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
Scale
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.
