Description
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp sautéed with aromatic vegetables and jerk seasoning, all tossed in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce. Perfectly paired with fettuccine or linguine, this quick and easy recipe infuses Caribbean zest into a comforting pasta meal for four in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or linguine recommended)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and the Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the can of coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to thicken and meld flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional jerk seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
- You can substitute linguine or fettuccine with other long pasta shapes like spaghetti or tagliatelle.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately to savor the creamy texture of the sauce; however, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to control the spice level according to your preference.
- If coconut milk is unavailable, use heavy cream with a teaspoon of coconut extract for a similar flavor profile.
