated section of the supermarket are – on the whole – better quality than those from the jarred section. They are likely to have fewer additives and be more traditionally made.
  • Frozen peas – for that sweet hit. You could also use sugar snap peas.
  • Double cream – double cream (or heavy cream) is needed here for that delectable consistency. Single cream will be watery.
  • Parmesan – or any other hard Italian cheese, to finish the dish off.

More creamy pasta dishes to enjoy:

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Steaming hot kimchi pea pasta garnished with Parmesan cheese

Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta

Harriet Young
January 20, 2025
A delicious, creamy pasta dish with kimchi, pancetta, peas and Parmesan.
5
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 717 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 350 g pasta
  • 200 g pancetta diced
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons kimchi
  • 200 g frozen peas
  • 100 ml double cream
  • 40 g grated parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to packet instructions. Drain and leave to one side, reserving one cup of the cooking water.
  • Meanwhile, add the pancetta to a large saucepan or frying pan. Cook over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until the fat has been released.
  • Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Add to the pan with the pancetta and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the kimchi and frozen peas. Stir, then add the reserved pasta water. Cook for 3 minutes, until the peas are cooked.
  • Pour in the cream. Bring to a simmer, then taste and season with salt and pepper as required. Add the pasta and Parmesan. Turn off the heat, stir and leave to sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 717kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 25gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 559mgPotassium: 519mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 865IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 151mgIron: 2mg
Keyword kimchi pasta
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One response to “Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta”

  1. 5 stars
    Kimchi and pancetta are a match made in heaven!! This pasta recipe is quick to make and full of umami flavour- you will love it

5 from 1 vote

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Hi there!

I’m Harriet, writer and cook, and I’m so pleased to have you here! I love nothing more than cooking delicious food and sharing it with the world. You can find out more about me here.