Jerk Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Get ready to take your taste buds on a flavor-packed vacation with this spicy and creamy jerk shrimp pasta, where every twirl of fettuccine is like a tropical getaway you can eat!

I adore the vibrant tastes of this Jerk Shrimp Pasta, blending not only tender, juicy shrimp but also rich jerk seasoning and another creamy sauce that would make Mario Batali proud. This is some dish, bursting with flavor.

But flavor is not all it has going for it. This pasta delivers a wallop of protein and a good source of healthy fats, courtesy of good old Mediterranean olive oil and shrimp.

Jerk Shrimp Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: A lean protein source, rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Jerk Seasoning: A spicy blend that adds heat and aromatic flavor.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats beneficial for heart health.
• Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin C and a sweet, crunchy texture.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with a fragrant, pungent taste.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce.
• Pasta: A carbohydrate source that provides energy.
• Lime Juice: Offers a fresh, tangy zing and aroma.

Jerk Shrimp Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lime, optional

How to Make this Jerk Shrimp Pasta Recipe

1. Prepare the pasta in a big container of salted, really boiling water until it is al dente, using the directions on the package for timing. Pour the finished pasta into a colander to drain and set it aside.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the shrimp and jerk seasoning. When they are mixed, toss everything together in the bowl until the shrimp is evenly coated in jerk seasoning.

3. In a big pan, warm the olive oil over medium-high. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp.

4. Prepare the shrimp by cooking them for roughly 2-3 minutes on either side, or until they are not see-through at all and have the texture of something that has most definitely been cooked and is ready to eat.

1. Remove the shrimp from the pan.

2. Set them aside.

5. In the same pan, decrease the heat to medium and toss in the butter. When it’s melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you appreciate the new, intensified aroma of your kitchen.

6. Add the onion and sliced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are softened.

7. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, and mix well. Let it bubble away for 3-4 minutes. Reduce it slightly.

8. Toss the pasta with the cream sauce in the pan to evenly coat the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the cream sauce.

9. Reintroduce the shrimp to the pan. Add salt and pepper to the pasta, to taste. Use the chopped fresh parsley to garnish.

10. If desired, squirt some lime juice over the dish just before serving for a finish that is fresh and full of tang. Then dig into your jerk shrimp pasta!

Jerk Shrimp Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large bowl
4. Large pan or skillet
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Knife
8. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use frozen shrimp?Of course, you can cook shrimp from frozen. Just be sure to thaw it completely, then dry it well before you proceed. You wet-cook it, in which case patting the shrimp dry after thawing is important for that “sear” that shrimp are so good with. You see, wet shrimp aren’t just bad for searing; they’re also bad for grilling, and not just because you can’t put water on a grill. Wet shrimp can easily grill into tough, overcooked rubber.
• What can I use if I don’t have jerk seasoning?If you lack jerk seasoning, you can concoct a replacement using allspice, thyme, and cinnamon, along with cayenne pepper and other spices.
• Can I substitute the heavy cream?Coconut milk can be a great replacement for an option that is free of milk and cream, providing a lovely tropical twist.
• What type of pasta works best?It is suggested to use fettuccine, but you may substitute spaghetti, linguine, or any other pasta that you have available.
• How can I make the dish spicier?For more heat, add some extra cayenne pepper or a chopped fresh chili.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?The ideal method of service is to have the dish completely fresh, but with a little foresight you can also prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time and combine them before serving. The pasta and sauce can hang out for up to an hour in a warm oven (around 200°F) before you serve it.
• How long does it take to cook the shrimp?Shrimp generally take 3 to 4 minutes per side to cook and turn pink and opaque. They cook so fast that if you ate one raw, it wouldn’t be something you would want to repeat.

Jerk Shrimp Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
substitutes: chicken breast, cut into
bite-sized pieces.
Two tablespoons jerk seasoning\nSubstitute with Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
1 cup heavy cream – Replace with coconut milk for a lighter and dairy-free alternative.
1/2 cup chicken broth—Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative.
8 ounces of fettuccine or pasta of your choice – For a lower-carb option, substitute zucchini noodles.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Shrimp For an extra depth of flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate in the jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will let the spices penetrate the shrimp more thoroughly, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

2. Use Fresh Herbs While parsley is a great garnish, consider adding a combination of fresh herbs like cilantro and thyme for an additional flavor boost. These herbs complement the jerk seasoning well and add a fresh, aromatic touch.

3. Customize the Heat If you prefer your dish spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped Scotch bonnet peppers when seasoning the shrimp. Adjust according to your heat preference to make the dish as mild or as spicy as you like.

4. Pasta Cooking Tip Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. You can add a splash of the starchy water to the sauce if it needs thinning or if you want to help the sauce adhere to the pasta better.

5. Enhance the Creamy Sauce For a richer sauce, consider adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce. It adds a savory element and helps thicken the sauce slightly as it melts.