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Transform simple ingredients into exotic Jamaican shrimp pasta that combines creamy coconut sauce with perfectly spiced shrimp. This 30-minute dish delivers Caribbean flavors through tender shrimp, aromatic jerk seasoning, and silky coconut milk sauce. Each forkful offers layers of flavor from succulent seafood to tropical cream sauce.
During my exploration of Caribbean cuisine, this combination emerged as the perfect fusion of comfort food and island flavors.
Essential Elements
- Large shrimp: Fresh or thawed for best texture
- Coconut milk: Full-fat creates silkiest sauce
- Jerk seasoning: Provides authentic Caribbean spice
- Fresh lime: Adds bright citrus notes
- Quality pasta: Holds creamy sauce well
Complete Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Creating Pasta Magic
- Prepare The Base:
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta al dente (8-10 minutes), reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Sauté The Aromatics:
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and bell pepper, cook 2-3 minutes more.
- Master The Shrimp:
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp with jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes until just pink.
- Create The Sauce:
- Pour in coconut milk and lime juice. Simmer 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Build The Harmony:
- Add pasta to skillet, tossing gently. Add pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Time The Finish:
- Cook until sauce coats pasta evenly, adjusting seasonings to taste.
- Add Final Touch:
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
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My Caribbean cooking mentor always said the secret to perfect shrimp pasta was balance - allowing spice and cream to complement each other.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this pasta into a complete Caribbean feast by creating complementary sides and garnishes. Serve with tropical salad featuring mango and avocado. Consider offering garlic bread or fresh baguette for soaking up the delicious sauce. For entertaining, serve in wide, shallow bowls topped with extra cilantro and colorful bell peppers. A light-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect wine pairing.
Creative Variations
Elevate this versatile dish by experimenting with different proteins and additions. Try using chicken or white fish instead of shrimp, or create a vegetarian version with chickpeas. Consider adding cream cheese for extra richness, or incorporate seasonal vegetables for added nutrition. Make it spicier with scotch bonnet peppers or milder by reducing jerk seasoning. For gluten-free options, serve over rice or quinoa.
Storage Solutions
Maintain the perfect texture by storing components separately when possible. Keep in airtight containers for up to three days, with sauce separate from pasta. When reheating, add splash of coconut milk to restore creaminess. For best results, prepare fresh pasta when serving leftovers. While freezing complete dish isn't recommended, sauce can be frozen separately.
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Conclusion
This Jamaican shrimp pasta has become my go-to recipe for quick, impressive dinners. While simple to prepare, attention to cooking times and seasoning creates spectacular results that transport diners to the Caribbean. Remember, proper ingredient preparation and careful sauce building ensure perfect pasta every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Yes, add more jerk seasoning or fresh scotch bonnet peppers for authentic Jamaican heat.
- → What can I substitute for coconut milk?
- Heavy cream works, though it will lose the Caribbean flavor. Light coconut milk is also fine.
- → Can I use different pasta?
- Any long pasta works well - spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are all good options.
- → How do I make it creamier?
- Add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce for extra richness.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or other colorful vegetables work well in this dish.