Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with Bold Island Spice Flavor
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and warm island spices for a comforting yet exciting meal. This recipe blends the richness of pasta with the bold kick of jerk seasoning, creating a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving something special for guests, this dish delivers satisfying flavors in every bite. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, it’s a great option for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Enjoy a delicious fusion of Caribbean flair and classic pasta comfort in one hearty bowl.
Ingredients Of Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
For ingredients measurement check recipe card and follow the instructions.
Why You Will Love This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta blends creamy richness with bold island spices, giving you a perfect balance of heat and comfort. The tender shrimp, smooth sauce, and vibrant seasonings create a satisfying meal that feels special yet simple to prepare. It’s ideal for busy nights, flavorful enough for guests, and versatile enough to customize for your preferred spice level.
Preparation Process Of Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Start by marinating the shrimp in jerk seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper for deeper flavor. Cook the pasta until tender, then sauté garlic, tomatoes, and shrimp to build the base. Create a creamy sauce with butter, cream, and parmesan, letting it thicken gently. Combine everything and toss well so the pasta absorbs the bold, rich, and spicy flavors.
Step By Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until tender, reserving a little pasta water for later. Drain it and set aside so it’s ready to absorb the flavorful sauce when combined.
Season the Shrimp
Coat shrimp with jerk seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to cling well and create a bold base before cooking them in the pan.
Sauté Aromatics
Warm oil, add garlic and tomatoes, and let them soften to release aroma and sweetness that forms the foundation of the creamy Caribbean-inspired sauce.
Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and plump, letting the spices open up and blend with the aromatics for deeper flavor throughout.
Make the Sauce
Melt butter, pour in cream, and whisk with parmesan until smooth and thickened, letting the sauce develop a balanced mix of richness and warm spice.
Combine Everything
Add pasta to the sauce and toss with shrimp, letting the flavors meld while the pasta absorbs the creamy, spicy mixture for a satisfying final dish.
How to Serve?
- With crusty garlic bread or baguette slices
- Paired with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
- Topped with lemon zest for extra brightness
- With a side Caesar or arugula salad
- Sprinkled with chili flakes for spice lovers
Tips & Variations
Add spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Swap shrimp with chicken if preferred.
Use fettuccine instead of penne for a silky texture.
Increase jerk seasoning for more heat.
Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Finish with red pepper flakes for added spice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
Recipe Card
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Course: Pasta Recipe4 people
servings15
minutes20
minutes520
kcalJamaican Shrimp Pasta brings together creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and warm Caribbean spices in a dish that’s both comforting and bold. Each bite blends rich creaminess with vibrant jerk flavors, creating a satisfying fusion of textures and aromas. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings, and impressive enough for guests. With simple ingredients and a fast cooking time, it delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. The shrimp cook quickly and absorb the spices beautifully, while the pasta soaks up the silky sauce. This flavorful, colorful dish pairs wonderfully with salads, bread, or fresh citrus accents.
Ingredients
Shrimp 1 lb
Penne pasta 12 oz
Heavy cream 1 cup
Garlic minced 4 cloves
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Jerk seasoning 1 tbsp
Paprika 1 tsp
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup halved
Parmesan cheese ½ cup grated
Salt ½ tsp
Black pepper ½ tsp
Fresh parsley 2 tbsp chopped
Butter 2 tbsp
Lime juice 1 tbsp
Directions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta until tender, reserving a little pasta water for later. Drain it and set aside so it’s ready to absorb the flavorful sauce when combined.
- Season the Shrimp
- Coat shrimp with jerk seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to cling well and create a bold base before cooking them in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics
- Warm oil, add garlic and tomatoes, and let them soften to release aroma and sweetness that forms the foundation of the creamy Caribbean-inspired sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and plump, letting the spices open up and blend with the aromatics for deeper flavor throughout.
- Make the Sauce
- Melt butter, pour in cream, and whisk with parmesan until smooth and thickened, letting the sauce develop a balanced mix of richness and warm spice.
- Combine Everything
- Add pasta to the sauce and toss with shrimp, letting the flavors meld while the pasta absorbs the creamy, spicy mixture for a satisfying final dish.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Adjust jerk seasoning to match your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Fresh lime brightens the flavor.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
FAQs
Conclusion
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful mix of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and vibrant spices that creates a satisfying meal with every bite. Its rich texture and bold seasoning make it both comforting and exciting, perfect for any day of the week. With simple preparation and customizable heat levels, this dish works well for family dinners or special occasions. Each ingredient blends seamlessly, offering a warm, aromatic, and colorful pasta experience that’s sure to become a repeat favorite.
