Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a tropical-inspired dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, spiced sauce. With flavors of garlic, ginger, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, it offers a beautiful balance of heat and creaminess, making it a perfect dish for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)

• 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or other chili), finely chopped (optional)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

2. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. If using, add the scotch bonnet pepper for a spicy kick and sauté for another minute.

4. Spices and Cream: Add the dried thyme, paprika, allspice, and turmeric (if using), and stir to combine. Let the spices toast for about 1 minute. Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

5. Combine Shrimp and Pasta: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to coat the shrimp in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~400-500 kcal (depending on portion size and cream used)

• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

• Protein: 25-30g (from shrimp)

• Fat: 20-25g (from cream and coconut milk)

• Fiber: 3-4g (from pasta and spices)

This recipe can be adapted to fit dietary preferences, like swapping regular cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version or adjusting the heat level with more or less scotch bonnet pepper.

A Perfect Blend of Spices and Creaminess

The beauty of Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta lies in the complexity of its flavor profile. By combining ingredients like ginger, garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, this dish packs a punch of flavor with just the right amount of heat. The addition of allspice and paprika further enhances the dish’s Caribbean flair, while the turmeric adds a hint of earthiness. The creaminess from the coconut milk and heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative) creates a velvety sauce that perfectly complements the spices and shrimps.

The result is a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements that makes every bite feel like a burst of tropical sunshine. Whether you’re looking to spice up your usual pasta night or try something new with seafood, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors.

A Quick and Easy Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

One of the best things about Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is how quickly it comes together. The entire dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The shrimp cook up in just a few minutes, and the creamy sauce is made right in the same skillet, so there’s no need for extra pots or complicated steps. The pasta also cooks quickly, which makes this dish a one-pan wonder when it comes to both convenience and flavor.

The Key Ingredients: Fresh and Flavorful

To make the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta truly shine, the freshness of the ingredients is essential. Shrimp are the star of the dish, providing a lean source of protein with a delicate sweetness that complements the heat from the spices. When choosing shrimp, opt for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience, but feel free to leave the shells on if you prefer. Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink and opaque, which ensures they remain tender and juicy.

The pasta can be any type you prefer, but penne or spaghetti work particularly well because their shapes allow the sauce to cling to each bite. Penne pasta with its ridges and tube-like shape is excellent at holding onto the creamy sauce, while spaghetti offers a classic feel. Whichever pasta you choose, make sure to cook it al dente, so it still holds its texture when tossed with the rich sauce.

As for the spices, ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper (or any chili pepper of your choice) add warmth and complexity. Scotch bonnet peppers, though optional, are a hallmark of Caribbean cooking and provide a unique, fruity heat. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of pepper or omit it entirely, but don’t skip the rest of the spices, as they really bring the dish to life.

The coconut milk forms the base of the sauce, infusing the dish with a creamy sweetness that’s both comforting and exotic. You can use heavy cream to add richness to the sauce, or for a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works just as beautifully and adds an extra coconut flavor.

The Cooking Process: Simple and Satisfying

The steps to make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta are straightforward. First, cook the pasta and set it aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later use in the sauce. While the pasta cooks, the shrimp are sautéed in olive oil (or coconut oil, if you prefer), getting a light sear until they’re perfectly cooked and pink. The shrimp are then removed from the skillet, and the onions, garlic, and ginger are sautéed until softened, releasing their aromatic flavors into the pan.

Next, the spices—dried thyme, paprika, allspice, and turmeric—are added, allowing them to toast briefly to bring out their full flavor. This step is crucial for developing the complexity of the dish. Once the spices are toasted, the coconut milk and heavy cream are added to the skillet, stirring everything together to create a rich, creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

The shrimp are added back into the skillet to coat in the creamy sauce, and if the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with some of the reserved pasta water. The cooked pasta is then tossed into the skillet with the sauce, shrimp, and vegetables, making sure everything is evenly coated. This step ensures that the pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.

Garnish and Serve

Once the dish is fully combined and ready, finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice (optional but recommended) adds a zesty kick that balances out the creaminess and spices, giving the dish a refreshing, citrusy finish.

Serve the Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta immediately, either on its own or alongside a serving of pita bread, naan, or Greek yogurt. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, while the yogurt adds a cooling, creamy element that complements the dish’s spiciness.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is versatile enough for a weeknight dinner, yet bold enough to serve at a dinner party or family gathering. The dish is a celebration of Caribbean flavors, with just the right balance of heat, creaminess, and spice. The combination of shrimp, coconut milk, and warm spices makes it both comforting and exciting, offering something different from your usual pasta dishes.

This dish is also adaptable to different dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, and for a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free pasta. The scotch bonnet pepper adds significant heat, but it can be adjusted to suit your tolerance for spice. If you prefer a milder version, just use a less spicy chili or leave it out entirely.

Conclusion: Bold Flavors in Every Bite

In Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta, tropical-inspired flavors and creamy goodness come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. With succulent shrimp, rich coconut milk, and a blend of spices that speak to the heart of Jamaican cuisine, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, the dish offers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and bold flavors. Every bite is an explosion of tropical goodness, making it a meal that’s as satisfying as it is unforgettable.