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
Scale
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.
