There’s nothing quite like the smell of Jamaican Shrimp Pasta wafting through your kitchen, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation. Imagine tender shrimp dancing in a creamy sauce, mingling with the vibrant flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, and just a hint of spice. It’s a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
This dish has been my go-to for cozy dinners and spontaneous gatherings. The combination of succulent shrimp and rich pasta brings back memories of laughter-filled evenings with friends, where one bite leads to another and suddenly you’re fighting over the last shrimpy noodle. Get ready to dive into this flavor-packed experience! For more inspiration, check out this dinner options recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors and aromatic spices elevate its visual appeal
- It’s versatile enough for casual family dinners or impressive date nights
- Plus, it’s packed with flavors that will transport you straight to the Caribbean!
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were so impressed they forgot their manners and practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are deveined for easy eating.
- Pasta of Choice: I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold sauce well, but any pasta works.
- Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess and a delightful tropical flavor that makes this dish truly special.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color; look for firm peppers without blemishes.
- Fresh Herbs (Cilantro or Parsley): Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! It gives the dish its signature kick; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity balances the richness of coconut milk beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Follow these steps to create your own Jamaican Shrimp Pasta masterpiece!
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince 4-5 cloves of garlic until fragrant. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are defrosted.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve about a cup of pasta water!
Sauté Vegetables and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in garlic and red bell pepper. Sauté until fragrant and slightly softened—about 3-4 minutes.
Add Shrimp and Spices: Toss in shrimp along with Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook until shrimp turns pink and opaque—roughly 4-5 minutes—stirring occasionally so everyone gets nice heat and flavor.
Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in coconut milk along with lemon juice. Stir everything together while bringing it to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened slightly.
Combine Everything Together!: Add cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, tossing gently to coat every strand evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.
Now serve up generous bowls topped with fresh herbs! Your kitchen should now smell amazing as you dig into this Caribbean-inspired delight.
Enjoy this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta at your next gathering or make it just because you deserve some deliciousness today!
You Must Know
- The key to a successful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is balancing the spices
- This dish is a delightful blend of flavors, providing both heat and creaminess
- Additionally, cooking the shrimp just right keeps them tender and juicy, making every bite an adventure for your taste buds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing garlic and onion in a pan, then add shrimp until they’re pink. Cook pasta separately while preparing the sauce, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. A splash of lime juice can also brighten up the flavors. For more inspiration, check out this more lunch recipes recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Jamaican Shrimp Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Jamaican Shrimp Pasta shines, always use fresh shrimp for optimal flavor
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro right before serving for a vibrant finish
Sharing my love for this dish reminds me of hosting a Caribbean-themed dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about it; their smiles were priceless!
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for Jamaican Shrimp Pasta?
Fresh or frozen large shrimp work well, providing the best flavor and texture.
Can I make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything except the pasta and combine before serving for best results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
Coconut milk makes a fantastic alternative, enhancing the Caribbean flavors even more!
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transports you to the Caribbean with each bite. Tender shrimp are enveloped in a creamy coconut sauce, complemented by fresh garlic, bell peppers, and a hint of Jamaican jerk seasoning. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Dice the bell pepper and mince the garlic. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them.
- Cook the pasta: In salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and spices: Stir in shrimp and Jamaican jerk seasoning; cook until shrimp turns pink (about 4-5 minutes).
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in coconut milk and lemon juice; simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired creaminess. Serve topped with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 210mg