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    Home » Pasta and Noodles » Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    Published: Jun 2, 2022 · Modified: Sep 13, 2022 by Jessica

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    This simple coconut milk pasta sauce is so creamy, flavorful and full of comfort. The sauce is ready by the time the noodles are done and this recipe is very easy to customize by using other veggies. Completely dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and 100% plant-based.

    There is a fork taking a bite of coconut milk pasta from a bowl.

    Using coconut milk in pasta sauces is so amazing! I make this vegan tomato coconut milk pasta sauce whenever we crave a rosé pasta style, it is just so quick and straightforward. Now, I made this version without tomatoes to have more of a white pasta sauce, similar to an Alfredo sauce actually, that can be customized easily for speedy weeknight dinners.

    Canned coconut milk is thicker than regular plant-based milk, which makes for an incredible base for creamy and rich pasta dishes. It even has a similar mouthfeel to heavy cream sauces! Plus, using coconut milk makes this recipe so simple, quick, easy and completely dairy-free. You can add whatever you prefer: veggies, spices, greens, beans, etc.

    I keep canned roasted red pepper and canned beans in my pantry alongside the coconut milk so this recipe is convenient and ready to be whipped up anytime without having to plan that much. I love adding mushrooms and garlic to add more flavor too.

    It is ready within 20 minutes: you have plenty of time to make the sauce while the noodles are boiling! It really is fuss-free, requires only a handful of ingredients and the flavor is amazing. Use this recipe as a base with the coconut milk + onion + garlic + nutritional yeast, and then add any veggies you like!

    Enjoy! 💙

    Showing is a bowl of coconut milk pasta with red pepper, mushroom and white beans.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • The sauce is done within 20 minutes
    • Requires only 7 simple ingredients (+ pasta for serving)
    • Highly customizable
    • Very flavorful
    • Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and 100% plant-based
    • Very kid friendly

    Ingredients you'll need

    • Canned coconut milk: I recommend to use full-fat coconut milk, it simply thickens better. Low-in-fat coconut milk will bring great flavor, but the sauce will end up being thinner.
    • Onion: or shallots. I find it adds so much flavor, so don't skip if possible.
    • Garlic: for flavor as well. Fresh garlic is much better than garlic powder in this case. I used a lot to make the sauce super flavorful, but use less if you are sensitive to garlic.
    • Nutritional yeast: adds a subtle cheesy flavor and a hint of umami boost to the sauce. If you don't have it, you can simply omit.
    • Mushrooms: adds flavor and texture, can swap for other veggies.
    • Canned white beans: add some fiber and protein and I love how it brings more texture to the creamy sauce.
    • Canned roasted red pepper: amazing in this sauce, definitely try including them. I show you how to roast red peppers in my Mexican buddha bowl recipe, but feel free to simply buy a jar for convenience.
    Showing are the ingredients needed to make a coconut milk pasta dish.

    How to make it

    Boil your pasta

    Start by cooking your pasta. You can prepare the sauce while the noodles are boiling so it comes together at the same time.

    Cook the veggies

    In a large non-stick pan, start by cooking the onion with or without oil for about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the mushrooms and garlic and keep cooking until browned (another 3-5 minutes or so).

    Once the veggies are done, add the coconut milk, roasted red peppers, white beans and nutritional yeast. Also, add salt to taste. Stir to combine.

    Simmer

    Bring to a gentle simmer and keep cooking for a few minutes while stirring. The sauce will thicken during that time. Try not to let the coconut milk boil too strongly though, only gently simmer uncovered until desired consistency.

    When the sauce is ready, you can simply add the noodles to the pan and combine. Serve and enjoy!

    • In process picture: cooking the onion and mushrooms.
    • In process picture: view on a large pan filled with vegetables and beans in a sauce.
    • In process picture: close up on a creamy sauce simmering in a pan.
    • In process picture: adding noodles to the sauce.

    Watch how to make it

    Cooking tips

    • If you combine the noodles with the sauce in the pan, then be sure to cook your pasta al dente so they don't end up being over cooked.
    • The sauce will thicken slightly while cooking, but if you used a low-in-fat canned coconut milk, then you might want to use a cornstarch slurry to help improve the consistency.
    • Definitely use a canned coconut milk and avoid the carton coconut milk for best result.
    • Jarred roasted red peppers often is kept in a thin brine. In that case, rinse and drain them well before using.
    Close up on a large pan filled with a coconut milk pasta sauce.

    Variations to the recipe

    Make the coconut milk pasta sauce using your favorite vegetables! I find that the combination of roasted red peppers and mushrooms works great with the creaminess of the sauce, but here are a few more ideas:

    • Asparagus
    • Spinach
    • Leeks
    • Peas
    • Broccoli
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Corn
    • Butternut squash

    If you love tomato style pasta, then a great idea would also be to add some canned tomato sauce to make a pink sauce. Or, check out my creamy tomato pasta sauce made using coconut milk!

