If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the spicy warmth of the Caribbean with comforting creamy pasta, this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is going to be your new culinary obsession. Imagine tender shrimp infused with bold Jamaican jerk seasoning swimming in a luscious coconut milk sauce, all perfectly coated over fettuccine or linguine. This dish isn’t just dinner — it’s an experience that combines zest, creaminess, and a touch of tropical sunshine in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward yet essential ingredients come together to create a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and colors. Each component plays a special role — from the silky pasta providing a comforting base to the fresh cilantro adding a bright herbal touch.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta: Choose your favorite long pasta to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good-quality olive oil helps to gently sauté the aromatics for depth of flavor.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs all those amazing spices.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a savory base to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible pungent aroma and warmth.
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow): Provides a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk: Creates a rich and creamy sauce with a hint of tropical flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning: The bold, spicy mix that defines this dish’s unique character.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): A fresh herbal garnish that adds a lovely finishing touch.
- Lime wedges, for serving: An extra burst of citrus on the side for those who want to ramp up the zesty notes.
How to Make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your pasta of choice—fettuccine or linguine work best here—and cook it to al dente according to the package directions, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before draining; it’s a handy trick that’ll help you create the perfect sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onions. Cook gently until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper, letting everything soften and mingle for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the base of your sauce starts to build incredible aromatic layers.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and that essential tablespoon of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for roughly 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous pink color and curl into perfect little crescents. This quick cooking preserves their tenderness and lets the spices shine.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the creamy coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring everything together to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. If it feels a bit thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a silky smooth, saucy texture.
Step 5: Combine
Now the magic moment: add the drained pasta straight into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything carefully but thoroughly so every strand of pasta gets lovingly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
Step 6: Serve
Dish out your creamy, spicy Caribbean-inspired pasta hot onto plates. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and offer lime wedges on the side for anyone wanting an extra citrus uplift that makes every bite sing.
How to Serve Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a perfect herbaceous boost that adds a lovely contrast to the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle a handful of toasted coconut flakes for a textural twist or a pinch of chili flakes if you want to intensify the heat experience. Lime wedges aren’t just pretty; squeezing them over the finished dish brightens up the flavors instantly.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp, refreshing salad—think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance all that creamy, spicy comfort. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or snap peas also complement the slight sweetness of the coconut sauce. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a side of warm crusty bread is perfect for savoring every last drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs. Garnish with a few edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. Alternatively, offer lime wedges in small bowls on the side so guests can customize their zest level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will soak up more sauce overnight, so you might want to save a splash of pasta water before storing to loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing
Because the coconut milk and shrimp sauce is delicate, freezing isn’t ideal for this dish as the texture might separate upon thawing. If you’re set on freezing, freeze the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers and reheat gently but expect a slight change in the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a little water or coconut milk to revive the silky sauce. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth, though it works in a pinch if you’re careful to heat evenly and briefly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sauté nicely and don’t release too much water into your sauce.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends on the jerk seasoning you use. You can always adjust the amount or try milder versions if you prefer a gentler spice that still maintains that authentic flavor.
What pasta is best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal because their flat, wide strands hold onto the creamy sauce wonderfully. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and you’ll still get a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish, perfect for meat-free meals.
How can I make this recipe more authentic to Jamaican flavors?
Using a high-quality Jamaican jerk seasoning blend is key. Fresh lime juice and coconut milk also bring that authentic tropical touch that defines the dish’s island vibe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe combines bold Caribbean spices with creamy pasta goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that’s bursting with warmth, flavor, and a little tropical sunshine.
Print
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp seasoned with authentic Jamaican jerk spices, sautéed with aromatic vegetables, and tossed in a creamy coconut milk sauce. This easy 30-minute recipe features fettuccine pasta enveloped in a rich, zesty sauce balanced with fresh lime juice and garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, bringing a tropical twist to a classic pasta meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 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
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta carefully.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften and develop flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase heat to medium-high and 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, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly and meld the flavors. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy, spiced sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the Jamaican Shrimp Pasta hot, garnished generously with fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over. This adds brightness and an extra punch of fresh flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Jerk seasoning can vary in heat; adjust the amount depending on spice preference.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor impact.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations.
