Quick & Creamy One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Coconut shrimp pasta whisks you into a culinary paradise with its creamy, tropical allure.

Ocean-fresh seafood mingles seamlessly with silky coconut sauce, converting an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Fragrant spices dance alongside tender shrimp, creating layers of complex flavors that ignite your taste buds.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge with Caribbean warmth, resulting in a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Bright, zesty notes cut through the richness, balancing each mouthwatering forkful with vibrant complexity.

Weeknight dinner routines fade away when this stunning plate arrives at the table.

Your dinner companions will be captivated by the harmonious blend of ingredients and stunning presentation.

What Makes One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Pasta So Addictive

• Elevate One-Pan Convenience: Skip multiple dishes and enjoy a seamless cooking experience with this ingenious single-skillet meal that transforms complex flavors into a quick, satisfying dinner.
• Unlock Tropical Texture Paradise: Crispy toasted panko and coconut flakes create an irresistible crunchy topping, perfectly contrasting the creamy coconut milk and tender shrimp for a multi-dimensional eating adventure.
• Burst with Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: Bright lime juice, zesty cilantro, and sweet-salty coconut coating deliver a punchy Caribbean-inspired taste profile that transports your taste buds to a beachside paradise without leaving your kitchen.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean shrimp, hearty spaghetti, and nutrient-rich spinach, this dish offers a balanced meal delivering 25g of protein while keeping calories moderate at 450 kcal per serving.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Coconut Seafood Bliss

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet seafood that adds protein and oceanic flavor. Wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp work best.
• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that absorbs coconut milk and creates a creamy texture. Regular or whole wheat varieties are suitable.
• Coconut Milk: Rich, creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce. Full-fat version recommended for best consistency.
• Garlic, Tomatoes, Lime: Fresh ingredients that add depth, acidity, and brightness to the dish. Ripe, in-season produce ideal.
• Cilantro, Spinach: Fresh green elements that provide color, nutrition, and vibrant flavor. Organic herbs preferred.
• Panko, Coconut Flakes: Crispy elements that add texture and nutty undertones. Unsweetened coconut flakes work best.
• Salt, Sugar: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile. Use sea salt or kosher salt.

Simple Instructions for a One-Pot Tropical Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Crunchy Topping

Heat oil in a skillet and toast panko breadcrumbs and coconut flakes until golden brown. Remove from pan and season with sugar and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Shrimp

Cook shrimp in the same skillet until lightly browned on each side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Pasta Base

• Coconut milk
• Water
• Spaghetti
• Tomatoes
• Salt
• Garlic

Boil the mixture until pasta reaches al dente and liquid is almost completely absorbed. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle lime zest and squeeze fresh lime juice over the pasta. Gently return shrimp to the pan. Top with the previously toasted panko-coconut mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Tips for Rich Sauce and Tender Shrimp

• Perfectly Toast Toppings: Stir panko and coconut flakes constantly while toasting to prevent burning and achieve an even golden-brown color.
• Sear Shrimp Like a Pro: Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Liquid Magic: Use room temperature coconut milk and water to help pasta cook evenly and prevent sudden temperature drops in the skillet.
• One-Pan Precision: Choose a large, wide skillet to allow pasta to cook uniformly and liquid to reduce quickly without overcrowding.
• Fresh Finish Finesse: Add lime zest and juice at the very end to preserve bright, fresh citrus flavors and prevent them from becoming bitter during cooking.

Keep It Creamy – Smart Storage and Reheating Tricks

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer remaining pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the panko topping separate to maintain its crispness.
• Microwave Reheating: Gently warm the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Splash a tablespoon of water or coconut milk to prevent drying out. Sprinkle the reserved toasted panko just before serving to restore the original crunch.
• Freezer Storage: Carefully pack the pasta without the panko topping into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat using the microwave method, adding fresh cilantro and panko for the best flavor and texture.

What Works Well with Coconut Shrimp Pasta

• Sip Tropical Cocktail Companions: Pair this coconut shrimp pasta with a crisp mojito or a refreshing piña colada to enhance the tropical flavors and complement the dish's creamy coconut notes.
• Elevate with Zesty White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the richness and highlight the lime and seafood elements.
• Crunch with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light green salad with cucumber, mint, and a citrus vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy texture and add a refreshing counterpoint to the dish.
• Serve with Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro or add a small side of herb-infused olive oil to intensify the dish's aromatic profile and provide additional layers of flavor.

Creative Takes on This Island-Inspired Favorite

• Spicy Caribbean Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a tablespoon of hot sauce to the skillet for a fiery tropical flavor profile that elevates the shrimp and pasta combination.
• Mediterranean Herbal Version: Replace cilantro with fresh basil and oregano, swap tomatoes for roasted red peppers, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Creamy Curry Fusion: Stir in red curry paste and replace coconut milk with a blend of coconut milk and Greek yogurt to create a richer, more complex curry-style pasta with deeper layers of flavor.
• Thai-Inspired Light Version: Use rice noodles instead of spaghetti, add lemongrass and ginger to the cooking liquid, and garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions for a lighter, more authentic southeast Asian interpretation.

One-Pan Coconut Shrimp Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy coconut shrimp pasta delivers tropical comfort with Mediterranean flair. Rich noodles and succulent prawns merge in a single skillet, promising a quick and delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound raw peeled and deveined extra-jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 per pound), thawed if frozen
• 12 ounces (340 grams) dried spaghetti or linguine
• 1 (13-ounce / 370 grams) can full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 pint (475 milliliters) cherry or grape tomatoes (about 10 ounces / 280 grams)
• 3 ounces (85 grams) baby spinach (about 3 packed cups)

Coating and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., grapeseed, vegetable, or canola)

Garnish:

• 6 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 medium lime

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Combine panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut, toasting until achieving a rich golden hue (approximately 3 to 4 minutes). Transfer the crispy mixture to a separate plate and season with granulated sugar and kosher salt.
2. In the same skillet, sear large shrimp (peeled and deveined) for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they develop a light golden-brown exterior. Carefully remove shrimp and reserve on a clean plate.
3. Pour full-fat coconut milk and water into the skillet. Add whole wheat or regular spaghetti (/ 226 grams), diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Simmer and stir occasionally, allowing pasta to cook until tender and liquid reduces significantly (approximately 8 to 10 minutes).
4. Fold fresh baby spinach leaves into the pasta, stirring until they wilt and incorporate seamlessly into the creamy mixture.
5. Brighten the dish with freshly grated lime zest and squeeze lime juice over the pasta. Gently return seared shrimp to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pasta.
6. Sprinkle the reserved toasted panko-coconut mixture over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves and additional toasted panko for extra crunch. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Elevate your pasta game with this tropical-inspired one-pan wonder that combines crispy, golden coconut shrimp with creamy, bright flavors.
• Toasting panko and coconut beforehand creates an irresistible crunchy coating that adds texture and depth to every bite.
• Cooking everything in a single skillet means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal with friends and family.
• The combination of coconut milk, lime, and fresh spinach delivers a light, refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes.
• Pro tip: Make sure to sear shrimp quickly to maintain their tender, juicy texture and prevent overcooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 160mg