If you’re in the mood for something that’s comforting, bold, and irresistibly creamy, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine springy noodles tangled with jerk-spiced shrimp, a rainbow of sautéed peppers, and a lush Parmesan cream sauce that pulls everything together with a zesty lime finish. This dish is the perfect mash-up of piquant Caribbean flavors and classic Italian comfort, delivering a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re spicing up a Tuesday night or treating friends to an island-inspired dinner, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta always steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a short list of simple ingredients comes together to make something this memorable. Each element—shrimp, jerk seasoning, cream, colorful veggies, and Parmesan—has a key role in creating layers of flavor, silkiness, and a burst of color in every bite.
- Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or linguine): Go for a long noodle that grabs the sauce—fettuccine holds onto that creamy goodness especially well!
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Choose big, plump shrimp for a tender texture and hearty mouthful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps coat the shrimp and infuse the jerk spices right from the start.
- Jerk seasoning (1 tablespoon): This is where all that Caribbean flavor shines—use your favorite homemade or store-bought blend.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simple seasonings that balance the heat and highlight the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Creates richness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering them.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Delivers a mellow crunch and golden hue.
- Red onion (1/2 medium, sliced): Brings a sweet and punchy depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The backbone of savory flavor—don’t skip it!
- Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what makes the sauce so irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Lightens up the sauce just enough and enhances the savory base.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts smoothly into the sauce for that iconic creamy, cheesy finish.
- Lime juice (from 1/2 lime): Adds freshness that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish): Sprinkle these on to finish with bright color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook it just until al dente, following the package directions. You want the pasta to be tender but still have a little bite so it holds up under the creamy sauce. Once drained, set the noodles aside and get ready to bring everything together.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
While the pasta is cooking, toss your shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every shrimp is slicked in that aromatic spice blend. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side—just until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp to a plate; they’ll finish getting cozy with the pasta later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant. This step sets up a savory-sweet base, and the bright peppers really make the whole dish pop with color.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce turns smooth and velvety. This is when the magic happens—the scent will have everyone wandering into the kitchen to see what’s cooking!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Now for the best part: add your cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the skillet. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice (don’t skip this—it’s essential for that bright, zesty lift), then use tongs to toss everything until it’s luxuriously coated in sauce. Give it one last toss and take the skillet off the heat. It’s ready for its grand entrance!
How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Garnishes
For that final restaurant-style touch, I love to shower the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Not only do these herbs add a pop of color, but they bring a gentle freshness that balances the warm jerk spices and richness of the cream. Add a wedge of extra lime on the side for anyone who craves even more citrus zing.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta is pretty much a full meal on its own, but you can easily round things out with some Jamaican festival bread, a crisp green salad with mango, or even some sweet fried plantains. These sides harmonize beautifully with the spicy-sweet notes of the pasta, turning dinner into a true Caribbean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta straight from the skillet for a cozy family dinner or twirl it onto plates using tongs for a more elegant presentation. For a get-together, try serving smaller portions in individual bowls topped with extra shrimp and herbs—guests will love the gourmet look! Add a sprinkle of extra jerk seasoning or lime zest just before serving for an extra punch of flavor and vibrant color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (it’s rare!), transfer the pasta to an airtight container once it’s completely cooled. Stored in the fridge, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta holds up well for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it a real treat for lunch the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp and creamy sauces don’t always love the freezer, you can freeze this pasta in an airtight container for up to one month if needed. The texture of the cream sauce may change slightly after thawing, but a gentle reheat while stirring can help bring it back together. For best results, undercook the shrimp just a bit before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pasta and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to ensure the sauce becomes creamy again without breaking. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, tossing gently between intervals—it helps ensure even warmth throughout the shrimp and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are classic for Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, penne or spaghetti work wonderfully too. Just go for something that can really grab onto that amazing sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level comes primarily from your jerk seasoning. For a milder dish, start with half the amount and add more to taste. If you like it fiery, up the jerk seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. The sauce will be a bit thinner, but still wonderfully creamy. Coconut milk is another fun twist for added tropical flair!
Can I make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta ahead of time?
It’s tastiest when served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then toss with cooked pasta and heat gently just before serving to maintain that silky sauce and juicy shrimp texture.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Not as written, since traditional pasta contains wheat. However, you can easily make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta gluten free by using your favorite gluten free pasta. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the way creamy sauce, bold jerk spices, and tender shrimp unite in Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta. It’s a dish that packs both comfort and excitement, perfect for surprising your taste buds or impressing guests. Give this recipe a spin—it’s a guaranteed way to bring island-inspired happiness straight to your dinner table!
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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean with this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta recipe. A rich and spicy dish featuring tender shrimp, bell peppers, and a luscious cream sauce, this pasta is a delicious and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- juice of 1/2 lime
- fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp in a skillet until pink and opaque, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Add cream and broth, then stir in Parmesan until smooth.
- Finish the Dish: Add pasta and shrimp to the skillet, toss in the sauce. Squeeze in lime juice, toss, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Adjust jerk seasoning to taste for more or less heat.
- For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican, Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 235 mg
