Kid-Approved Coconut Milk Spinach Pasta (Shrek Pasta)
[Spinach Pasta] :: A New Year’s Morning Treat! Shrek Pasta That Captivates Kids with Coconut Milk
Hello everyone, this is Gina the cook. On New Year’s morning, my little girl requested pasta! I made a vibrant green spinach pasta, packed with nutrition. Adding coconut milk made it wonderfully smooth and sweet, which she absolutely loved. Let’s make this delicious spinach pasta that both children and adults can enjoy together.
Pasta Ingredients- 1 bunch spinach (approx. 100-150g)
- A little carrot (thinly julienned)
- A little onion (thinly julienned)
- 1 slice cheese
- 6 frozen shrimp (thawed)
- 300ml coconut milk
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Seasoning Ingredients (Measurements based on adult tablespoon)- 0.5 Tbsp fish sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp fish sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I’ve prepared a bunch of fresh, seasonal spinach. This tender and delicious spinach needs to be washed thoroughly under running water. Be sure to rinse it carefully, especially around the roots, as soil can sometimes linger there.
Step 2
Before you start cooking, take the frozen shrimp out of the freezer to thaw. You can let them thaw naturally at room temperature or in a bowl of cold water.
Step 3
Take a small amount of onion and carrot and julienne them thinly. Cutting them this finely will help them integrate well with the other ingredients later.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the spinach pesto. Place the washed spinach into a blender with the prepared 300ml of coconut milk. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 5
Tip: For an even smoother pesto, don’t add all the spinach and coconut milk at once. Blend in two or three batches for a finer result.
Step 6
Time to cook the spaghetti! Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1-2 bay leaves, and then add one portion (a handful) of spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it’s about 80% done – we want it al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve some of the cooking water!
Step 7
In the same hot water used for boiling the pasta, add the thawed shrimp and blanch them briefly. This helps to enhance the shrimp’s natural sweetness and flavor.
Step 8
Now, let’s prepare the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over low heat. Add 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 9
Add the julienned onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent and releases its sweet aroma.
Step 10
If you have some frozen enoki mushrooms, adding a small amount can enhance the texture. (This is optional) They add an extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 11
Pour the smoothly blended spinach pesto into the pot. Keep the heat on low and stir well to combine. It’s best not to overcook the spinach at this stage to preserve its fresh, vibrant green color.
Step 12
Add the julienned carrots and sauté briefly with the other ingredients. The carrots add a lovely color and a bit of crunch.
Step 13
Add the cooked spaghetti and blanched shrimp to the pot. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 14
Finally, let’s season it. Add 0.5 tablespoon of fish sauce and taste. You can adjust the amount to your preference. If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce can be used as an alternative.
Step 15
Turn off the heat and place one slice of cheese on top. Let it melt slowly in the residual heat. As the cheese melts, it will transform the sauce into a thicker, creamier consistency. Stir gently until the sauce is smooth and luscious.
Step 16
Your vibrant and nutritious spinach cream pasta is ready! This special dish is sure to be a hit, even with picky eaters and adults alike. Enjoy this delightful meal!
