Coconut Cream Pasta Sauce

Normally, pasta sauces are creamy and rich. The heavy use of cream in traditional pasta sauces makes them a bad choice for people with lactose intolerance and high cholesterol issues. 

So, in search of a healthier option, I found the coconut cream pasta sauce. It’s flavorful, healthy, and creamy as well. Those who often try rich food but also intend to lose weight can try this option regularly. 

Now, are you ready to go through the recipe for the coconut pasta sauce? Let’s go!

What Is Coconut Cream Pasta Sauce? 

Coconut Cream Pasta Sauce is a combination of a vegan coconut pasta sauce and a Thai-inspired pasta sauce. It uses coconut cream instead of dairy. 

This plant-based creamy sauce is as rich as a traditional cream sauce. It gets rich from the fat available in coconut cream. Almost all meals complement this sauce.

Ingredients You Need

Before you get started with the recipe for this dairy-free pasta sauce, make sure you have all these ingredients in your hand.

Coconut Cream (1 cup)

Coconut cream is the star ingredient of this recipe. It will create a thick, creamy texture in the sauce and make the flavor richer. You will feel like having a heavy dairy cream. 1 cup of it is going to be enough.

Garlic (3 to 4 cloves, minced)

3 to 4 cloves of garlic are going to add a savory punch and give the sauce a deep and aromatic flavor. 

Olive Oil (1 tbsp)

You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the garlic. Besides, olive oil will give a smooth finish to your sauce.

Nutritional Yeast (2 tbsp)

2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast will give a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy. It’s totally optional to use nutritional yeast. But I suggest using it to get the best out of your pasta sauce. 

Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)

1 tablespoon of pasta sauce is going to add brightness to the sauce. Also, it will complement the coconut cream.

Salt (½ tsp)

With ½ teaspoon of salt, you can balance the flavors and bring a natural creaminess.

Black Pepper (½ tsp)

½ teaspoon of black pepper is going to add some spice and depth to the sauce.

Pasta Water (½ cup)

Pasta water has starch in it, which will bind the sauce. It will be creamy naturally, and you won’t have to use flour for that.

Red Chili Flakes (½ tsp)

Those who prefer spiciness can add ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes at last. 

How to Make Coconut Cream Pasta Sauce with 5 Simple Steps?

Step 1: Cook Pasta First

First, boil your favorite pasta in salt water. Take ½ cup of pasta water from it and serve it to make the sauce. Drain the rest of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

Now take a pan. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in it over a medium heat. Add minced garlic to the oil, and sauté the garlic until it becomes golden and releases fragrance. Make sure you don’t burn it.

Step 3: Add Coconut Cream 

Pour 1 cup of coconut cream into the minced garlic. Stir the mixture well and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

For seasoning, add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs to the sauce. If you want, you can add red chili flakes as well. Now mix everything properly. 

Step 5: Add Pasta Water

Slowly pour ½ cup of pasta water into the pan. Then stir the mixture until it forms a silky consistency. You can add more or less water as per your desired consistency. 

Step 6: Simmer and Combine with Pasta

Now let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. This will let all the flavors blend together. Then add that pasta you boiled at first. Mix them properly so that each of the pasta gets coated with the sauce. 

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Flavors

Finally, taste the sauce. See if it needs any adjustments. If needed, add some more salt or lemon juice. 

Step 8: Store Properly

Your coconut cream pasta sauce is ready to store now. Transfer it in a clean glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Best Pairings for Coconut Cream Pasta Sauce

These are some dishes that pair well with your rich tropical pasta sauce.

• Grilled chicken strips
• Chickpeas
• Prawn
• Tofu 
• Whitefish
• Roasted red peppers
• Yellow Squash
• Sweet corn
• Mushrooms

Conclusion 

A coconut cream pasta sauce is not only tasty but also a healthy option. And the plus point is you are making it at your home. So you can increase or decrease the ingredients which you feel you should. 

Even if you are not lactose intolerant, you won’t miss any delicious meal. Because this coconut pasta cream sauce can beat any traditional creamy sauce. Let us know how your sauce turned out the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can Coconut Cream Areplace Dairy in Pasta Sauces?

Yes, coconut cream can be a good substitute for dairy creams. It is full of creamy texture and richness, which is best for lactose-intolerant people.

What Flavors Pair Well With Coconut Cream in Pasta?

Garlic, tomatoes, basil, and lemon are some of the flavors that pair well with coconut cream. It can also enhance the flavors of spices, like parsley and cilantro.

Is Coconut Cream Pasta Sauce Suitable for Vegan and Gluten-free Diets?

Yes, coconut–based Italian fusion is suitable for both vegan and gluten-free diets. It is because coconut cream is dairy-free and derived from a plant.