High-Protein Gochujang Tuna Pasta Bake (Creamy & Spicy!)

🔥 Creamy & Spicy Comfort Food Redefined

If you love creamy pasta bakes but crave a bit of Korean heat, this High-Protein Gochujang Tuna Pasta Bake is your new weeknight hero 💪🇰🇷🇮🇹. It’s bold, cheesy, and satisfying—packing 50g+ of protein per serving, thanks to cottage cheese and tuna. Best part? It’s on the table in under 30 minutes.

This recipe blends the comfort of Italian-style baked pasta with the spicy-sweet punch of gochujang, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re bulking, meal-prepping, or just craving a flavor bomb, this bake delivers big on taste and macros.

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🍝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High Protein, Low Effort: 50g+ protein with minimal prep.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Mix everything together—no fancy sauces or roux needed.
• Spicy, Creamy, Cheesy: The holy trinity of comfort food.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well for 2–3 days and reheats beautifully.

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🌶️ The Flavor Fusion

The magic starts with gochujang, Korea’s iconic fermented chili paste. It brings depth and umami without overpowering the dish. Cottage cheese replaces cream or béchamel, keeping things light yet creamy, while cheddar and Parmesan layer on indulgent richness.

Tuna adds that lean, protein-packed bite, balancing the heat with its mild savoriness. A touch of lemon brightens the whole dish, and a sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds a hint of freshness 🌿.

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and cook your fusilli until al dente. Save a mug of the pasta water—it’s key for adjusting your sauce consistency later.

2️⃣ Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, tuna, Parmesan, gochujang, garlic powder, onion granules, and gochugaru. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until smooth and creamy. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, plus salt and pepper to taste.

3️⃣ Assemble & Bake

Toss the pasta in the sauce, transfer to an ovenproof dish, and top with grated cheddar 🧀. Grill until golden and bubbling—around 5–10 minutes.

Garnish with torn basil leaves and another squeeze of lemon for brightness. Serve immediately while it’s gooey and fragrant.

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💡 Pro Tips

✅ Use high-protein pasta to boost macros.
✅ Adjust the gochujang and gochugaru to your spice tolerance.
✅ Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick before baking.

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🍽️ Perfect Pairings

• Cucumber salad with sesame dressing for a cool contrast.
• Garlic bread for carb lovers (because balance 😉).
• Iced barley tea or a light beer to mellow the heat.

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💬 What People Are Saying

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “So creamy and spicy — I didn’t expect cottage cheese to taste this good!” — Sarah

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Unreal combo. Please make a chicken Singapore noodles next!” — Natalia Przybylska

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Looks fabulous — loved how quick it was to prep!” — TGC

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❓FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce just as well.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pasta and sauce, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then grill right before serving for a fresh finish.

Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or ricotta for a similar texture, though the protein content may change slightly.

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🏋️ Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 675 kcal
Protein: 50g
Fat: 26g (11g saturated)
Carbs: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 830mg

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This creamy-spicy tuna pasta bake proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With a few pantry staples and some gochujang magic, you’ve got a fusion comfort food that’s perfect for gym days or cozy nights in 🍲✨