If you’re craving something wildly flavorful, totally comforting, and vibrantly colorful, then get ready to celebrate with Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner—it’s a lush, saucy, one-pan masterpiece with a Caribbean kick that invites everyone to gather around and dig in. Juicy shrimp gets a bold jerk seasoning rub before cozily mingling with al dente pasta, crisp-tender peppers, and an irresistible creamy coconut sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re jazzing up a busy Tuesday or planning a festive night at home, this dish is destined to be the life of your dinner party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in our Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party are a simple but essential lineup, each one bringing something special to the table. From the warmth of jerk seasoning to the richness of coconut and cream, every item plays its part in delivering the taste, color, and texture that make this pasta so unforgettable.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the show—juicy, sweet, and perfect for soaking up all those bold spices.
- Jerk Seasoning (1 tablespoon, mild or spicy): Classic Jamaican flavor in every sprinkle; adjust for your preferred heat level.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Gives a beautiful sear to the shrimp and helps carry the spices.
- Pasta (12 ounces, fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape—these are perfect for catching all the creamy sauce.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds rich depth and helps sauté the veggies just right.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Brings brightness and crunch to every forkful.
- Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): For extra color, sweetness, and that cheerful look.
- Red Onion (½ small, sliced): Adds savory sweetness and a beautiful hint of purple.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone of the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): The magic behind that ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Coconut Milk (½ cup): Infuses the whole dish with silky tropical richness.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): For savory, nutty goodness that melts right in.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): A dash for subtle heat and smoky color.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balance and enhance every layer of flavor.
- Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Freshens and finishes the plate with style.
- Lime Wedges (for serving): A squeeze brightens all the flavors in each bite.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta of choice—fettuccine or penne are both fabulous—according to the package directions. You want it perfectly al dente, so set your timer and don’t wander too far. Once done, drain and set aside, drizzling with a touch of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together while you work on the rest.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so they get the best possible sear, then toss them generously with jerk seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat. Lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side. You want them pink, plump, and just cooked through. Scoop them out and set aside while the spices are at their aromatic peak!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Don’t rinse the skillet—you want those flavor bits! Drop in the butter and let it sizzle, then add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with red onion. Keep things moving over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes until the veggies soften but keep a little bite. Add the minced garlic and sauté another minute until fragrant, forming a colorful medley.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream and coconut milk, scraping up any golden goodness from the pan. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and paprika and stir, letting everything meld into a luscious, slightly thickened sauce. Taste and season with salt and black pepper—remember, this is the soul of your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party, so make sure it sings!
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Add in the drained pasta and cooked shrimp, turning gently to coat every piece with that glorious creamy sauce. Let it all warm through for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to marry into absolute deliciousness. Remove from heat, and your party in a skillet is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party
Garnishes
Finish your pasta with a shower of chopped parsley for freshness and a few lime wedges on the side. The parsley brightens the plate, and a quick squeeze of lime cuts through the richness with a zesty pop that takes every bite up a notch.
Side Dishes
If you want your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party to feel even more like a feast, pair it with warm garlic bread to swipe through the sauce, or a crisp green salad for a fresh crunch. For a Jamaican touch, a side of fried plantains or mango salsa would be fabulous.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta family-style right out of the skillet, or spoon into shallow bowls for a cozier vibe, topping each with shrimp and extra veggies. For a dinner party, twirl a little pasta into small nests on tasting spoons or use martini glasses for a fun, elegant starter—nothing says Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party like a creative, colorful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container once fully cooled. The pasta and shrimp will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days, making your next lunch or dinner just as exciting as the first round.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze portions of Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or coconut milk to reawaken the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stopping halfway through to stir so everything heats evenly without overcooking the shrimp or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne hold the sauce wonderfully, feel free to use spaghetti, linguine, or even rotini for a twist—the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party works with any sturdy pasta shape you love.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat really depends on your jerk seasoning. Start with a mild blend for gentle warmth, or kick it up with a hot version. You’re always in control—add more at the table if you crave extra fire!
Is there a dairy-free option?
Definitely! Swap the heavy cream and Parmesan for coconut cream and your favorite dairy-free cheese, or simply increase the coconut milk for a fully dairy-free, still-indulgent sauce.
Can I make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party ahead for a gathering?
Yes! You can cook the pasta, shrimp, and veggies a day ahead and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, make the sauce fresh and toss everything together for the ultimate just-made flavor.
What protein can I use instead of shrimp?
Chicken breast strips, scallops, or even cubes of tofu are all fantastic alternatives. Marinate them with jerk seasoning just as you would the shrimp to keep that signature Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party flavor profile intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your family or friends with bold flavors and a creamy, crave-worthy pasta, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party is the answer. Give it a try and let your kitchen become the hottest spot on the block—who knows, it might just be your new signature dish!
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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines with this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Party recipe. Succulent shrimp seasoned with jerk spices are combined with a luscious coconut cream sauce, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese, all served over a bed of fettuccine or penne pasta. This dish is a perfect blend of spice and creaminess that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- ½ small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with jerk seasoning and toss to coat evenly. Cook in olive oil until pink and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Add cream, coconut milk, Parmesan, and paprika. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Add pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by using more or less jerk seasoning.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
