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Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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