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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Fold fresh baby spinach leaves into the pasta, stirring until they wilt and incorporate seamlessly into the creamy mixture.
- 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.
- 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