If you’re craving something vibrant, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shrimp spiced with aromatic jerk seasoning swimming in a luscious coconut milk sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. It’s a spectacular fusion that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish delivers that irresistible tropical charm with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes a unique element—from the spicy kick of the jerk seasoning to the creamy sweetness of coconut milk, plus fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables that brighten the whole dish.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta: The perfect base that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Juicy and tender, these are the stars of the dish.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable punch of garlic flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow): Provides color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that balances the heat.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning: Brings authentic Caribbean spice and fragrance.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing tang.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Provides fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
- Lime wedges, for serving: Perfect for squeezing extra zing right before eating.
How to Make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a steady boil. This seasoning step is crucial for adding flavor to your pasta from the inside out. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook it until al dente, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will come in handy later to adjust your sauce’s texture perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it soften and become translucent—it builds the foundational flavor. Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking everything together until you smell that wonderful mix of sweetness and garlic aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Turn your heat up to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the all-important Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes will make the shrimp turn a gorgeous pink and ensure they’re just cooked through—tender and juicy with that signature spice blending through.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now it’s time to pour in the creamy coconut milk and fresh lime juice. Stir everything well to combine those tropical flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, and add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time if you want a thinner, silkier sauce. This step creates the luscious coating that makes the pasta so crave-worthy.
Step 5: Combine
Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss everything until the noodles are fully coated in that rich, fragrant sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding a pinch more salt, pepper or lime juice if you want an extra pop of tanginess.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out the pasta hot and fresh, garnishing generously with chopped cilantro for a fresh, green burst of flavor. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra drizzle of citrus right at the table.
How to Serve Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must for this dish—it curls beautifully atop the pasta with its bright green color and unmistakable herbaceous taste. The lime wedges aren’t just decoration either; a quick squeeze over the pasta awakens all the flavors, balancing the richness and heat in perfect harmony.
Side Dishes
Pair this vibrant Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe with simple, complementary sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep things fresh and light. Grilled plantains or a side of garlic bread are also fantastic options that echo the Caribbean theme and add texture to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual bowls topped with extra shrimp and cilantro. You might also try plating it alongside a mango salsa or a tropical fruit salad to add a sweet contrast. Presentation with a sprinkle of finely chopped scallions or toasted coconut flakes gives a restaurant-quality feel that will wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making it perfect for a quick next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze portions, omit tossing the pasta with the sauce. Freeze the shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring occasionally ensures the shrimp stay tender and the sauce doesn’t separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
What if I don’t have Jamaican jerk seasoning?
You can create a simple mix of smoked paprika, allspice, cayenne pepper, thyme, and garlic powder as a substitute to capture similar warm and spicy notes.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the creamy coconut milk, which makes it perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Which pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their flat shape holds onto the sauce, but you can also use spaghetti or any long pasta you love.
How spicy is the Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the jerk seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less seasoning or balancing it with extra lime juice and coconut milk.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick, exciting dinner that’s bursting with Caribbean flavors. It’s a delightful combination of spicy, creamy, and fresh elements that will have you coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and watch how this dish brings a little sunshine and zest to your dinner table every time.
Print
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Description
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish combining tender shrimp sautéed with aromatic vegetables and bold Jamaican jerk seasoning. Tossed in a luscious coconut milk sauce with lime juice, and served over perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine, this 30-minute meal delivers a delightful taste of the Caribbean with an easy stovetop method perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp:
- 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, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta completely.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- 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 until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the fresh lime juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors together. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy jerk coconut sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra Jamaican jerk seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or firm tofu for a different protein option.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce thickness perfectly.
- Fresh lime juice adds brightness, so don’t skip it or substitute with bottled lime juice if possible.
