If you’ve ever wondered how to bring vibrant island flavors right to your dinner table, this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your answer. Imagine succulent, spicy shrimp swimming in a luscious coconut lime sauce, perfectly clinging to tender fettuccine or linguine. The touch of Jamaican jerk seasoning adds a warm, smoky depth that instantly transports your taste buds straight to the Caribbean. It’s a quick, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines the best of tropical zest and creamy pasta comfort in one beautiful plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is chosen to deliver incredible flavor, texture, and a splash of color that makes every bite exciting. From the creamy richness of coconut milk to the bright zing of lime, this dish balances simple components for a truly unforgettable experience.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta: These long, flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps to sauté the aromatics and lends a subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a warm pungency that enhances the jerk seasoning.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow): Brings crunch and beautiful vibrant color.
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk: Creates the rich, creamy base that’s both luscious and tropical.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning: The star spice blend that infuses the dish with authentic island flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Gives a fresh herbal note and a burst of green color.
- Lime wedges, for serving: Perfect for squeezing some extra citrus on top to brighten each bite.
How to Make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Pro tip: reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it will help you adjust the sauce later for the perfect consistency.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent — this is where your flavor base really starts developing. Add in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so those vibrant colors and flavors meld harmoniously.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add your shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle the shrimp generously with salt, pepper, and that magical Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn a lovely coral pink and feel firm to the touch. The aromatic spices should start to fill your kitchen at this point.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the creamy coconut milk along with fresh lime juice, stirring everything together. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the velvety texture you love.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to reunite the elements. Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss to coat every strand with the luscious sauce. Give it a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or jerk seasoning if needed — this is where you make it your own masterpiece.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Dish out your creation while it’s piping hot and get ready for the finishing touches that make this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro sprinkled over the top adds a burst of herbal brightness and vibrant green contrast that makes the dish visually appealing. Don’t forget those lime wedges! Giving your guests the option to squeeze on extra lime juice adds a tangy pop that complements the spicy shrimp and creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This meal stands strong on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some garlic buttered bread to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce. A simple mango salsa also pairs wonderfully, enhancing the Caribbean vibe with a fresh sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls and garnish with whole cooked shrimp, extra cilantro sprigs, and a drizzle of chili oil for a little heat. Layering the pasta with lime zest on top can also add an aromatic flourish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more sauce, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of coconut milk or water when reheating.
Freezing
This dish can technically be frozen, but the texture of the pasta might change once thawed. If you plan to freeze, store the shrimp and sauce separately from the pasta for best results and freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To bring back the luscious creaminess, reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little coconut milk or pasta water to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp properly in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is this dish very spicy because of the jerk seasoning?
The jerk seasoning does add a bit of heat and smokiness, but it’s generally mild to moderate. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or use a milder blend.
Can I substitute the coconut milk with something else?
Coconut milk is key to giving this pasta its creamy, tropical flavor. However, you could try using heavy cream for a less tropical but still creamy sauce, though it will change the overall flavor profile.
What type of pasta works best in this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their flat ribbons hold the sauce nicely, but you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or spaghetti, for a different twist.
How long does this recipe take to make?
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe a try means treating yourself to a lively dance of flavors from the Caribbean that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy night in or to impress friends with something out of the ordinary but utterly delicious. So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and let the magic of jerk-seasoned shrimp and creamy coconut sauce take you straight to island paradise.
Print
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant fusion dish combining tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful coconut milk and jerk seasoning sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The dish offers a delightful balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, enhanced by fresh lime juice and cilantro, making it an easy and delicious dinner option ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and 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.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and lime juice, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, saucy consistency.
- Combine: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy jerk coconut sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Serve: Plate the Jamaican Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing extra citrus flavor over the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor in the sauce.
- Jerk seasoning can be adjusted in quantity to control the spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is helpful to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations.
- Cooking shrimp quickly over medium-high heat keeps them tender and juicy without becoming rubbery.
- For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free pasta.
