This Jamaican shrimp pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and spiced Caribbean seasonings. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. With the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and comfort, every bite will make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It
I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory. The jerk seasoning gives the shrimp a beautiful kick, the pasta soaks up a rich sauce, and the vegetables bring in freshness. Unlike a plain Alfredo pasta, this dish has personality—it’s bold, vibrant, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup coconut milk (optional, for extra Caribbean flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (adjust to spice level)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping ½ cup pasta water for later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with jerk seasoning, olive oil, and a bit of salt. Heat a pan over medium-high, sear the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until soft and fragrant. Lower heat, then add heavy cream, coconut milk, Parmesan, paprika, thyme, and jerk seasoning. Stir until it becomes a creamy sauce. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the pasta and cooked shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything together until coated with sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley or cilantro, plus a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with garlic bread or Jamaican fried plantains for a complete meal.
- Serve with a light side salad with citrus dressing for freshness.
- Add a fresh slice of lime for a zesty touch before serving.
Tips for Customization
- If you prefer it spicier, add extra jerk seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt.
- Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Switch shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for variety.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480–550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: moderate to high (depending on jerk seasoning used)
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Is this dish very spicy?
That depends on the jerk seasoning. Start with a small amount and add more if you like extra heat.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use full coconut milk instead of cream and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the shrimp and chop the veggies ahead. Make the sauce fresh to keep it creamy when serving.
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