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Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with Coconut Lime Sauce

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with Coconut Lime Sauce

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with Coconut Lime Sauce is a vibrant and tropical dinner featuring tender shrimp seasoned with spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning, tossed with pasta in a creamy coconut milk and zesty lime sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines bold island flavors with fresh ingredients for a delicious, nutritious meal that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb medium-sized shrimp, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (about 2 tbsp)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to use later in the sauce.
  2. Season and Sauté Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with Jamaican jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Make the Coconut Lime Sauce: Pour the coconut milk into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add lime zest and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to thin it to desired consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the coconut lime sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; cook until just pink to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Reserve pasta water; its starch helps thin the sauce and improves sauce cling.
  • Add lime juice gradually to balance acidity with creaminess without overpowering the dish.
  • Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your preferred spice level, as brands vary in heat intensity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican shrimp pasta, coconut lime sauce, jerk seasoning, tropical pasta, easy dinner, seafood pasta, gluten-free pasta option