If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comfort food and tropical getaway, let me introduce you to Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta. Picture juicy shrimp kissed with warm island spices, a velvety coconut cream sauce, and bright pops of bell pepper, all tangled up with tender pasta. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together surprisingly fast, and every bite delivers a festival of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re new to Caribbean-inspired cooking or already a fan, this recipe brings a little vacation vibe right to your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient pulls its weight—sometimes with bold flavors, sometimes with subtle creaminess, always with a purpose. You’ll find that every item here brings something special to the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, so don’t skip the details!
- Pasta (12 ounces fettuccine or linguine): The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that luscious sauce; feel free to use your favorite shape.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps everything cook smoothly without sticking.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, offering sweet, tender bites in every forkful.
- Allspice (1 teaspoon): This warm, aromatic spice is essential for that unmistakable Jamaican flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness that deepens the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the shrimp’s seasoning and builds big flavor fast.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to amplify all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle bite that balances the creamy sauce.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic makes the sauce irresistible and aromatic.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and body to the sauce.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings gorgeous color, crunch, and a little natural sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little extra heat!
- Coconut milk (1 cup): The heart of the creamy sauce, infusing every bite with a tropical flair.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce ultra smooth and decadent—feel free to sub with more coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the entire dish and ties all the Caribbean flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a burst of freshness and a pop of green.
- Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a zesty, herbal note that really wakes up the dish.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your fettuccine or linguine until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This way, your noodles are ready to toss with the sauce the moment it’s done, ensuring everything stays perfectly hot and fresh.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
While the pasta cooks, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the allspice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside—they’ll finish their journey in the sauce soon.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet (don’t clean it, those flavorful bits are gold!), add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. If you’re a fan of spice, sprinkle in those crushed red pepper flakes now. This is where the base of your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta starts smelling like a Caribbean kitchen.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so it thickens up beautifully. This step is pure magic—the coconut milk and cream meld together, picking up all the seasoning and veggie flavors along the way.
Step 5: Finish and Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet along with the lime juice, giving everything a good stir. Now, add your cooked pasta and toss to coat every strand in that glossy, aromatic sauce. Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and cilantro for a fresh finish. Your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and cilantro adds color and an herbal lift that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling extra tropical, add a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each plate—your guests will love the brightness!
Side Dishes
This pasta shines all on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some lightly charred garlic bread. For a real Caribbean flair, try serving it alongside sweet fried plantains or a simple mango salsa for a cool, fruity contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, twirl the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta into individual nests with tongs and top each one with a few shrimp and a sprinkle of herbs. Or, serve it family-style in a big, colorful bowl and let everyone help themselves. If you’re hosting a party, serve small portions in martini glasses for a fun, elegant twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce as it sits, but a splash of coconut milk or cream when reheating brings it right back to life.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, note that creamy sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within one month for the best taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of coconut milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Warm gently over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are classic choices for Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, you can use spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free options to suit your preference or dietary needs.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the heavy cream with extra coconut milk. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy sauce with that signature tropical flavor, and it will be completely dairy-free.
How spicy is this dish?
With the optional crushed red pepper flakes, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta has a gentle kick, but it’s easy to adjust the heat level. Add more pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like it hot, or leave them out for a milder meal.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep the shrimp, chop the veggies, and measure out your spices ahead of time. Even the pasta can be cooked a few hours in advance—just toss it with a little olive oil and keep it covered until you’re ready to assemble everything.
What’s the best way to devein shrimp?
For quick and easy cleaning, use a small paring knife or a dedicated shrimp deveiner. Slice gently along the back of each shrimp and lift out the vein. If buying pre-peeled shrimp, check if they’re already deveined to save time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to whip up and guaranteed to wow, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a must-try. The vibrant flavors and creamy sauce always bring smiles around the table. Give it a try, and let the island-inspired magic transport you—your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a delicious Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp seasoned with warm spices and tossed in a rich, creamy coconut sauce. Perfectly paired with fettuccine or linguine, this tropical pasta combines smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
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 it aside.
- Season and Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss shrimp with allspice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. If you prefer some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes now.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir in fresh lime juice. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and cilantro over the top. Serve immediately for a flavorful tropical pasta experience.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter, dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with additional coconut milk.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
