If you are craving a dish that dances with bold flavors and melts in your mouth, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the vibrant notes of Jamaican jerk seasoning with tender shrimp and silky pasta all enveloped in a luscious coconut milk sauce. This recipe is a celebration of tropical tastes fused with comforting creaminess, making every bite a delightful experience that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the purposeful combination of ingredients. Each item plays an essential role, from the juicy shrimp adding protein and texture to the creamy coconut milk creating that signature sauce you’ll want to savor.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best taste and texture.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended): These long noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the aromatics with a fruity finish.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible savory punch that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow): Introduces vibrant color and a gentle crunch for contrast.
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk: This creamy, slightly sweet milk creates the luscious sauce that defines the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning (adjust to taste): The star spice blend with layers of heat, smokiness, and aromatic herbs.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens the sauce with zesty acidity and balances richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the individual flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note and lovely color contrast.
- Lime wedges, for serving: An optional bite of extra brightness that guests can squeeze over their pasta.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente stage—tender but with a slight bite. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as you’ll use it to marry the sauce and pasta beautifully later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, letting their fragrances wake up your kitchen for another couple of minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp directly to the skillet. Sprinkle in salt, freshly ground pepper, and the all-important Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes, turning them as needed until they turn pink and are cooked through—this is where the flavors start to sing.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the creamy coconut milk and fresh lime juice, then let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld together. If the sauce feels a little thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up, making sure every strand of pasta will be coated in this tropical dream sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss softly so every bite is drenched in that savory, creamy goodness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary—you want that perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and brightness in every forkful.
Step 6: Serve Warm
It’s time to bring this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe to the table. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and offer lime wedges on the side for a personalized burst of citrus. This dish combines rich, vibrant tropical flavors with comforting pasta in a way that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the dish and add a freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce. Freshly chopped cilantro brightens each plate with herbaceous notes, while lime wedges invite guests to add a zesty flutter that lifts the entire flavor profile. Feel free to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the heat even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but consider pairing it with crisp, green sides like a light arugula salad tossed with a citrus vinaigrette or a side of steamed and seasoned vegetables for added color and crunch. You could also opt for Jamaican-inspired sides like fried plantains or a sweet mango salsa for a tropical feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in large shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of shrimp, bell peppers, and cilantro. For a casual vibe, arrange the pasta on a wooden platter garnished with lime wedges for sharing. If you want to impress, try layering the pasta in individual glass jars topped with a sprig of cilantro and a lime slice for a fun presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the sauce can thicken as it cools, you might want to stir in a splash of coconut milk or water before reheating to restore that luxurious texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze the pasta, it’s best to do so without the pasta for quality purposes. Store the shrimp and sauce separately in a freezer-safe container, as the shrimp might become rubbery if frozen with pasta. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little reserved pasta water or coconut milk helps loosen the sauce so it doesn’t dry out. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the shrimp tender and sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate scallops or chunks of firm fish like cod or snapper. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so your seafood stays tender and doesn’t overcook.
Is Jamaican jerk seasoning very spicy?
Jerk seasoning can vary in heat depending on the brand or recipe you use. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste, especially if you’re sensitive to spice. You can control the heat by balancing with more coconut milk or lime juice if it’s too bold.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to the use of coconut milk instead of cream or cheese. It’s a fantastic option for those avoiding dairy or looking to explore tropical flavors without compromising creaminess.
What type of pasta works best?
Long, flat noodles like fettuccine or linguine work best to catch and hold onto the creamy sauce. However, feel free to use spaghetti or even penne if that’s what you have on hand — just make sure it’s cooked al dente.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe easily doubles or triples, but keep in mind that using a larger skillet or pot is key to cook everything evenly. You might want to cook shrimp in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure they stay juicy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe that brings warmth, vibrant flavors, and a touch of tropical sunshine to your dinner plate. It’s a comforting yet exciting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make but feels like a homemade indulgence. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to meals for sharing with friends and family.
Print
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp seasoned with bold Jamaican jerk spices, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful coconut milk sauce with a hint of lime. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a vibrant Caribbean twist on classic creamy pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with exotic flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the fresh lime juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the drained 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 if needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Jamaican shrimp pasta garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
- Pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and helps it cling better to pasta.
- Fresh lime juice enhances the brightness and balances the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
