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    Home ยป Dinner

    Cajun Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    Published:Mar 19, 2022ยท Modified: May 23, 2024 by Keri Bevan

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    Creamy Cajun coconut milk pasta sauce is my new favorite dinner dish. Filled with garlicky mushrooms and Cajun spices, it's healthy and delicious.

    pasta with Cajun coconut milk sauce in a Dutch oven.
    pasta with coconut milk sauce
    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿ’šReasons You'll Love This Recipe
    • ๐Ÿ›’Ingredients
    • โ“What Is Coconut Milk?
    • ๐Ÿ”ชHow To Make Pasta With Coconut Milk Sauce
    • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing Suggestions And Variations
    • ๐Ÿ’กTips And Tricks
    • โ„๏ธStorage & Reheating Instructions
    • ๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธFrequently Asked Questions
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe
    • Comments

    Does it taste like coconuts? That's what you're wondering, isn't it? The answer is no, it doesn't! The coconut milk acts as a substitute for double cream. It contributes a creamy base from which we'll add some delicious Cajun spices. I promise it's packed with rich savory flavor, none of which tastes of coconuts.

    If you've tried my popular Spicy Miso Pasta With Fennel and Carrots or Creamy Lemon Tahini Pasta With Mushrooms, you'll know how much I love to get creative with pasta. And coconut pasta sauce is my newest creation.

    We've had this recipe on repeat at my house. Everyone loves it!

    Top Tip: If you like coconut sauce based pasta recipes, you've got to check out my vegan rasta pasta recipe.

    ๐Ÿ’šReasons You'll Love This Recipe

    ๐Ÿ’šThis is a budget friendly recipe the whole family can enjoy.

    ๐Ÿ’šCajun coconut pasta sauce takes under 30 minutes to make, so it's the perfect midweek meal.

    ๐Ÿ’šCoconut milk contains healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that can offer potential health benefits, including supporting heart health, providing energy, and promoting nutrient absorption.

    ๐Ÿ’šIf you're following a dairy-free diet or are lactose intolerant, coconut sauce might just become your go-to pasta sauce.

    ๐Ÿ›’Ingredients

    • Pasta: I used tagliatelle, but I've made this recipe with linguine, fettuccine and spaghetti as well. Use whatever pasta you have in your pantry.
    • Mushrooms: I used chestnut mushrooms, but a combination of woodland mushrooms is nice too. You could also use shiitake mushrooms or chopped up Portobello mushrooms.
    • Garlic: There's 3 cloves of garlic in this recipe. I love the combination of garlic and mushrooms.
    • Coconut Milk: Use the kind of coconut milk that comes in a can, not a carton. If you want to lighten this recipe up, you can use half light coconut milk and half full fat, but the sauce will be a little thinner than if you used all full fat. If you go this route, consider thickening the sauce a bit with a cornstarch slurry.
    • Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a nice cheesy flavor.
    • Smoked Paprika: Used smoked, not regular paprika in this recipe. The flavor is totally different. Smoked paprika is ground chili peppers that have been dried over an oak fire. The flavor will be round and smoky.
    • Dried Sage: Earthy sweet sage is the perfect complement to the creamy coconut milk pasta sauce.
    • Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a spicy little kick.
    • Cayenne Pepper: I've used a ยฝ teaspoon of cayenne in this recipe, and I don't find if too spicy, but please adjust according to your tolerance for heat. You can also use any cayenne pepper substitute that you prefer. For instance, I sometimes use chili powder of gochugaru.

    You'll also need olive oil, salt and pepper and some reserved cooking water from the pasta.

    Coconut milk next to a cracked open coconut.
    what is coconut milk

    โ“What Is Coconut Milk?

    Coconut milk is a creamy, opaque liquid extracted from the grated flesh of mature coconuts. It's a common ingredient in various cuisines around the world, especially in tropical regions.

    To obtain coconut milk, the grated coconut flesh is soaked or blended with water, then strained to remove any solid particles. The resulting liquid has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a velvety texture, making it a popular ingredient in curries, soups, desserts, and even beverages. Coconut milk is also a great source of healthy fats!

