One-Pan Coconut Curry Pasta

This isn’t your average one-pan pasta! Think Thai yellow coconut curry meets pasta, with juicy chicken, warm aromatic spices, and pasta soaking up all that golden, creamy, umami-rich sauce.

It’s basically Thai comfort food with a pasta twist, and it’s incredibly satisfying. Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner craving and tag someone who would love this combination!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Everything comes together in one pan.
• Combines creamy coconut milk with aromatic yellow curry.
• Juicy chicken thighs add plenty of flavor and protein.
• The pasta absorbs the rich, golden curry sauce as it cooks.
• Loaded with vegetables including tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Thai-Inspired

Ingredients

Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 oz pasta
• 5 oz cherry tomatoes
• 2 chicken thighs
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ onion
• 3 baby bella mushrooms
• 1 handful bell peppers
• 2 handfuls baby spinach
• 1½ cups beef broth
• 1½ tablespoons yellow curry paste
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
• Black pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds, for serving

Chicken Marinade

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Add the garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a pan over medium heat with the olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown, then flip them and reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cover the pan and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Add the Pasta and Vegetables

Add more oil to the pan if needed. Place the pasta in the center of the pan. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, onion, mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and baby spinach around the pasta.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Add the yellow curry paste, palm sugar, turmeric, garlic powder, and oyster sauce to the pan.

Step 5: Add the Liquids

Pour in the beef broth and coconut milk. Gently stir to distribute the seasonings throughout the pan.

Cover the pan and bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 6: Simmer Until Creamy

Uncover and cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce becomes creamy.

If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of beef broth and continue cooking.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add extra baby spinach if desired and gently stir everything together.

Step 8: Serve

Finish with sesame seeds and serve immediately while the pasta is hot and creamy. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier and milder curry.
• Adjust the salt and black pepper to taste.
• Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking.
• If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a small splash of broth.
• Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Variations

Customize this One-Pan Coconut Curry Pasta with:

• Shrimp instead of chicken.
• Extra bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Additional baby spinach for more vegetables.
• A spicier yellow curry paste for more heat.
• Extra coconut milk for a richer, milder sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy coconut curry pasta hot, topped with sesame seeds. It pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, extra vegetables, or a light side salad.

Storage

Refrigerator

Allow leftovers to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened during storage.

Nutrition

Nutrition information will vary depending on the pasta, chicken thighs, coconut milk, curry paste, broth, and amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes. Chicken breast can be used, although chicken thighs provide a juicier and richer result.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes. Vegetable broth can be used if you prefer a different flavor or want to make the dish without beef broth.

Can I make this pasta vegetarian?

Yes. Omit the chicken and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You should also replace the oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative.

Can I make the curry milder?

Yes. Add a little extra coconut milk to make the sauce creamier and milder.

What should I do if the sauce gets too thick?

Add a splash of beef broth and stir gently until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Coconut Curry Pasta is a comforting fusion of creamy Thai-inspired yellow coconut curry and pasta. With juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and a rich coconut sauce, this easy one-pan meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner. 🍝🔥

Save this recipe for your next cozy dinner craving and enjoy every creamy, golden bite!