Savor Jamaican Shrimp Pasta A Creamy Irresistible Delight

Ah, Jamaican Shrimp Pasta! Every time I make this dish, I’m whisked away to a sun-drenched beach on the vibrant island of Jamaica, where the air is perfumed with fresh spices and the sound of gentle waves fills the background. I remember sitting on my friend’s porch, a gentle tropical breeze ruffling my hair, while savoring a mouthwatering bowl of pasta that had the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. It was an unforgettable moment that led me to recreate this creamy delight in my own kitchen. Now, I can bring that piece of paradise right to your dinner table!

If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor and always impresses, you’ve landed in the right place. Jamaican Shrimp Pasta combines succulent shrimp with creamy sauce and inviting spices, making it a dish you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for busy weeknights — ready in under 30 minutes!
• Budget-friendly with accessible ingredients.
• Comforting and packed with bold flavors.
• Can easily be customized to accommodate different tastes.
• A delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes!

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything we’ll need:

• 8 ounces of pasta (linguine or fettuccine works great!)
• 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow adds color)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning (or more, depending on your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s put on our aprons and get cooking! The aroma alone will be worth it.

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until you can smell its delicious aroma. Keep an eye on it — burnt garlic is not what we want here!
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle the jerk seasoning and smoked paprika over the top. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. You can’t go wrong with that vibrant color!
5. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Gently stir to combine everything, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If it looks too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Combine it All: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Stir gently to coat every single piece of pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Plate your delicious dish, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and get ready to impress! Serve it hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you have the basics down, here are some fun elements to play with:

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach, zucchini, or even cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition!
• Spicy Twist: If you love heat, add a splash of hot sauce or a finely chopped jalapeño along with the garlic.
• Make It Zesty: Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished pasta for a bright, refreshing burst.
• Swap the Protein: No shrimp? No problem! You can use chicken or even a plant-based protein for a veggie-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy delight deserves a beautiful plate! I love to serve Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with a side of warm garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. If you want to take it to the next level, consider pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity mocktail for a little bit of bliss. Picture it: you, your loved ones, and a delicious dinner spread. Now that’s a scene to cherish!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? You’ll be pleased to know that Jamaican Shrimp Pasta stores beautifully:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done gently on the stove with a splash of additional cream or pasta water to revitalize the sauce.
• Freeze: If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the pasta. Store the shrimp and sauce separately for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then cook your pasta fresh and combine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and prevents too much moisture in your sauce.

What if I can’t find jerk seasoning?

No worries! You can make a simple homemade jerk seasoning with a mix of ground allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. It adds that beloved island flavor!

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. It will bring a lovely tropical vibe that complements the shrimp nicely!

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Linguine or fettuccine are my go-to options as they hold up beautifully in creamy sauces. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends: Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, a dish full of flavor, warmth, and just the right amount of spice to transport you to a tropical paradise. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it brings a little sunshine into your kitchen! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t hesitate to drop a comment or share your variations. Here’s to good food and great company!

Savor Jamaican Shrimp Pasta A Creamy Irresistible Delight

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in Jamaican shrimp pasta a rich creamy dish that blends authentic flavors for a culinary experience thats truly unforgettable

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 ounces of pasta (linguine or fettuccine)

1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow)

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon jerk seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until you can smell its delicious aroma.

Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle the jerk seasoning and smoked paprika over the top. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Gently stir to combine everything, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine it All: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Stir gently to coat every single piece of pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Garnish and Serve: Plate your delicious dish, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.

Notes

A creamy and flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with fresh spices and creamy sauce, perfect for impressing family and friends.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 65 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 30 grams

Keywords: Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, spicy pasta, quick dinner recipes, tropical recipes