    Pasta in a sauce pan.
    cooking the pasta

    ๐Ÿ”ชHow To Make Pasta With Coconut Milk Sauce

    Cook The Pasta

    • Cook your pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain, reserving ยผ cup of the water.
    Mushrooms in saute pan.
    saute the mushrooms

    Cook The Mushrooms

    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute the mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add the garlic cloves and saute fora further 30 seconds.
    coconut milk pasta sauce.
    coconut milk pasta sauce

    Make The Cajun Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    • Add the reserved pasta cooking water and coconut milk to the pan. With the lid off the pan, simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over medium heat.
    • Test the sauce to see if it's as thick as you like. If it's still not thick enough, carry on simmering it for another 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, sage, cayenne, Dijon mustard and salt. Stir to combine.
    Cajun pasta with coconut milk sauce.
    Cajun pasta with coconut milk sauce

    Toss The Pasta In The Sauce And Serve

    • Toss your pasta with the sauce. Garnish with optional parsley.

    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing Suggestions And Variations

    • Sprinkle with vegan bacon bits or vegan Parmesan cheese.
    • Add some roasted red peppers to the sauce.
    • Serve with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Israeli Cucumber Salad would be an excellent simple salad to serve with this recipe.
    • Love Cajun recipes? stir in this Cajun fried corn.
    • Instead of mushrooms, substitute sweetcorn and chopped red peppers.
    • Make it lighter by using half light coconut milk and half full fat coconut milk.
    • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta.
    • Serve with a side of buttery vegan garlic knots.
    • Add your favorite veggies. Broccoli, grilled zucchini and eggplant are all excellent choices.

    ๐Ÿ’กTips And Tricks

    You can thicken this pasta sauce with a cornstarch slurry. Add one tablespoon cornstarch to two tablespoons water. Pour the slurry into the coconut milk pasta sauce and simmer until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. You will need to reduce the cooking time to 4-5 minutes.

    โ„๏ธStorage & Reheating Instructions

    Refrigerator:

    1. Allow the coconut sauce pasta to cool down completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
    2. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container or a sealed zip-top bag.
    3. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator and ensure it is tightly sealed.
    4. The coconut sauce pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
    5. Reheat gently in the microwave.

    Freezer:

    1. Allow the coconut sauce pasta to cool down completely before freezing.
    2. Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container or airtight freezer bag.
    3. Ensure the container or bag is sealed tightly, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
    4. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later.
    5. Place the container or bag in the freezer, ideally in a flat position to save space.
    6. The coconut sauce pasta can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
    1. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later.
    2. Place the container or bag in the freezer, ideally in a flat position to save space.
    3. The coconut sauce pasta can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.

    When ready to consume, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or coconut milk to revive the sauce's consistency if it has thickened during storage.

    Did You Make This Recipe?

    If so, I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thisdailydish. Or, leave me a comment below. It makes my day, and your feedback helps other readers.

    ๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธFrequently Asked Questions

    How do I store leftover pasta Cajun pasta in coconut milk sauce?

    To store pasta in a coconut milk sauce, allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer the pasta and sauce to an airtight container, ensuring the pasta is fully immersed in the sauce. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making sure to give it a good stir before reheating to evenly distribute the sauce.

    Can you freeze pasta with coconut milk sauce?

    Yes, you can freeze pasta in coconut milk sauce. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some room for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its texture.

    Does coconut milk thicken with heat?

    Coconut milk can thicken when heated due to its high fat content. When exposed to heat, the fat in coconut milk melts and combines with other ingredients, resulting in a thicker consistency. However, it's important to note that the thickening effect may vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking techniques employed. You can always use a corn starch slurry to thicken any sauce made from coconut milk.

    Craving More Coconut Milk Dishes?

