If you are craving a dish that brings together vibrant flavors and creamy textures in the most delightful way, this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe will become your new go-to favorite. It’s a beautiful blend of succulent shrimp infused with the warmth of Jamaican jerk seasoning, balanced perfectly with a rich coconut milk sauce and a touch of zesty lime. The pasta provides a comforting base, while fresh bell peppers and cilantro add just the right pop of color and freshness. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is bursting with soul and guaranteed to excite your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance in this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe. Each element plays a crucial part — from the creamy coconut milk enriching the sauce to the bell peppers adding sweetness and texture, every item is simple but essential.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: Use 8 ounces to provide a silky base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: One tablespoon is all you need to sauté onions and bring out their sweetness.
- Large shrimp: One pound, peeled and deveined, ensures tender and juicy bites that soak up the spices.
- Onion: One medium, finely chopped, adds a savory foundation that deepens flavor.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, for that aromatic punch that enhances every bite.
- Bell pepper: One diced (red or yellow) to introduce a crisp, colorful crunch.
- Coconut milk: One 14-ounce can, creating a creamy, luscious sauce that carries the seasonings.
- Jamaican jerk seasoning: One tablespoon, the star spice mix that provides warmth, heat, and authentic Caribbean flair.
- Fresh lime juice: One tablespoon, adding bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro: One-quarter cup, chopped, perfect for garnishing and adding a fresh herbal note.
- Lime wedges: For serving, to allow each person to customize the tangy kick.
How to Make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the fettuccine or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Remember to scoop out a cup of pasta water before draining — this starchy water is your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency later on. Trust me, it makes the sauce silky and clings beautifully to every strand.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it turns translucent and sweet. Next, add minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This combination builds the flavor base of your dish with layers of sweetness and a fragrant garlic punch.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them well with salt, pepper, and that bold one tablespoon of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Let the shrimp cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a lovely pink and are just cooked through — this step is crucial for tender, juicy shrimp that soak up the spice beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the can of creamy coconut milk and stir in the fresh lime juice. Allow this to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes — the sauce will thicken slightly and all those fantastic flavors will marry together. If the sauce feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add some of the reserved pasta water here to loosen it up and make it perfectly silky.
Step 5: Combine
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together carefully to ensure every strand of pasta is wonderfully coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. Have a final taste and adjust seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed. This is where all the elements come together in delicious harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Serve this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta recipe hot and fresh from the stove. Top with chopped cilantro and offer lime wedges on the side for that extra pop of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are more than just pretty accents — the vibrant green herbs add a fresh, slightly citrusy contrast that brightens the rich coconut sauce. The lime wedges invite each person to add a spritz of tanginess, balancing the bold jerk seasoning beautifully. A light dusting of extra jerk seasoning can also be sprinkled on top for those who want an extra kick.
Side Dishes
Since this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta recipe is a complete and flavorful meal on its own, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables complement the dish without overshadowing it. You could even serve it alongside warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of cilantro and a lime wedge on the rim. You can also try plating the shrimp over the pasta for a rustic but stylish look. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of spicy Caribbean hot sauce over the top can take the presentation and heat to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, but the pasta may absorb some sauce, so add a little water or coconut milk when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining the perfect texture of the pasta and shrimp. If you must freeze, keep the components separate if possible: store the sauce and shrimp together and the pasta separately, both in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of coconut milk or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works too; just heat in short bursts and stir between intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully here, you can swap in penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni depending on your preference and what you have available. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe spicy?
The level of spice mainly depends on the jerk seasoning you use. Most Jamaican jerk seasoning blends have some heat, but you can control the spiciness by using more or less seasoning or choosing a milder blend. Adding the lime juice and coconut milk also helps mellow the heat for a balanced flavor.
Can I substitute the shrimp for other proteins?
Definitely! Chicken breast or thighs, diced and cooked similarly, can be excellent alternatives. For a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or plant-based shrimp substitutes to keep things interesting.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
If fresh cilantro isn’t on hand, you can substitute with fresh parsley or even basil for a different but fresh herbal note. Dried herbs won’t offer the same brightness, so fresh is best for garnishing.
Is the coconut milk canned or fresh in this recipe?
The recipe calls for canned coconut milk, which provides rich creaminess and a smooth texture. Fresh coconut milk can work but varies in thickness and flavor, so canned is recommended for consistency and convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is truly something special that brings warmth, comfort, and a punch of exciting flavors all in one wonderful dish. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Caribbean spices but wants a simple, quick pasta meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Give it a try — I promise you’ll fall in love with the vibrant, creamy goodness that makes this dish stand out. Happy cooking!
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Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish combining tender shrimp seasoned with authentic Jamaican jerk spices and a luscious coconut milk sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine pasta and fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers a delightful fusion of Caribbean flavors and creamy comfort in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften and release their flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy jerk coconut sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy brightness. Enjoy this delicious Caribbean-inspired meal immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh lime juice enhances the brightness of the dish and balances the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- Reserve pasta water helps to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky coating on the pasta.
- Adjust the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh cilantro garnish adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the bold flavors.
- Pasta can be substituted with gluten-free varieties if needed, but cooking times may vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