    Also, other ways to flavor the sauce would be to add a few drops of liquid smoke for hints of smoked gouda flavor, dried herbs, cajun spices, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, paprika, etc.

    Serving suggestions

    Choose your favorite pasta when serving the coconut milk pasta sauce. Any kind will work: short or long or whole wheat are all good choices, although I have a weakness for longer noodles in this case.

    Also, you can serve this pasta recipe with a side of green salad or some bread.

    To add some freshness, add some basil leaves when serving. Also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a nice kick and some vegan parmesan cheese for a cheesy final touch.

    Storage

    Store the leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge. If you know you will have leftovers, then try to keep the sauce and noodles apart from each other (just top your noodles with the sauce in the bowls when serving), it simply stores better that way.

    I haven't tried it, but I believe the sauce could also be frozen (without the noodles).

    Front view on a bowl of coconut milk pasta sauce with curly noodles.

    FAQ's

    Can I use a different milk?

    I don't recommend it. Regular plant-based milk just won't thicken as nicely and won't result in a rich and creamy sauce.

    Is the flavor of the sauce strong in coconut?

    You will definitely taste the coconut as coconut milk is the primary ingredient, but I find the taste fades away slightly while cooking and combining with other ingredients. If you are sensitive to coconut flavor, then I would recommend adding some tomato sauce to balance out the overall flavor.

    How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    The creamy pasta sauce is gluten-free on itself, so simply use a gluten-free pasta brand to make your meal 100% gluten-free. I like the gluten-free pasta brand Jovial that makes noodles with brown rice. Be sure to boil in plenty of water and rinse well the noodles once done until the water is clear before combining to the sauce.

    Is this recipe nut-free?

    Yes! This pasta sauce works well for people with an allergy to nuts and can also be used in lunch boxes for kids to send to school.

    Close up on a coconut milk pasta. You can see the silky texture of the sauce with tons of veggies.

    More coconut milk recipes

    • Coconut milkshake
    • Vegetable chickpea curry
    • Jackfruit curry
    • Vegan lemon pie
    • Vegan millionaire shortbread
    • Coconut pineapple rice
    • Coconut peach popsicles
    • Vegan dark chocolate frosting
    • Coconut pineapple parfait
    • Coconut whipped cream
    • One-pot Broccoli curry with ramen
    • Gochujang pasta

    I hope you like this coconut milk pasta sauce as much as we do! If you try it, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let me know how it was. Your feedback is so helpful!

    Let's stay in touch with Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter to be sure not to miss anything.

    There is a fork taking a bite of coconut milk pasta from a bowl.

    Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce

    This simple coconut milk pasta sauce is so creamy, flavorful and full of comfort. The sauce is ready by the time the noodles are done and this recipe is very easy to customize by using other veggies. Completely dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and 100% plant-based.
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Servings 4 people
    Author Jessica Laroche

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 yellow onion - finely chopped
    • 2 cloves of garlic - crushed
    • 8 oz mushrooms - sliced
    • 15 oz canned coconut milk
    • 12 oz roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade) - roughly chopped or sliced
    • 15 oz canned white beans (cannelini or navy) - rinsed and drained well
    • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
    • salt - to taste
    • pasta of your choice - to serve, (about 12-16 ounces)

    Instructions
     

    • Start by cooking your noodles al dente in boiling water.
    • Meanwhile, make the sauce: warm up a large non-stick pan (with or without oil) and cook the onion with a pinch of salt for 3-5 minutes while stirring often. Then, add the mushrooms, garlic and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are browned.
    • Then, add the coconut milk, roasted red peppers, white beans and nutritional yeast. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Keep cooking for about 3-5 minutes (avoid strong boiling) or until warmed up and a little thicker.
    • Once the sauce is done, add the cooked pasta to the pan and combine. Serve warm with ground black pepper and fresh basil, if desired, and add a little red pepper flakes for some heat. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • Store leftover sauce in an air-tight container for up to 5 days (ideally, the leftovers should be kept apart from the sauce).
    • Rinse well the jarred roasted red peppers if they are kept in a brine. You can also make your own roasted peppers by following the guide in my Mexican buddha bowl post.
    • The noodles will cook a little more after added to the sauce, so be sure to cook them al dente. 
    • Feel free to swap for other veggies such as broccoli, peas, spinach, zucchini, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, etc. You can also add a can of tomato sauce or crushed tomato to make a pink sauce (check out my creamy tomato pasta sauce!).
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    Pinterest picture showing a bowl of coconut pasta with an overlay text saying "Healthy Vegetable & Coconut milk pasta".
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    Hi there! I’m Jessica, a pasta obsessed French Canadian now living in beautiful Maine. I’m a mom of two, experienced foodie and ninja meal planner. I believe everyone can make stress-free plant-based meals with wholesome ingredients that your family and friends will love. 

    Join me in my kitchen to discover fun and creative recipes or click to find out more. Welcome!

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