Fun & Zesty One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Pasta Recipe to Adore

Seafood lovers rejoice as this one-pan coconut shrimp pasta weaves a delightful culinary magic into your weeknight dinner routine.

Succulent shrimp dance alongside creamy coconut-infused noodles, creating a symphony of tropical flavors.

The dish brings together rich, velvety sauce and perfectly cooked seafood in less than 30 minutes.

coconut milk adds a luxurious depth that transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary meal.

Each forkful promises a burst of zesty, creamy goodness that will transport you to a beachside paradise.

The simplicity of preparing everything in a single pan means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Let’s find out this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious coastal adventure.

Bringing Together Coconut and Shrimp in Pasta

• Crispy Coconut Coating

Create a golden, crunchy topping by gently heating panko breadcrumbs and coconut flakes in a skillet. The mixture will transform into a delightful, aromatic blend that adds texture and flavor to the final dish.

• Seafood Sizzle

Quickly cook the shrimp in the same pan, allowing them to develop a beautiful light brown color. Remove the shrimp and set them aside to keep their perfect tenderness.

• Liquid Magic

Pour coconut milk and water into the skillet, then add spaghetti, ripe tomatoes, a touch of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let everything simmer and dance together until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente consistency. Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them wilt and become part of the creamy sauce.

• Bright Finishing Touches

Brighten the entire dish with freshly grated lime zest and a squeeze of lime juice. Return the seared shrimp to the pan, then shower the top with the earlier-prepared coconut panko mixture. Garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips to Make This Shrimp Pasta Shine

• Create extra texture by toasting panko and coconut flakes separately to control browning intensity and prevent burning.
• Replace shrimp with diced chicken or white fish for a delightful protein variation that maintains the dish's tropical flavor profile.
• Introduce red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha during cooking to elevate heat without overwhelming the coconut and lime nuances.
• Prepare the toasted panko-coconut mixture and seared protein in advance, storing separately to quickly assemble the one-pan meal during busy weeknights.
• Experiment with different greens like Swiss chard or kale instead of spinach, ensuring they're chopped and added at the end to preserve vibrant color and nutritional value.

Serving Coconut Shrimp Pasta With Style

• Tropical Beach Picnic Plating: Arrange the pasta on a large wooden board with scattered fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant, vacation-inspired presentation that brings coastal restaurant vibes right to your dining table.
• Zesty Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp cucumber-lime salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complement the coconut shrimp pasta's rich, creamy flavors and add refreshing contrast.
• Cocktail Hour Pairing: Match this dish with a chilled coconut mojito or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the tropical undertones and cutting through the creamy coconut sauce.
• Garnish Drama: Sprinkle extra toasted panko-coconut mixture around the plate's edges and top with a lime wedge and fresh cilantro sprigs for a restaurant-quality visual and textural experience.

How to Keep This Dish Fresh After Cooking

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Separate the crispy panko topping to maintain its crunchiness when reheating.
• Freezing Smart: Portion the pasta without the coconut flake topping into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 1 month, ensuring the shrimp remains tender and pasta doesn't become mushy during thawing.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture, stirring occasionally. Microwave works in a pinch, but can slightly toughen the shrimp if overheated.
• Prep-Ahead Trick: Chop ingredients and toast panko mixture in advance. Keep shrimp and components separately refrigerated, combining just before cooking to maintain optimal texture and flavor freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Pasta

• Shrimp: Select plump, fresh extra-jumbo shrimp for tender, succulent bites that cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

• Coconut Milk, Water: Creates a rich, silky sauce that infuses tropical warmth and luxurious texture into the entire dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Coconut Flakes: Deliver delightful crunch and golden-brown toasting that adds irresistible textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

• Garlic, Salt, Sugar: Builds depth of flavor with subtle sweetness and robust savory notes that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Lime, Cilantro: Introduces zesty, herbaceous elements that cut through richness and provide vibrant, fresh undertones.

• Baby Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Adds color, nutritional boost, and light, garden-fresh dimension to the one-pan meal.

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Serves as the perfect carrier for the creamy coconut sauce, creating a satisfying and comforting foundation.

• Neutral Oil: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while allowing the ingredients' natural flavors to shine.

Tools to Cook Shrimp Pasta in a Single Pan

• Large skillet: Essential for toasting, searing, and cooking the entire dish in one pan.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: For preparing ingredients like lime, tomatoes, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Needed for zesting lime, chopping herbs, and cutting tomatoes.
• Tongs: Great for searing and handling shrimp with precision.
• Grater: Useful for creating lime zest.

Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy coconut shrimp pasta delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with elegant simplicity. Quick preparation and rich ingredients ensure a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) raw peeled and deveined extra-jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), thawed if frozen
• 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti or linguine
• 1 (13 oz / 370 g) can full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 pint (475 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes (about 10 oz / 280 g)
• 3 oz (85 g) baby spinach (about 3 packed cups)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp granulated sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps neutral oil (e.g., grapeseed, vegetable, or canola)
• 6 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 medium lime

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Instructions

1. Toasting Coconut Crumble: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut. Toast until achieving a rich golden color (3-4 minutes). Transfer crispy mixture to a plate and season with sugar and salt.
2. Searing Shrimp: Using the same skillet, quickly sear peeled and deveined shrimp until they develop a light golden-brown exterior (1-2 minutes per side). Remove shrimp and set aside on a clean plate.
3. Pasta Infusion: Pour coconut milk and water into the skillet. Add spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and salt. Simmer and stir occasionally, allowing pasta to cook until tender and liquid reduces significantly (8-10 minutes).
4. Vegetable Incorporation: Fold baby spinach leaves into the pasta, stirring until they wilt and blend seamlessly with the creamy mixture. Add lime zest and juice for brightness.
5. Final Assembly: Return seared shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pasta. Top with the reserved toasted panko-coconut mixture. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and additional toasted panko for extra texture. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Coconut Toasting Technique: Carefully toast panko and coconut together to develop a rich, nutty flavor without burning, watching closely during the 3-4 minute process.
• Shrimp Searing Pro Tip: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Liquid Absorption Trick: Monitor pasta’s liquid reduction carefully; the right consistency creates a creamy, silky sauce that coats every strand.
• Zest and Brightness Hack: Add lime zest and juice at the end to preserve fresh citrus notes and prevent potential curdling of the coconut milk sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg