Spicy, creamy, and packed with Caribbean flavor, this Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a bold twist on comfort food. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a creamy, spiced sauce infused with jerk seasoning, garlic, bell peppers, and a splash of cream—all layered over tender pasta. This easy dinner delivers heat, heartiness, and a taste of the islands in every bite.
🌶️ Ingredients
- 225 g (½ lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 225 g (½ lb) pasta (penne, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow), sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan (optional but adds creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onion, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add bell pepper and onion, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Make the sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add remaining jerk seasoning, cream, and broth. Stir in parmesan (if using), then let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add pasta and shrimp back to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or green onion.
💡 Tips
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Adjust spice level by using more or less jerk seasoning—or add hot sauce for extra heat.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and should be removed from the pan as soon as they’re opaque.
- A touch of lime juice at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
- Use chicken, tofu, or mushrooms instead of shrimp for a different protein.
- Swap cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
- Add spinach, tomatoes, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Try it with Jamaican curry powder if jerk seasoning isn’t available.
❓ FAQs
Is Jamaican Shrimp Pasta very spicy?
It can be! Jerk seasoning varies in heat. Start with less and add more to taste.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, just toss them in at the end to warm through—no need to sear them first.
Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
What pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni grab the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine are also great.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or grilled plantains on the side.
- Pair with a cool cucumber salad or citrus slaw to balance the spice.
- Add a refreshing pineapple mojito or lime spritzer to complete the island vibes.
- Top with grated parmesan or crumbled feta for a creamy finish.
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