Spicy Coconut Shrimp Curry with Rice

Print

and aromatic Italian seasonings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll appreciate this recipe for its effortless elegance—ready in under 30 minutes, using pantry staples and minimal prep. The creamy tomato base clings perfectly to al dente orzo, while chickpeas add protein and fiber. Spinach and basil bring freshness, and the dish works beautifully for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners TikTok+15Nora Cooks+15That Susan Williams+15.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Shallot or onion, finely chopped

• Tomato paste

• Vegetable or chicken broth

• Orzo pasta (dry)

• Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• Cream (dairy or plant‑based)

• Baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped

• Dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil), red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot; cook until fragrant and softened (about 2–3 minutes) Running on Real Food+4Nora Cooks+4Georgina Burgess+4That Susan Williams+2Bethany’s Vegan Kitchen+2Georgina Burgess+2Gimme Some Oven.

2. Stir in tomato paste, dried herbs, red pepper flakes if using, salt and pepper; cook briefly to bloom the flavors Bethany’s Vegan Kitchen+14Nora Cooks+14Running on Real Food+14.

3. Pour in broth (vegetable or chicken) and cream. Stir to combine well, then add orzo and chickpeas splendidtable.org+15Nora Cooks+15Gimme Some Oven+15.

4. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently until orzo is tender and liquid has reduced to a creamy texture Instagram+15Nora Cooks+15Bethany’s Vegan Kitchen+15.

5. Stir in baby spinach and chopped basil; cook 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and basil releases its aroma Running on Real Food+3Nora Cooks+3Georgina Burgess+3.

6. Remove from heat. If using, stir in Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.

7. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh basil and cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings (some sources suggest 4–6 servings depending on portion size) Gimme Some Oven

• Prep time: ~5–10 minutes

• Cook time: ~15–20 minutes

• Total time: ~20–30 minutes

Variations

• Sun‑dried tomato version: Add chopped sun‑dried tomatoes with the tomato paste or at the end for intense umami and tang Bethany’s Vegan Kitchen+8Gimme Some Oven+8Pinch of Yum+8.

• Protein boost: Top with crispy tofu, grilled shrimp, or cooked chicken slices. Alternatively, sauté chickpeas separately for extra texture Food & Wine+15This Savory Vegan+15Nora Cooks+15.

• Dairy‑free adaptation: Use coconut milk, cashew cream, or a plant‑based heavy cream alternative. Omit Parmesan or use vegan Parmesan Nora Cooks+1Running on Real Food+1.

• Spicy twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

• Greens upgrade: Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach, or add fresh parsley for herbal brightness.

Storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days Nora Cooks.

• To reheat, gently warm in a skillet or microwave, stirring in a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing is not recommended as the cream and spinach may alter in texture.

FAQs

What type of orzo should I use?

Use regular dried orzo pasta. A gluten‑free orzo works if you need it. Toasting the orzo briefly before adding liquid enhances its nuttiness The Kitchn+14Running on Real Food+14Allrecipes+14Nora Cooks.

Can I skip the cream?

Yes. The dish remains flavorful without cream, though the texture will be lighter. For richness, adding Parmesan helps compensate.

How do I prevent the orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently during the simmer to distribute heat evenly and avoid sticking. Monitor liquid levels and adjust as needed.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste or canned tomatoes?

Yes. Halved cherry tomatoes can be added early in cooking to break down and create sauce; you may need to reduce longer for consistency Running on Real Food.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. Use vegetable broth and plant‑based cream and cheese to keep it vegan.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Store in the fridge and reheat with added broth so it stays creamy. Spinach and basil are best added fresh before serving.

Does it reheat well?

Yes, it reheats nicely. Add a little water or broth to revive the sauce, and stir until heated through.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

Stir in an extra splash of cream or a small pat of butter off the heat for added richness.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers sautéed before adding broth for more volume and flavor.

What cheese pairs best?

Grated Parmesan is traditional and delicious. For vegan diets, use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy notes.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chickpeas and Spinach is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, nutritious, and deeply satisfying. With creamy tomato sauce, tender orzo, protein-rich chickpeas, and vibrant spinach and basil, it strikes the ideal balance between comfort and freshness. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite variations, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Juicy shrimp simmered in a bold coconut curry sauce with herbs and chilies, served over fluffy rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This curry delivers exotic, bold flavor with minimal effort. The creamy coconut sauce, fragrant spices, and tender shrimp pair perfectly with rice, creating a satisfying meal that feels both restaurant‑quality and homey.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• Coconut milk

• Curry paste or powder, chilies

• Onion, garlic, ginger

• Lime juice

• Fresh cilantro or herbs

• Rice (jasmine or basmati)

• Salt, pepper

• Oil for sautéing

Directions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions and keep warm.

2. In a skillet or pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant.

3. Add curry paste or powder and cook briefly.

4. Stir in coconut milk, bring to simmer.

5. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.

6. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

7. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice.

Servings and timing

Serves about 4. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: ~25 minutes.

Variations

• Add vegetables like bell pepper, zucchini, or spinach.

• Use fish or chicken in place of shrimp.

• Adjust heat with extra chilies or use mild curry paste.

• Serve with naan or roti instead of rice.

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove; add water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes—thaw completely and drain excess moisture before cooking.

How spicy is this curry?

Depends on the curry paste. Adjust by starting with less paste and tasting as you go.

Is this gluten‑free?

Yes, ensure your curry paste doesn’t contain wheat additives.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—substitute shrimp with tofu or chickpeas.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep ingredients ahead, but cook shrimp just before serving for best texture.

How do I prevent coconut milk from splitting?

Simmer gently—not boiling—after adding coconut milk.

What can I substitute for lime juice?

Lemon juice works in a pinch, though flavor differs slightly.

Can I freeze this?

Freezing coconut‑based sauces can change texture; best when eaten fresh.

What herbs work well?

Cilantro or Thai basil bring freshness that complements the curry.

What side dishes pair well?

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or flatbread.

Conclusion

Spicy Coconut Shrimp Curry is fragrant, creamy, and quick to prepare—a vibrant meal that brings bold flavor and comforting warmth to your table.

Print