Jamaican Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy Delight Recipe
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy delight combining tender shrimp seasoned with spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning, sautéed vegetables, and a rich coconut milk sauce tossed with fettuccine or linguine pasta. The dish is enhanced with fresh lime juice and cilantro, perfect for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and full of bold tastes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
Sauce and Garnishes
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¼ 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 until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- 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. Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase heat to medium-high and add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring well to combine all flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an additional citrusy kick.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors and balance the creamy coconut milk.
- Adjust the jerk seasoning amount to control the spice level according to preference.
- Reserving pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Jamaican shrimp pasta, creamy coconut pasta, jerk shrimp recipe, Caribbean pasta dish, spicy shrimp pasta
