If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant Caribbean flavors yet comforts like a creamy pasta, then this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Picture succulent shrimp seasoned with bold jerk spices, nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce enriched with Parmesan, all tossed with tender pasta and sweet sautéed peppers and onions. It’s a beautiful marriage of spicy, creamy, and savory that brings a taste of the islands right to your dinner table, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on any night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the spicy jerk seasoning that wakes up the shrimp to the creamy Parmesan-infused sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine: These pasta shapes hold the sauce well, giving you creamy bites every time.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, they’re the star protein providing juicy, tender seafood flavor.
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning: The magical Caribbean blend that packs heat and smokiness into the shrimp.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a smooth, fruity undertone.
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and bright color.
- ½ yellow onion, sliced: Brings aroma and a mild savory crunch when sautéed.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that rich and velvety sauce that’s the heart of the recipe.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the cream just enough while boosting depth.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty punch that ties everything together.
- Salt & pepper to taste: To balance and enhance the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta will still have a slight bite that stands up to the luscious sauce later on. Drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
Coat the peeled and deveined shrimp in that vibrant jerk seasoning, letting those spices cling to every piece. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—this should only take a few minutes. The seasoning will sear into the shrimp, creating a perfectly spicy crust. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to keep their juices locked in.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, take advantage of those flavorful bits left behind and toss in the sliced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize slightly. This step adds a sweetness and texture contrast to the dish, balancing the spice beautifully.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan right into the skillet with the softened veggies. Stir everything together and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Watch as the sauce thickens into a rich, silky blanket that will soon envelop your shrimp and pasta. The Parmesan gives it that irresistible cheesy depth.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Pasta with the Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and the shrimp are evenly distributed. Give it a quick taste, then season with salt and pepper to suit your preference.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe warm and fresh from the pan for the best experience. You’ll love how every forkful delivers that perfect blend of island-inspired heat and comforting creaminess.
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of fresh green color and herbaceous brightness that balances the rich sauce. A wedge of lime on the side is fantastic too for those who like to squeeze a little zesty tang onto their plate.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with lightly dressed green salads featuring crisp cucumbers and tomatoes, or even a simple garlic bread to sop up every last bit of sauce. For a tropical touch, try serving it with grilled pineapple or a mango salsa on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish artistically with the sautéed peppers and shrimp arranged on top. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of extra Parmesan can add that finishing touch, elevating this home-cooked meal to a restaurant-level experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The shrimp will remain tender, and the sauce might thicken as it cools but will loosen back up with gentle reheating.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because the cream sauce can separate upon thawing, but if you must, freeze only the cooked shrimp separately from the pasta and sauce. Reheat them carefully to avoid toughness and sauce breakdown.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but be sure to stir regularly to heat evenly without drying out the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine works best to hold the creamy sauce, penne or rigatoni can also be delicious alternatives. Just choose a pasta shape that will catch the sauce well.
What if I don’t have jerk seasoning?
You can easily make a quick substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of allspice to mimic the warm, spicy notes of jerk seasoning.
Is this recipe spicy?
The jerk seasoning does bring a mild to moderate level of heat, but the creaminess of the sauce balances it out. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of seasoning or choose a milder spice blend.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Definitely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking, so they sear beautifully instead of steaming.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that will actually complement the Jamaican flavors wonderfully. Just use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep some cheesy depth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making and sharing this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe. It’s a celebration of bold Caribbean spices mellowed into a smooth, comforting dish that feels special yet approachable. I can’t wait for you to whip it up and experience how easily this recipe turns an ordinary dinner into a small party for your taste buds. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ve got a new favorite on your hands!
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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 the vibrant flavors of jerk-seasoned shrimp with a luscious creamy sauce, served over tender fettuccine or linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with Caribbean-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
Shrimp
- 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
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and Sauté Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in the jerk seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and 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 them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and meld flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the sautéed shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Jamaican shrimp pasta while warm and enjoy this savory, spicy, and indulgent dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of jerk seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To reduce fat content, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, noting a change in richness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
