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 pasta 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.
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 easy pasta dinner recipes
If you enjoy easy pasta dinners like this one, you might also like to browse my collection of easy pasta recipes, where you’ll find plenty of simple meals perfect for busy weeknights.
Here are a few reader favourites to try next:
- Garlic Chilli Prawn Tagliatelle – a quick and flavourful pasta dish ready in just 15 minutes.
- Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta – bold flavours and golden fried halloumi make this a real weeknight winner.
- Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Pasta Bake – a cosy baked pasta packed with classic Italian flavours.
- Ham and Leek Pasta – a creamy, comforting pasta that’s perfect for using up leftover ham.
Or explore all of my easy pasta dinner recipes here.
Creamy Kimchi and Pea Pasta
Ingredients
- 350 grams pasta
- 200 grams pancetta diced
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons kimchi
- 200 grams frozen peas
- 100 ml double cream
- 40 grams 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
More creamy pasta dishes to enjoy:
- Creamy Courgette Pasta
- Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake
- Creamy Pasta With Potato Sauce
- Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta
- 15 Minute Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- 4 Ingredient Pea and Cream Cheese Pasta
- Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta
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