If you’re craving a dish that brings together the zest of the Caribbean with the comforting, luscious feel of pasta, you are absolutely going to love this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of flavors where succulent shrimp seasoned with spicy jerk seasoning swim in a rich and velvety sauce that hugs every strand of fettuccine or linguine. Whether you want to impress friends at a casual dinner or simply treat yourself to something special, this recipe hits the sweet spot between exotic flair and homey indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine: Your pasta base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein delivering tender, juicy bites infused with jerk seasoning.
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning: This spice blend brings the authentic kick of Jamaican heat and earthiness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing shrimp and veggies, adding a smooth richness without overpowering.
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweet crunch and a bright pop of color.
- ½ yellow onion, sliced: Provides a natural sweetness and depth that balances the spices.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savoriness and thins the sauce slightly for perfect coating consistency.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Brings an umami punch and melty texture to the creamy sauce.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential finishing touches to enhance every flavor element.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your choice of fettuccine or linguine in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions closely. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite to stand up to the thick, creamy sauce while soaking in all those wonderful flavors later on. Once cooked, drain and set aside so it’s ready to be combined.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the bold jerk seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—this usually takes only a few minutes. Removing them promptly keeps them juicy and perfectly cooked without any rubbery chewiness. Set the shrimp aside for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Cooking these in the leftover oil and shrimp juices infuses them with extra flavor. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize gently, adding sweetness and texture that balances all the spice and creaminess in the dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth next, stirring well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and bring the sauce to a simmer. As it bubbles gently, the mixture thickens into a silky, irresistible sauce. This step is crucial as it transforms simple ingredients into a decadently rich coating for your pasta and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
Return the sautéed shrimp and cooked pasta back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the sauce clings beautifully to each noodle and piece of shrimp. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to perfectly balance the flavors. At this moment, the dish comes together as a harmonious, flavorful experience.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Once everything is well coated and heated through, your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is ready to be served straight from the skillet. The enticing aroma, the colors, and the first creamy, spicy bite will make you eager to dig right in!
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the dish for a fresh, herbal contrast. A few extra shavings of Parmesan add a lovely salty crunch while thinly sliced scallions provide a mild oniony freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light squeeze of lime juice brightens the creamy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides to balance the richness. Think of a light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For bread lovers, a crusty garlic baguette or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and inviting presentation, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topping each portion with a grilled shrimp skewer. You could also plate the shrimp on one side and mound the creamy pasta alongside, creating a beautiful contrast. Adding a few edible flowers or microgreens gently scattered on top can turn your meal into a colorful showstopper for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to meld even more after resting overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal. You can expect your pasta to stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly refrigerated.
Freezing
Freezing this creamy shrimp pasta is a bit tricky because of the dairy sauce. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and pasta separately for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw both thoroughly in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking or the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming to refresh the sauce’s texture and keep everything moist. Stir frequently and heat just until everything is warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating and toughen the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine work best with this creamy sauce, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente to keep the texture perfect.
Is jerk seasoning very spicy?
Jerk seasoning has a moderate heat level with a balance of spices including allspice, thyme, and sometimes Scotch bonnet peppers. If you prefer milder dishes, you can reduce the amount or look for a milder jerk blend while still keeping that authentic flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free, Caribbean-inspired twist. Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy, savory note without actual cheese.
What wine pairs well with the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe?
A crisp, aromatic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the spicy, creamy flavors beautifully. These wines offer refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness and enhances the jerk seasoning’s complexity.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for a party?
You can prepare components like the pasta and shrimp ahead of time but wait to toss everything together with the creamy sauce until just before serving. This keeps the textures fresh and prevents the shrimp from overcooking or the pasta from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that effortlessly blends the spices of Jamaica with the comfort of creamy pasta, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen too!
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Creamy 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
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a delightful fusion dish combining tender shrimp seasoned with vibrant jerk spices and enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive meal perfect for a casual dinner party or a flavorful weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Vegetables
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ yellow onion, sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and cook shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with jerk seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and slightly caramelize, stirring occasionally.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring frequently.
- Combine shrimp and pasta: Return the cooked shrimp and drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated in the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Jamaican shrimp pasta warm and garnish if desired. Enjoy this flavorful, quick, and creamy dish!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Adjust jerk seasoning quantity to control spice level according to your preference.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
- You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for added freshness and color.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