    Healthy Mushroom Curry With Chickpeas

    Vegan Lentil Bolognese

    Creamy Carrot Sauce For Pasta

    Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Pasta

    The Best Vegan Cheesecake - Coconut with Raspberry

    Easy Aubergine And Chickpea Curry

    Easy Vegan Dulce De Leche

    Mung Bean Curry

    Indian Pumpkin Curry

    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    Cajun pasta with coconut milk sauce.

    Cajun Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    Keri Bevan
    Pasta tossed in a creamy Cajun coconut milk sauce - the perfect simple dinner with amazing flavor. Garlicky mushrooms and Cajun spices make this dish bold and smoky. And, it's dairy free and vegan!
    4.93 from 80 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 249 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 ๏ปฟounces pasta of your choice
    • ๏ปฟ1 ๏ปฟtablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
    • ๏ปฟ8 ๏ปฟounces chestnut mushrooms sliced
    • ๏ปฟ3 garlic cloves finely minced
    • ยผ cup water from boiling pasta
    • 1๏ปฟ3.5 ๏ปฟounce can full fat coconut milk
    • ๏ปฟ1 ๏ปฟtablespoon nutritional yeast
    • ๏ปฟ1 ๏ปฟtablespoon smoked paprika
    • ยฝ ๏ปฟteaspoon dried sage
    • ยผ ๏ปฟtablespoon Dijon mustard
    • ยฝ ๏ปฟteaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ยผ ๏ปฟteaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon (optional) fresh parsley finely chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain, reserving ยผ cup of the water.
    • Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Saute the mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
    • Add the reserved pasta cooking water and coconut milk to the pan. With the lid off the pan, simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over medium heat. Test the sauce to see if it's as thick as you like. If it's still not thick enough, carry on simmering it for another 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, sage, cayenne, Dijon mustard and salt to the sauce. Stir to combine.
    • Toss the pasta with the sauce, and garnish with (optional) parsley.

    Notes

    1. You can thicken this pasta sauce with a cornstarch slurry. Add one tablespoon cornstarch to two tablespoons water. Pour the slurry into the coconut milk pasta sauce and simmer until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. You will need to reduce the cooking time to 4-5 minutes.
    2. For a gluten free variation, simply use your favorite gluten free pasta.ย  There's no gluten in the coconut milk pasta sauce.
    3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    ย 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 70mgPotassium: 225mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1039IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword coconut milk pasta sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily

      October 20, 2023 at 8:11 am

      5 stars
      I was searching for an easy dairy free pasta sauce with ingredients I already had at home and wow am I glad I stumbled across this!!
      I omitted the nutritional yeast, swapped the mushrooms for cooked tomatoes and honestly the amount of flavour from this sauce was 10/10 one of the best dairy free sauces Iโ€™ve made so thanks for a fantastic pasta sauce!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        October 20, 2023 at 2:45 pm

        Hi Emily, I'm so pleased you liked it! Thanks so much for letting me know!

        Reply
    2. Helen at the lazy gastronome

      October 01, 2022 at 1:51 am

      5 stars
      This pasta is so rich and flavorful. Weโ€™ll be having it again!

      Reply
    3. Nancy

      September 29, 2022 at 10:42 pm

      5 stars
      Wow this spicy coconut milk pasta is brilliant. I made t his and everyone loved it.

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        September 30, 2022 at 5:04 pm

        Thank you for letting me know, Nancy! x

        Reply
    4. Jamie

      September 29, 2022 at 10:07 pm

      5 stars
      I loved all the spices used in this cajun pasta! The coconut milk made it so creamy and rich!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        September 30, 2022 at 5:05 pm

        So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jamie. Thank you for your feedback.

        Reply
    5. Mary

      September 29, 2022 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was just what I needed. I am cooking with more spice lately because my spouse lost a lot of his sense of taste from chemotherapy. This was just the right amount for both of us. And it is so comforting with the chillier nights. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        September 29, 2022 at 6:21 pm

        Thank you Mary. I hope your spouse is recovering well from his treatments. X

        Reply
    6. Stephanie

      September 29, 2022 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe! The family loves coming home to this as it is so flavorful and satisfying. Thanks for another great recipe.

