two bowls filled with shrimp and pasta on top of a table

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta : A Flavorful Dish

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If you’re looking for a bold and creamy seafood pasta, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a must-try! It combines perfectly cooked shrimp, a rich, spiced cream sauce, and tender pasta to create a dish bursting with Caribbean flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner for guests, this buttery shrimp pasta is the perfect choice.

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Why You’ll Love This Buttery Shrimp Pasta

This shrimp and kale pasta is packed with spice, richness, and freshness. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Bold and Creamy: The sauce blends jerk seasoning with a rich, buttery, and creamy texture.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
  • Healthy and Satisfying: Shrimp is a lean protein, and kale adds a nutritious boost.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, adjust the spice level, or swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine (225g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360ml)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 cup chopped kale (or spinach)
  • Juice of ½ a lime
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make this shrimp pasta recipe with sauce, you’ll need:

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan for pasta
  • Tongs for flipping shrimp
  • Sharp knife for chopping
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Shrimp and Kale Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Jerk Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic, jerk seasoning, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add chopped kale to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  3. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and stir.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Pasta

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will give the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They should be just pink and opaque—overcooking makes them rubbery.
  • Adjust the Spice: Add more or less jerk seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
  • Save Pasta Water: Adding a bit of reserved pasta water makes the sauce silkier and helps it coat the pasta better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the Seasoning: The shrimp need bold seasoning to complement the creamy sauce.
  • Overcooking the Pasta: Cook until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing.
  • Adding Cheese Too Soon: Parmesan should be added at the end to prevent clumping.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

  • Use a Different Pasta: Swap fettuccine for penne, spaghetti, or whole wheat pasta.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
  • Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
  • Try a Different Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, salmon, or tofu for variety.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Do Not Freeze: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they can separate when thawed.

What to Serve with Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine

This creamy Jamaican shrimp pasta pairs well with:

  • Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy side to scoop up the sauce.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add a healthy balance.
  • Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your jerk seasoning is gluten-free.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild-to-moderate heat level. Adjust the jerk seasoning and red pepper flakes to your preference.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before cooking.

Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is the perfect combination of spice, creaminess, and seafood goodness. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes! Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe for more healthy seafood pasta recipes and shrimp meat recipes!

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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta : A Flavorful Dish

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If you’re looking for a bold and creamy seafood pasta, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe is a must-try! It

  • Author: Lyndy kitchen
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Jamaican

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450g)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)

  • 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine (225g)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (360ml)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)

  • 1 cup chopped kale (or spinach)

  • Juice of ½ a lime

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Jerk Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

  2. Add garlic, jerk seasoning, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken.

  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add chopped kale to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

  2. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

  3. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

  4. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and stir.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Divide the pasta into serving bowls.

  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will give the best flavor.

    • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They should be just pink and opaque—overcooking makes them rubbery.

    • Adjust the Spice: Add more or less jerk seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 4
    • Calories: 320
    • Fat: 8g
    • Carbohydrates: 42g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Protein: 35g

    Keywords: Shrimp Meat Recipes

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