Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with a creamy coconut sauce infused with spicy jerk seasoning. This easy-to-make meal brings a tropical twist to your dinner table with fresh lime and cilantro accents.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 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
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
4. Step 4: Pour in the coconut milk and lime juice, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles evenly in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce while simmering.
• Incorporate other vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to add more color and nutrition.
• Use fresh jerk seasoning paste for a more intense and authentic flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Jamaican Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore creaminess. It’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated carefully.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the jerk seasoning you use. Many Jamaican jerk seasonings have a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust by adding more or less seasoning based on your preference.

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp seasoned with spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning and sautéed vegetables in a creamy coconut milk sauce. Tossed with al dente fettuccine or linguine, it offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness with lime and cilantro garnishes.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta and Protein

• 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Sauce and Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 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

For Garnish

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil 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 the vegetables and build flavor.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. 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.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour the coconut milk and fresh lime juice into the skillet with the shrimp mixture, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Combine: Add the drained pasta back into the skillet, tossing everything together to evenly coat the noodles in the creamy, spiced coconut sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or jerk seasoning if needed.
6. Serve: Serve the Jamaican shrimp pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.

Notes

• For Extra Creaminess: Add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce for a richer texture and depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: You can incorporate other vegetables such as fresh spinach or halved cherry tomatoes to increase the nutrient content and add vibrant colors.

Keywords: Jamaican shrimp pasta, jerk shrimp pasta, coconut milk pasta, spicy shrimp pasta, Caribbean pasta recipe