An easy recipe for creamy coconut milk pasta
A great weeknight dinner option to satisfy your family, this creamy dish made with pasta in coconut milk sauce is your best pick. Then add in some smoked sausage and bell peppers.
As much as I love cooking, I sometimes do not want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking some days.
Those times I try to make up dishes that are quick, not much work, and still pack a punch with taste.
This coconut milk pasta concoction hits all those points.
A delicious one-pot with luscious sausage and bell peppers simmered in a creamy pasta sauce with coconut milk. And we all love one pots, just like the chicken pelau, oil down and saltfish and rice.
Hitting all the points needed for a great dinner option.
Why this dish is a must-try
This simple coconut milk pasta dish is sure to win over the hearts of readers with its creamy and delicious sauce. The rich and smooth texture of the coconut milk creates a luscious and indulgent sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
The subtle coconut flavor adds a unique twist to the dish, giving it a tropical and fragrant taste that is both comforting and satisfying. And the hint of jerk gives it just the right amount of spice you need.
Not only is this dish a delight to eat, but it also offers the convenience of storing leftovers. The coconut milk sauce holds up well when reheated, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious flavors the next day. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or for busy weeknights when you need a quick and tasty meal.
This pasta recipe is a winner for its creamy and flavorful sauce.
How to make coconut milk pasta
Ingredient notes
The handful of ingredients for the dish is pretty easy and everything should be easily found in your pantry.
Make sure to check out the recipe card below for the full recipe with all the ingredients and their quantities.
- Coconut milk – you can make your own milk using my recipe or get canned full fat coconut milk. And if you only have coconut cream, check the notes section for how you can substitute.
- Jerk seasoning – it is best to use a marinade here versus dry seasoning. Check out my recipe to make your own jerk marinade or buy premade marinade. I especially like Walker’s wood.
- Sausage – You can use any sausage you want to use. I used a smoked sausage to give it a different layer of flavor.
- Seasonings/Spices: I use fresh for this recipe but it can be replaced by onion powder and garlic powder
What kind of pasta to use
When making coconut pasta sauce, numerous types of pasta can be used, including spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, penne, and farfalle. However, the type of pasta used will not affect the final result, as the delicious coconut milk sauce will complement any shape or size of pasta.
Instructions
Since everything comes together quickly definitely get all your ingredients prepped. This means sausage sliced up, bell peppers julienned, garlic minced (I used my coffee grinder to mince mine up) and onions minced as finely as you want it.
Once those major things are fixed we are ready to go.
- Set your large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Make sure you add some salt and some oil to the water. Add your pasta and boil till ready.
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil or coconut oil on medium-high heat, add in the garlic cloves, onions, and jerk seasoning, and let that heat up for about 2-3 minutes and the onions become opaque.
- Add your sausages and bell peppers to the pot.
- Mix that up so that it gets coated with the jerk seasoning. Lower to medium heat then add in the coconut milk, and let it simmer down.
- Simmer for another 3-5 minutes then add in the pre-cooked pasta.
- Allow it all to simmer down till the sauce is thickened and is thickly coating the pasta. Do not worry if the coconut milk is looking watery, just leave it to simmer, stirring occasionally and it will thicken. As it is thickening up add in some spinach or basil leaves.
- When the sauce has reduced you can season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Helpful tips
When making this dish, it’s important to choose the right type of pasta that will absorb the creamy sauce well. Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are great choices, as their smooth texture allows them to hold the coconut milk sauce effectively
To cook the noodles, it’s best to use a generous amount of salt in the boiling water. This not only seasons the pasta but also helps to enhance its flavor. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time and taste the noodles for doneness before draining.
Additions & Substitutions
For this dish, there are several options for additions and substitutions to enhance flavor and cater to different dietary preferences and requirements.
- Protein options: Could include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu cubes, or even cooked quinoa. Note if using shrimp, add it at a later step when the milk has already started to thicken.
- Spicy options: For those looking to make the dish spicy, you can add red pepper flakes, a drizzle of hot sauce, or diced jalapeรฑos.
- Veggie options: Consider adding bell peppers, white mushrooms, broccoli florets, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
- Gluten free: You can customize the dish to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that any other condiments or ingredients are also free from gluten.
Substitutions can also be made based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences. For example, replacing regular pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb option.
There are many ways to customize this dish to cater to different dietary needs and to enhance the overall flavor to suit individual tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This is a great one pot meal, so not much else is needed. But you can try:
- Additional toppings: Grated parmesan cheese, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped fresh cilantro can add texture and flavor to the dish.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing with a few basil leaves for a burst of herbal aroma and flavor. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top to kick up the heat.
Storage and reheating
To store transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator promptly. The pasta can be safely stored for 3 to 5 days.
To reheat the leftovers, there are a couple of options:
- Option 1: Use the microwave. Simply place the desired portion of pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.
- Option 2: Reheat the pasta in a skillet on the stove. Add a splash of water or milk to the skillet to help thin the sauce and prevent it from becoming too dry. Stir the pasta frequently over medium heat until it is thoroughly heated.
More pasta dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry if you just cream, which is different from the milk. Cream is thicker so you will need to dilute it some to use it in this recipe.
You can substitute with light, but it is more water content than the full fight so it will be thinner. You will need to add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken it up.
Coconut milk has the tendency to curdle when exposed to high temperatures for an extended period. To prevent coconut milk from curdling when cooking, it is important to ensure that it is heated on low heat for just a few minutes.
Recipe
Coconut Milk Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta 2 minutes short of package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and jerk seasoning. Sautรฉ until fragrant.
- Add sausage and bell peppers. Sautรฉ until well coated.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and basil leaves. Let simmer briefly.
- Serve hot.
this looks fabulous! Cant wait to try it hope you are doing well take care all the best
Thank you!! I am!!