Craving a meal that explodes with flavor but comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredible Jerk Shrimp Pasta. This dish effortlessly blends the vibrant, spicy notes of Caribbean jerk seasoning with creamy pasta, creating a truly unforgettable experience. It’s surprisingly simple, making it the perfect choice for a delicious, easy weeknight dinner. Get ready to elevate your dinner game!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Jerk Shrimp Pasta
You’ll adore this Jerk Shrimp Pasta for its irresistible qualities:
- Rich, Not Heavy Sauce: The creamy sauce is perfectly balanced, delivering flavor without feeling too decadent.
- Bold, Complex Flavor Profile: Authentic jerk seasoning, paired with fresh peppers, creates a truly dynamic taste.
- Quick 30-Minute Preparation: From start to finish, this dish is ready in a flash, perfect for busy evenings.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have many of these staple items in your pantry already.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: It’s a complete meal that requires minimal effort but tastes gourmet.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delectable Jerk Shrimp Pasta:
- 12 oz gluten-free fusilli
- 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 orange bell pepper (sliced evenly)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced evenly)
- 1/4 tsp roasted garlic powder
- 1 3/4 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 3/4 tsp OliveNation red bell pepper seasoning
- 1 1/4 tsp OliveNation Hungarian paprika
- 1/8 tsp OliveNation ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz parmesan cheese
- 3 oz mozzarella cheese
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your Jerk Shrimp Pasta. For pasta, you can use penne, rotini, or fettuccine if fusilli isn’t available. Any type of large shrimp or prawns works wonderfully here. For cheeses, an Italian blend or asiago can substitute for Parmesan and mozzarella. Adjust jerk seasoning to your heat preference, adding more for extra spice or less for a milder flavor. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or plant-based Parmesan.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this recipe. Just gather these kitchen essentials:
- A large pot for cooking pasta.
- A large skillet for the flavorful sauce.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons.
- A reliable cutting board.
- A sharp knife for slicing vegetables.
- A pasta strainer or colander.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful Jerk Shrimp Pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
- Boil the pasta according to package directions until it reaches al dente. Start the remaining steps while your pasta cooks.
- Season the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 ¼ tablespoons of jerk seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of roasted garlic powder, and ¾ teaspoon of Hungarian paprika. Stir until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Cook the seasoned shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn slightly pink and opaque. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
- Sauté the bell peppers. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced orange and green bell peppers. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until they become slightly translucent and tender-crisp.
- Build the sauce base. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the remaining jerk seasoning, Hungarian paprika, dried thyme, red bell pepper seasoning, ginger powder, and salt. Mix everything well to combine the spices.
- Add the cheeses. Stir in both the grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until they begin to melt and incorporate into the sauce.
- Simmer until thickened. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the creamy sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and serve. Gently stir the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Finally, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp. Serve your delicious Jerk Shrimp Pasta immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect Jerk Shrimp Pasta is easy with these tips. Always cook pasta to al dente for the best texture; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Select fresh, firm shrimp for superior flavor. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque; avoid overcooking them, as they become rubbery.
Cook the sauce over medium heat to prevent scorching. For a one-pan twist, add cooked, drained pasta directly to the sauce. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer longer or add a bit more cheese.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Elevate your Jerk Shrimp Pasta experience. Serve this flavorful dish with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or a light green salad for a balanced meal. Store any leftover jerk shrimp pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture.
For variations, try scallops or lobster instead of shrimp for a luxurious twist. You can also substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken, sliced pork, or even shredded beef.
Add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients and color. Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or linguine to change the texture.
Nutrition
This Jerk Shrimp Pasta recipe offers a satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 827 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 54 g |
| Saturated Fat | 31 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 16 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 286 mg |
| Sodium | 1549 mg |
| Potassium | 397 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 3579 IU |
| Vitamin C | 42 mg |
| Calcium | 548 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ
What is jerk food?
Jerk refers to a style of cooking native to Jamaica, where meat is dry-rubbed or wet-marinated with a hot spice mixture called jerk spice. This seasoning typically includes allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, and other flavorful ingredients, resulting in a unique, bold taste.
To learn more about the authentic ingredients and origins of this iconic flavor, explore the history of traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning.
How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2 to 4 minutes total when sautéed. They are delicate, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
To ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and never rubbery, understanding how to avoid overcooking shrimp is crucial.
Conclusion
This Zesty Jerk Shrimp Pasta recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With its vibrant Caribbean-inspired taste and creamy texture, it’s a dish that genuinely delights. It’s truly a testament to quick, easy, and satisfying home cooking. So go ahead, whip up this amazing meal tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and feedback!
Zesty Jerk Shrimp Pasta: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Plate
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz gluten-free fusilli
- 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 orange bell pepper sliced evenly
- 1 green bell pepper sliced evenly
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1/4 tsp roasted garlic powder
- 1 3/4 tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 3/4 tsp OliveNation red bell pepper seasoning
- 1 1/4 tsp OliveNation Hungarian paprika
- 1/8 tsp OliveNation ginger powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheeses
- 6 oz parmesan cheese
- 3 oz mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Overall
- Boil the pasta per the package directions for al dente, starting the rest of the recipe concurrently.
- Coat the shrimp with 1 ¼ tablespoons jerk seasoning, ¼ teaspoon roasted garlic powder, and ¾ teaspoon Hungarian paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the seasoned shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until slightly pink before transferring to a plate.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, then cook the sliced peppers for about 3 minutes or until slightly translucent.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, remaining jerk seasoning and Hungarian paprika, dried thyme, red bell pepper seasoning, ginger powder, and salt.
- Stir in both parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Gently stir in the cooked pasta, followed by the shrimp, and then serve immediately.