Description
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish combining tender shrimp seasoned with authentic Jamaican jerk spices and a luscious coconut milk sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine pasta and fresh vegetables, this recipe delivers a delightful fusion of Caribbean flavors and creamy comfort in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
- 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 pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften and release their flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and 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 mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes so the flavors meld together. Use 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, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy jerk coconut sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy brightness. Enjoy this delicious Caribbean-inspired meal immediately.
Notes
- Using fresh lime juice enhances the brightness of the dish and balances the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- Reserve pasta water helps to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky coating on the pasta.
- Adjust the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Fresh cilantro garnish adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the bold flavors.
- Pasta can be substituted with gluten-free varieties if needed, but cooking times may vary.
