Jamaican Jerk Pasta Recipe is your ticket to a flavor-packed, Caribbean-inspired dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. Think juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and a spicy kick that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
This dish is a delightful fusion of bold Jamaican spices and comforting pasta. It's perfect for weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. If you're a fan of shrimp dishes, you might also enjoy my Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti, Shrimp Ceviche, or Spicy Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce.
💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Bold Flavors: The homemade jerk seasoning brings heat and depth.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins or veggies.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Shrimp: I love how the juicy shrimp soak up all that spicy jerk flavor—it’s like a mini flavor bomb in every bite.
- Jerk Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! Allspice, thyme, and cayenne bring that bold, unmistakable island vibe we can’t get enough of.
- Penne Pasta: I always go for penne here—those little ridges are sauce-grabbing champs and keep every forkful creamy and satisfying.
- Bell Peppers: They’re not just pretty—they add a mellow sweetness that cools the heat just enough for the whole family to enjoy.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms instead of shrimp.
- Creamy Coconut: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Cheese Choices: Try cheddar or mozzarella if you don't have Parmesan.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to your heat preference.
- Pasta Types: Fusilli or rigatoni work well if penne isn't available.
Pair this dish with my Pineapple Mango Salsa or Balsamic Grilled Vegetables for a complete Caribbean meal.
🔪How To Make Jamaican Jerk Pasta?
- Add all of the spice ingredients in a small bowl or skillet and whisk to combine.
- Cook the penne pasta according to directions on the box. Drain the penne and reserve 1⁄2 cup of pasta water. Set to the side.
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry using a paper towel. In a large bowl add the shrimp and jerk spice. Toss to combine the shrimp and spice.
- Place a large non stick skillet, a non stick pan or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
- Add your extra virgin olive oil to the pan and cook the raw shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove shrimp from the skillet or Dutch oven and set aside.
- Add the pasta water to the pan and scrape to combine the brown bits.
- Add peppers, fresh pineapple chunks, and garlic to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Now, add the pasta water, heavy cream, and Jamaican jerk pasta seasoning to the pan for 3-5 minutes.
- Add penne pasta, and parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
- Remove your Jamaican Jerk Pasta from heat and add shrimp to the cooked pasta.
💡Hint: For deeper flavor, marinate the shrimp in jerk seasoning overnight.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marination Magic: Letting the shrimp marinate longer intensifies the flavor.
- Pasta Water: Using reserved pasta water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the dish's overall taste.
💭 FAQs
Yes, absolutely! While the recipe calls for shrimp, you can swap it for chicken if you prefer. Simply cook the chicken until it's fully done, and follow the same steps for adding the jerk seasoning and pasta.
The heat level depends on your jerk seasoning. Start with less and adjust to taste.
Yes, prepare the components separately and combine when ready to serve.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- Fried Plantains – Sweet meets heat. Yes, please.
- Callaloo – Leafy greens but make it island-style.
- Rotisserie Chicken – For when shrimp needs backup.
- Garlic Bread – Scoop, swipe, devour.
- Fresh Salad – Crunchy, cool, and keeps things balanced.
- Coconut Rice – Creamy, dreamy, total flavor BFF.
🍽 More Delicious Pasta Dishes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below, or tag us in our Facebook Group! Alternatively, bookmark it in your browser or save to Pinterest.
Jamaican Jerk Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoon Ground Thyme
- 2 teaspoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Hot Pepper Flakes
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 8 oz Penne Pasta
- 1 lb. Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoon Jerk Seasoning
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 1 Onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Pineapple small chunks
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- ¾ cup Pasta Water
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Frozen Shrimp
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Cook the penne pasta according to directions on the box. Drain the penne and reserve 1⁄2 cup of pasta water. Set to the side.
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry using a paper towel. In a large bowl add the shrimp and jerk spice. Toss to combine the shrimp and spice.
- Place a large non stick skillet, a non stick pan or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
- Add your extra virgin olive oil to the pan and cook the raw shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove shrimp from the skillet or Dutch oven and set aside.
- Add the pasta water to the pan and scrape to combine the brown bits.
- Add peppers, fresh pineapple chunks, and garlic to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Now, add the pasta water, heavy cream, and Jamaican jerk pasta seasoning to the pan for 3-5 minutes.
- Add penne pasta, and parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
- Remove your Jamaican Jerk Pasta from heat and add shrimp to the cooked pasta.
Absolutely loved this! The jerk seasoning brought a perfect balance of heat and spice, and the creamy sauce tied everything together beautifully. The shrimp were tender and flavorful, making each bite a delightful experience. Definitely a dish I'll be making again!