Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
“`html
If you’re craving something that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and delivers a rich, indulgent comfort, you’ve got to try this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It brings together succulent shrimp seasoned with authentic Jamaican jerk spices, wrapped in a luscious, velvety coconut milk sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish feels like a Caribbean vacation on a plate, with every bite offering a delightful balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to a special dinner, this recipe is destined to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the juicy shrimp that give the dish its heart, to the creamy coconut milk that forms the rich sauce, and the fresh veggies that add crisp texture and bright color. Together, they create a perfect harmony you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended): These long noodles hold onto the sauce beautifully, making every forkful flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onion gives a sweet, savory depth when softened in the pan.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow): Adds a cheerful pop of color and gentle crunch to the dish.
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk: This creates the creamy base that’s subtly sweet and tropical.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning (adjust to taste): The star spice blend that brings authentic warmth and a spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens the richness with a fresh citrus zing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the bold flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
- Lime wedges, for serving: An extra burst of citrus to squeeze over just before eating.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is just al dente—this means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining because this starchy water will come in handy later to help loosen and perfect the sauce’s texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for around 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This blend of vegetables builds a flavorful base that beautifully complements the shrimp and spices.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Season them liberally with salt, pepper, and the vibrant Jamaican jerk seasoning. Stir and cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. The spices soak into the shrimp, giving each bite that irresistible Caribbean zest.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the creamy coconut milk and freshly squeezed lime juice, stirring everything together gently. Let the sauce come to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just a bit. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your ideal consistency—smooth, silky, and perfectly coating the shrimp and veggies.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it carefully so every strand is luxuriously coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or jerk seasoning to suit your preferences. This final step ensures your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe bursts with layers of balanced flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing, adding a fresh, tangy brightness that elevates the whole dish. Your tropical escape on a plate is ready to delight!
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, fresh cilantro is a must—it adds a lively herbaceous flavor and a splash of green that makes the dish visually inviting. Don’t forget a few wedges of lime on the side, which guests can squeeze over the pasta to introduce a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, lightly dressed salads featuring tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Alternatively, serve it alongside simple garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables to add texture and keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and elegant presentation, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls sprinkled with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you love some heat. You can also plate it alongside grilled pineapple slices or a small bowl of jerk seasoning on the side for adventurous eaters to add more spice as they go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing this pasta because the creamy coconut sauce and shrimp can change texture when thawed. For the best quality, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to ensure the shrimp stays tender and the sauce stays creamy. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which could dilute the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Increase the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped Scotch bonnet peppers for an extra fiery kick.
Can I substitute coconut milk with something else?
Coconut milk is essential for that signature creamy, tropical flavor, but if you need an alternative, heavy cream can work in a pinch, though it won’t have the same subtle sweetness.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their long strands hold the creamy sauce really well, but spaghetti or even penne can be used depending on your preference.
How do I keep the shrimp tender?
Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque, usually 3 to 4 minutes—overcooking makes them rubbery. Adding them after sautéing the veggies ensures they stay juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a vibrant, soul-satisfying dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress any guest. Its blend of rich coconut cream, spicy jerk seasoning, fresh lime, and tender shrimp makes it a memorable meal that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
“`
Print
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta. Juicy shrimp seasoned with authentic Jamaican jerk spices are cooked in a luscious coconut milk-based sauce, tossed with tender fettuccine or linguine pasta, and finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro for a zesty, tropical twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick yet exotic weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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 (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and the Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the canned coconut milk and add the fresh lime juice. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to combine flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or jerk seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates or a serving dish. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- Use fettuccine or linguine for the best texture and sauce coating.
- Adjust the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to thinning the sauce without losing flavor or creaminess.
- For a richer sauce, use whole fat coconut milk.
- Fresh lime juice added at the end brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
