There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of pasta, especially when it’s infused with bold Jamaican flavors and a creamy, dreamy sauce that ties it all together. This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal with a tropical twist. The vibrant spices, creamy texture, and tender shrimp make it a dish that’s not only irresistible but also a culinary trip to the Caribbean.
This recipe is inspired by the bold and aromatic seasonings that are the heart of Jamaican cuisine. Growing up, Sunday dinners were often a celebration of culture and food—full of laughter, the smell of jerk spices wafting through the air, and the comforting familiarity of creamy, flavorful sauces. This dish is a modern twist on those memories, combining the rich, spicy warmth of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the lusciousness of a cream-based pasta sauce. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a kick or simply looking to elevate your dinner game, this recipe will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bold Flavors: The jerk seasoning adds a unique spice blend that’s earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet—perfectly balanced for a crowd-pleaser.
- Creamy and Decadent: The sauce is velvety smooth, coating every strand of pasta and every bite of shrimp in creamy goodness.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the shrimp for chicken or make it vegetarian with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 12 oz of your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine works great).
- Shrimp: 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow, thinly sliced.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Jerk Seasoning: 2 tablespoons.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat).
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups.
- Vegetable Stock: 1/2 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
- Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving).
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside. The reserved pasta water will help you adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they soften and the onions turn translucent. Sprinkle in the paprika and remaining jerk seasoning, stirring well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finishing touch.
Helpful Tips
- Jerk Seasoning Substitute: If you can’t find jerk seasoning, make your own by combining spices like allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Cheese Options: For a slightly different flavor, you can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the shrimp with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Jamaican-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little extra jerk seasoning on top before serving.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 475
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with chicken, salmon, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on your jerk seasoning and whether you add the optional cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust the heat to your preference.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute milk, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. To thicken it, add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water.
4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
The creamy sauce doesn’t freeze well, as it may separate upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or stock to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy nature of the sauce.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful dishes:
Conclusion
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings bold, tropical flavors to your table. Whether you’re reminiscing about a Caribbean vacation or simply want to spice up your weeknight routine, this dish will transport you to the islands with every bite. So, grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal right at home!
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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of pasta, especially when it’s infused with bold Jamaican flavors and a creamy, dreamy sauce that ties it all together. This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal with a tropical twist. The vibrant spices, creamy texture, and tender shrimp make it a dish that’s not only irresistible but also a culinary trip to the Caribbean.
This recipe is inspired by the bold and aromatic seasonings that are the heart of Jamaican cuisine. Growing up, Sunday dinners were often a celebration of culture and food—full of laughter, the smell of jerk spices wafting through the air, and the comforting familiarity of creamy, flavorful sauces. This dish is a modern twist on those memories, combining the rich, spicy warmth of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the lusciousness of a cream-based pasta sauce. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a kick or simply looking to elevate your dinner game, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz of your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine works great).
- Shrimp: 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 yellow, thinly sliced.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Jerk Seasoning: 2 tablespoons.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat).
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups.
- Vegetable Stock: 1/2 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
- Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving).
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside. The reserved pasta water will help you adjust the sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they soften and the onions turn translucent. Sprinkle in the paprika and remaining jerk seasoning, stirring well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finishing touch.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little extra jerk seasoning on top before serving.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.