Gochujang Chicken with Tomato Pastina

Korean-inspired gochujang glaze coats tender chicken in a bright tomato sauce, served over creamy tomato pastina. This quick, weeknight dinner blends sweet-spicy with comforting pasta, delivering a complete plate in 30 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
Servings:
2 servings
(originally 5 servings)

Ingredients(scaled)

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.25 lb)
  • 0.8 tablespoons gochujang
  • tablespoon soy sauce
  • tablespoon honey
  • 0.8 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • cup tomato sauce
  • cup pastina pasta (tiny star or alphabet shapes)
  • 0.8 cups chicken broth
  • 0.8 cloves garlic, minced
  • tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs; sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Remove to a plate.
  2. In the same pan, add garlic and gochujang; cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in soy sauce and honey to make a glaze.
  3. Add cherry tomatoes and tomato sauce; simmer 5 minutes until tomatoes start to soften. Return chicken to pan and cook 6–8 minutes, until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  4. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil; add pastina and cook according to package directions, about 5–6 minutes. Drain; stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan and pepper.
  5. Spoon pastina onto plates, top with tomato-gochujang chicken and sauce. Finish with basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
  6. Preheat the oven and bake until golden and set; a toothpick should come out clean.

Chef’s Pro Tips

  • Bloom the gochujang in oil for deeper flavor.
  • Add a splash of rice vinegar at the end for brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed greens or a quick cucumber salad to brighten the plate; crusty bread on the side works well to soak up the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutritional Estimates
Per serving · 2 servings total
calories420
protein28
carbs38
fat14

Community Ratings & Comments

No ratings yet. Be the first!

Leave a rating

Leave a comment

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to leave one!

What's next?

You might also like