Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with Coconut Lime Sauce
Jamaican Shrimp Pasta with Coconut Lime Sauce is a creamy and vibrant dish that marries succulent shrimp with a rich coconut milk and lime sauce. Infused with jerk seasoning and fresh bell peppers, this quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of tropical Caribbean flavors and comforting pasta, ideal for busy weeknights or sharing with friends.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Caribbean/Jamaican
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta)
Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup diced red or yellow bell peppers
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add diced bell peppers and cook until softened but still vibrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Season shrimp with jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Create the Coconut Lime Sauce: Pour coconut milk into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in lime zest and lime juice to balance the sweetness of the coconut. Adjust seasoning with additional jerk spices or salt if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return shrimp to the pan, mix gently, and warm through. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus zing.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta silky.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture.
- Adjust jerk seasoning gradually to control spice levels.
- Add lime juice at the end for the brightest citrus flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Jamaican shrimp pasta, coconut lime sauce, jerk seasoning, Caribbean pasta, quick shrimp recipe, tropical pasta dish