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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small red bell pepper, diced - 1 small green bell pepper, diced - 1 cup coconut milk - 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning - 1 teaspoon lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh cilantro for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients is key to this dish. The fettuccine pasta gives it a nice base. I love using large shrimp because they cook quickly and have great flavor. The fresh vegetables add color and crunch. Jamaican jerk seasoning brings a unique spice that makes this meal pop. Coconut milk adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. The lime juice balances the flavors perfectly. You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra creaminess. Fresh cilantro not only looks pretty but adds a burst of freshness. With these ingredients, you create a delicious and easy meal that brings the taste of Jamaica to your table. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it warm up for a minute. Add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells great. Now, it’s time for the shrimp. Add 1 lb of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook the shrimp for about 4-5 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add 1 small diced red bell pepper and 1 small diced green bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, pour in 1 cup of coconut milk. Stir well, making sure to scrape any bits stuck to the pan. This adds more flavor! Return the shrimp to the skillet with the coconut sauce. Now, add the drained fettuccine pasta. Toss everything gently until well mixed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Drizzle in 1 teaspoon of lime juice and mix well to combine. To finish, if you like, sprinkle in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and blends in. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Now, your dish is ready to serve! Enjoy your colorful and creamy pasta! - Choosing the right shrimp: Use large shrimp for this dish. They add a nice bite and cook quickly. Look for shrimp that are firm and smell fresh. Frozen shrimp work too; just thaw them fully before cooking. - Ensuring the pasta is perfectly al dente: Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Al dente means the pasta is firm yet tender. It should have a slight bite. Remember to taste it a minute or two before the time is up. - Tips for adjusting jerk seasoning: Jerk seasoning packs a punch. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. If you want it spicier, mix in some extra seasoning. - Infusing garlic and onion for depth of flavor: Sauté the onion until it’s soft and sweet. Then add garlic for a fragrant touch. This combo builds a strong base for your sauce. It makes the dish more savory and inviting. - Plating techniques for an inviting dish: When serving, twirl the pasta into a nest on the plate. Place the shrimp and sauce on top. This makes the meal look fancy and well-prepared. Arrange it carefully for a professional touch. - Garnishing with cilantro for visual appeal: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Plus, it enhances the dish’s Caribbean vibe with its bright flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp if available, as they provide a superior flavor and texture compared to frozen shrimp. Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning to your taste. For a milder dish, start with less and add more as needed. Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition. Use Pasta Water Wisely: The reserved pasta water is great for adjusting the sauce consistency. Add it gradually to avoid making the sauce too watery. {{image_2}} You can make Jamaican creamy shrimp pasta a bit healthier. One way is to use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber and nutrients. It will keep you full longer and add a nutty flavor. Another great swap is using low-fat coconut milk. This change reduces fat while still giving a creamy texture. You won’t lose the tropical taste that coconut milk brings to the dish. Add a twist to your dish by including more vegetables. Spinach or kale is a perfect choice. They add extra nutrition and give a pop of color. You can also try adding zucchini or cherry tomatoes. These veggies will add flavor and make your meal more vibrant. If you like heat, consider adding diced Scotch bonnet pepper. This pepper packs a punch and adds a true Jamaican flair. You can also increase the jerk seasoning to make it spicier. Just remember to adjust the spice level to your taste. This will make your creamy shrimp pasta exciting and full of flavor! To store leftovers in the refrigerator, place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the sauce creamy. You can store it for up to three days. When you reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of coconut milk or reserved pasta water. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy. Stir gently to warm it without drying it out. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. For best results, reheat in a skillet. Add a little coconut milk to help the sauce come back to life. Heat it gently and stir often. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal even after freezing! For pasta dishes, I recommend large shrimp. They provide a nice bite and cook quickly. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. Fresh shrimp tastes better, but frozen is often more convenient. When choosing shrimp, look for ones that are firm and have a slight ocean smell. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy odor. Size matters, too. Large shrimp, about 21 to 25 per pound, work best. They hold up well in the creamy sauce and complement the pasta nicely. Yes, you can make Jamaican creamy shrimp pasta ahead of time! To prep, cook everything except the pasta. Store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, cook the fettuccine fresh. Heat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet while the pasta cooks. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. If you want to save time, you can also cook the pasta ahead, but it may need a little extra water to loosen when reheating. This dish pairs well with several sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness. Garlic bread is another great choice, as it complements the creamy sauce. For drinks, try a chilled glass of white wine or a tropical fruit juice. Lemonade works well too! You can even serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for extra color and nutrition. These pairings enhance your meal and create a delightful dining experience. Jamaican creamy shrimp pasta combines rich flavors and vibrant ingredients. We explored key elements like fettuccine, large shrimp, and fresh veggies. The jerk seasoning and coconut milk add unique twists. Remember to cook your pasta perfectly and sauté the shrimp just right. Don't be afraid to get creative with optional ingredients and variations. Lastly, with the right storage methods, you can enjoy this dish later. Dive into this pasta and make it your own!

Jamaican Creamy Shrimp Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce with Jamaican jerk seasoning.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added creaminess)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Jamaican jerk seasoning. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Return the shrimp to the skillet with the coconut sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss everything together gently. If the sauce is too thick, add in some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle with lime juice and mix well.
  • If desired, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Optional Parmesan cheese adds creaminess.
Keyword coconut, jerk seasoning, pasta, shrimp