Description
This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta combines tender, perfectly cooked shrimp with a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with vibrant Jamaican jerk seasoning. Tossed with al dente fettuccine or linguine, this dish delivers a flavorful Caribbean-inspired meal that’s both comforting and exotic, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
Sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the canned coconut milk and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles in the creamy coconut jerk sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side to add a bright, tangy flavor to each bite.
Notes
- For Extra Creaminess: Add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce for an even richer texture.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate other veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.