Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and flavorful dish with succulent shrimp, saffron-infused coconut milk, and al dente pasta tossed in a velvety sauce. This asian-inspired pasta (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 50 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, full-fat coconut milk, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown. Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 8 oz chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Add 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp saffron-infused water, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Toss 12 oz cooked spaghetti into the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Add 1/2 cup pasta water and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Creamy Coconut Shrimp Pasta vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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