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Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 69 reviews

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender shrimp with a zesty coconut milk sauce infused with Jamaican jerk seasoning. Tossed with fettuccine or linguine pasta and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, this recipe delivers a delightful Caribbean-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Shrimp

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  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 the pasta thoroughly.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine all ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
  5. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and shrimp. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy jerk coconut sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor to squeeze over the dish.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or extra jerk seasoning while cooking the shrimp.
  • If coconut milk is too rich for your taste, substitute half with chicken broth to lighten the sauce.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor rather than bottled lime juice.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a perfectly creamy texture.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Jamaican shrimp pasta, jerk seasoning, coconut milk pasta, Caribbean recipes, creamy shrimp pasta