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Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

A creamy and flavorful coconut milk pasta sauce that combines the richness of coconut milk with the tangy freshness of passata, garlic, shallots, and a hint of chili. This easy-to-make sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and brings a subtle tropical twist to traditional pasta dishes.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chilli flakes
  • 250 ml (1 1/4 cup) passata
  • 1 x 400 ml (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves, roughly shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the pasta al dente according to the instructions on the package. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the shallots: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly brown at the edges, releasing a sweet aroma.
  3. Add garlic and chili flakes: Stir in the chopped garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute to blend the flavors without burning the garlic.
  4. Create the sauce base: Pour in the passata and the full-fat coconut milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat slightly and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta into the sauce pan and toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  7. Finish with basil and seasoning: Stir in the shredded fresh basil leaves, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy texture.
  • Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh basil flavor at its best.
  • Can be paired with any type of pasta like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian