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coconut curry mac and cheese

Coconut Curry Mac and Cheese

This Coconut Curry Mac and Cheese blends full-fat coconut milk, red curry paste, and a smooth cheese sauce for rich, glossy comfort with a gentle kick. Serve creamy from the stovetop or bake with panko for crunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Thai Inspired, fusion
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cavatappi elbows, or shells
  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 –3 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack/fontina
  • 4 –5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: panko breadcrumbs for baking
  • Optional: cilantro crushed peanuts, scallions, toasted coconut for garnish

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
  2. Melt butter or ghee in a wide skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sprinkle in flour and stir to form a smooth paste (roux).
  4. Add red curry paste, garlic, and ginger to bloom aromatics.
  5. Slowly whisk in full-fat coconut milk and whole milk until glossy.
  6. Let sauce gently bubble while whisking until slightly thickened.
  7. Remove pan from heat and add shredded cheese in small handfuls.
  8. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
  9. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to balance flavor.
  10. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated.
  11. Add splashes of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
  12. Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
  13. For baked version, transfer pasta to a dish, top with panko, and bake until browned.
  14. Rest briefly before scooping to let sauce settle.

Notes

Always use full-fat coconut milk for gloss and cling. Grate cheese fresh to avoid grainy textures. Add cheese off the heat to prevent splitting. Stir in peas, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for variation. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.