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        September 29, 2022 at 6:21 pm

        Thank you Stephanie. I really appreciate that!

        Reply
    7. Maretha

      September 29, 2022 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      Oh my! This looks absolutely divine! Always looking for more recipes to use coconut milk in, full fat of course. Going to make this tonight, thanks! โค๏ธ

      Reply
    8. Jerika

      May 20, 2022 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to use this Creamy Cajun coconut milk pasta sauce on my pasta.:) I love it that its filled with garlicky mushrooms and Cajun spices. Yum!:)

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        May 22, 2022 at 8:39 pm

        Hi Jerika,

        I hope everyone likes the recipe:)

        Reply
    9. Sunrita

      May 20, 2022 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      Such a fantastic idea for a pasta sauce. If was so delicious. Even thr kids loved it.

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        May 20, 2022 at 9:38 pm

        Hi Sunrita, I'm so glad the whole family loved it. Thanks for letting me know.x

        Reply
    10. Peter

      May 20, 2022 at 7:44 am

      5 stars
      I can't believe this was made with coconut milk! So creamy and flavorful!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        May 20, 2022 at 11:28 am

        It's really surprising how well it works, isn't it? Thanks so much for letting me know!

        Reply
        • Geetanjali Tung

          May 20, 2022 at 12:35 pm

          5 stars
          It was delicious! Everyone of my family loved this.

          Reply
          • Keri Bevan

            May 20, 2022 at 2:10 pm

            Hi Gettanjali, So glad to hear it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know!

            Reply
    11. nancy

      May 20, 2022 at 12:21 am

      5 stars
      so much heat in this creamy sauce. Pasta was gone in seconds

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        May 20, 2022 at 11:29 am

        Hi Nancy, I'm happy you liked the recipe. Thanks so much for your comment.

        Reply
    12. Cindy

      May 02, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      Incredibly good! I love the creaminess of the sauce.

      Reply
    13. Jacqui

      May 02, 2022 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      I love this! The coconut milk makes this meal so comforting and wholesome!

      Reply
    14. nancy

      May 02, 2022 at 1:59 am

      5 stars
      wow! i'm obssessed with this recipe. i can't believe how creamy it is!

      Reply
    15. Mirlene

      April 05, 2022 at 12:25 am

      5 stars
      The coconut milk to make this cajun sauce was so delicious! I used penne pasta cause thats all I had in the pantry and the whole family enjoyed it!

      Reply
    16. Cara

      April 04, 2022 at 11:49 pm

      5 stars
      The flavor of this sauce was everything I've ever wanted! So incredibly good!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        April 04, 2022 at 11:50 pm

        Hi Cara, Thank you! I'm happy you liked it!

        Reply
    17. Anjali

      April 04, 2022 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love this vegan friendly creamy pasta sauce!! We use it in all kinds of pasta dishes - with ravioli, spaghetti - you name it! My kids love it too!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        April 04, 2022 at 11:51 pm

        Thank you:) I'm pleased it was a hit. Everyone here loves it too!

        Reply
    18. Carrie Robinson

      April 04, 2022 at 11:20 pm

      5 stars
      This sauce looks like absolute perfection! ๐Ÿ™‚ I can't wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    19. Gina

      April 04, 2022 at 10:49 pm

      5 stars
      Love the creaminess from the coconut milk and that it makes this dish dairy-free! Easy and simple dinner that tastes great!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        April 04, 2022 at 10:59 pm

        Hi Gina, So glad you liked the recipe. Thank you for letting me know! x

        Reply
    20. Amy

      March 25, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      Tastes delicious!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        March 25, 2022 at 8:17 pm

        I'm glad you liked it, Amy. Thank you for your comment. xx

        Reply
    4.93 from 80 votes (59 ratings without comment)

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    Keri Bevan

    Welcome, I'm Keri

    I'm the food photographer and recipe developer and writer behind Daily Dish. I'm a certified Reiki Master with a passion for simple, fresh vegan dishes. I'm an ex-pat American who has lived all over the world. I currently live in London

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