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- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup coconut milk - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning - 1 tablespoon lime juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) When I make Jamaican shrimp pasta, I love using fresh shrimp. The shrimp should be large and peeled. This makes cooking quick and easy. I also use either spaghetti or fettuccine, but both work great. Coconut milk adds a rich creaminess. It balances the spicy jerk seasoning. I prefer using full-fat coconut milk for a creamier sauce. For the veggies, I use a mix of onion and bell peppers. The colors make the dish pop. The sweet red and crisp green bell peppers add flavor and texture. Jamaican jerk seasoning is key for this dish. It brings heat and depth. You can find it in stores or make your own blend. Lime juice brightens the dish, making it fresh. I finish with chopped cilantro for garnish. It adds a fresh touch and looks beautiful. This blend of ingredients makes a tasty, easy meal that everyone loves. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water bubbles, add 8 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine. Follow the package instructions to cook until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, along with 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper. Keep sautéing for another 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften. Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Jamaican jerk seasoning over the shrimp. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, flipping the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Pour 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of lime juice into the skillet. Stir everything together to mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce to coat the noodles. Heat everything through for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure it is warm. To get that perfect al dente texture, start with boiling salted water. Add your spaghetti or fettuccine and cook it for just a few minutes less than the package says. This way, the pasta stays firm. After draining, rinse it briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from sticking. To elevate the taste, consider adding more spices. A pinch of cayenne can boost the heat. For a tangy twist, toss in some fresh lime zest. You might also want to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. These will brighten the dish and make it more colorful. When sautéing, heat your olive oil on medium. This prevents burning. Start with the onion for about 2-3 minutes until it’s soft. Then, add garlic and bell peppers. Cook them until the peppers are tender but still crisp. When you add shrimp, cook until they turn pink. This usually takes just 2-3 minutes. Keep everything moving in the pan for even cooking. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook pasta al dente for the best texture. It should be firm to the bite and will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. Fresh Jerk Seasoning: For a more intense flavor, consider making your own Jamaican jerk seasoning using fresh herbs and spices. This will enhance the dish significantly. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of Jamaican jerk seasoning to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more seasoning or include some chopped fresh chili peppers. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the cilantro garnish! It adds a fresh and vibrant touch that complements the rich coconut milk sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Look for pasta made from brown rice or lentils. They cook well and hold the sauce nicely. If you want a vegetarian option, replace the shrimp with vegetables. You could use zucchini, mushrooms, or even eggplant. Just sauté them like you would the shrimp. This keeps the dish tasty and colorful. Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you like it mild, use less jerk seasoning. You can also add more coconut milk to tone it down. For extra heat, include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce. This lets you control the heat just right for your taste. To keep Jamaican shrimp pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to seal in the flavors and moisture. Place the container in the fridge. Try to use it within three days for the best taste. If you have extra sauce, store it separately to avoid soggy pasta. When you are ready to eat leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. Place it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it moist. Stir frequently until it's warmed through. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture of the shrimp and pasta. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Yes, you can freeze Jamaican shrimp pasta! To do this, let it cool completely before packing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above to bring back its delicious flavor. Jamaican jerk seasoning is a spice blend. It is famous for its bold flavors. The main ingredients include: - Allspice - Thyme - Scotch bonnet peppers - Garlic - Ginger - Nutmeg - Cinnamon - Brown sugar This mix gives jerk seasoning its sweet and spicy kick. It adds warmth and depth to any dish, especially shrimp. Yes, you can make Jamaican shrimp pasta ahead of time. To do this, follow these best practices: - Cook the pasta al dente so it stays firm. - Prepare the sauce and shrimp separately. - Store pasta, sauce, and shrimp in airtight containers. - Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in a pan. Add a splash of coconut milk to keep it creamy. Jamaican shrimp pasta works well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Simple green salad with lime dressing - Grilled vegetables for a smoky taste - Rice and peas for a classic touch - Lightly toasted bread to soak up the sauce For drinks, try a fruity cocktail or coconut water. These pair nicely with the dish's flavors. This blog covered how to make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, from the main ingredients to easy steps. We explored cooking tips, variations, and ways to store leftovers. You now have a tasty dish that’s fun and simple to prepare. Try swapping ingredients or adjusting the spice for your taste. Enjoy making this dish with friends or family. Trust me, it’s a meal everyone will love!

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Fiesta

A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring shrimp, bell peppers, and a creamy coconut sauce with a hint of Jamaican jerk seasoning.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Jamaican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
  • Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the shrimp. Sprinkle the Jamaican jerk seasoning over the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  • Pour the coconut milk and lime juice into the skillet. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the noodles with the shrimp and sauce. Heat through for a minute or two to ensure everything is warm.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword coconut milk, jerk seasoning, pasta, shrimp