If you have a craving for something that perfectly blends bold Caribbean flavors with creamy comfort, then this Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe will knock your socks off. Imagine tender shrimp seasoned with aromatic jerk spices, tossed with vibrant bell peppers, and coated in a luxuriously smooth bell pepper cream sauce all served over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is a colorful, flavor-packed celebration on a plate that’s surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. Once you try it, this Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new go-to when you want something special yet simple and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, everyday ingredients that harmonize beautifully to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a star role, adding color, spice, creaminess, or that perfect hint of citrus brightness to this Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe.
- 12 ounces linguine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape, as it holds the sauce beautifully and provides the perfect base.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp works best for that tender, juicy bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing shrimp and vegetables, adding richness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings brightness and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides depth and a hint of sharpness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning: The heart of this dish, bringing authentic Caribbean spice and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky undertone that compliments the jerk seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star ingredient for the luscious creamy bell pepper sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and enriches the flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds fresh herbal notes to brighten the dish.
- Juice of 1/2 lime: Adds zing and balances the creaminess.
- Optional: extra jerk seasoning or red pepper flakes: For those who like to dial up the heat.
How to Make Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your chosen pasta until it’s just al dente. This ensures the pasta will have a slight bite to stand up to the rich sauce without getting mushy. Once done, drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp along with the Jamaican jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the shrimp cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sear locks in the spices and juices. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften, releasing their natural sweetness and mingling with the leftover spices from the shrimp for a flavorful base.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency. Keep an eye on it and give it a stir to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat every strand and piece with that rich, creamy, and spicy bell pepper sauce. To finish, squeeze in the juice of half a lime and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Serve Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of flair to your plate is easy and makes all the difference in experience. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a savory, melty touch, or add a pinch more jerk seasoning or red pepper flakes if you love a little extra heat. A few whole parsley leaves or a wedge of lime on the side adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider light and crisp sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic and herbs. These sides complement the robust flavors of the pasta and keep your dinner balanced without competing with the dish’s intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta in individual shallow bowls, layering the shrimp perfectly on top. You can also plate it on big white platters for a family-style dinner gathering, garnishing with lime wedges and parsley sprigs for it to look as bright as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve texture, store the pasta and shrimp sauce together but try to eat it sooner rather than later for the freshest flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, separate the pasta from the shrimp and sauce first. Freeze the sauce and shrimp in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Pasta can also be frozen but may lose a bit of its texture upon thawing, so it’s best reheated quickly or freshly cooked if possible.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent rubbery shrimp or dry pasta. Stir frequently until warmed through but still creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the skillet.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind coconut milk will add a subtle tropical sweetness that pairs well but slightly changes the sauce flavor.
How spicy is the jerk seasoning in this dish?
Jerk seasoning typically has a moderate spice level with hints of allspice and cinnamon. If you love heat, feel free to add extra jerk seasoning or sprinkle red pepper flakes as per your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the shrimp is central here, you could swap it for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or plant-based shrimp alternatives to keep the spirit of the dish. Adjust seasoning to taste accordingly.
What type of pasta works best?
Linguine or penne work wonderfully as their shapes hold onto the creamy bell pepper sauce well. Feel free to experiment with other similar pasta shapes such as fettuccine or rigatoni.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the vibrant flavors and creamy texture that makes this Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe a winner every time. It’s an effortless way to bring a taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen with richly spiced shrimp and a dreamy sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Trust me, once you give this dish a try, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So grab those ingredients and get cooking—you are in for a delightful, flavorful treat that’s worth every bite!
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Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Bell Pepper Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican-Inspired, Caribbean Fusion
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring succulent shrimp seasoned with spicy jerk seasoning, tossed with tender linguine in a creamy, smoky sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh bell peppers, lime juice, and parsley for a vibrant and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine or penne pasta
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: extra jerk seasoning or red pepper flakes for more heat
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lime
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp along with Jamaican jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the shrimp and pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Toss again to incorporate all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Jamaican shrimp pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or additional jerk seasoning or red pepper flakes for added heat.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade jerk seasoning—adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Shrimp can be replaced with another seafood if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
