Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a creamy, vibrant dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean straight to your dinner table. Featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh vegetables, all coated in a rich coconut milk sauce, it’s seasoned with a touch of Jamaican jerk seasoning for that signature spicy kick. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and spicy with a touch of sweetness from the coconut milk. The jerk seasoning adds a flavorful kick, while the shrimp provides a satisfying protein. The coconut milk sauce creates a luscious base that coats the pasta beautifully, making every bite irresistible. Plus, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal or even a special dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

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.

2. Sauté Aromatics:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Increase the heat to medium-high and add shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

4. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in 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, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

5. Combine:
   Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve:
   Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to add color and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add extra jerk seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish more heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra coconut milk or pasta water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can also microwave it, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure it heats evenly.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra jerk seasoning, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

What can I substitute for the coconut milk?

If you prefer a non-coconut-based sauce, you can substitute with heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this dish can easily be made gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

You can replace the shrimp with tofu or another plant-based protein and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While this dish is best fresh, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine them and heat just before serving.

How do I adjust the seasoning for my taste?

Feel free to taste the sauce as you cook, adding more jerk seasoning, salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preferences.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the pasta. A warm piece of garlic bread would also complement the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is the ultimate creamy, flavorful dish that brings a bit of the Caribbean to your kitchen. With its rich coconut milk sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and the bold flavor of jerk seasoning, it’s a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this dish is bound to impress anyone at your dinner table.