This Jamaican Jerk Pasta With Shrimp pasta is perfect for all pasta lovers out there! Large shrimp are marinated in a spicy and flavorful homemade jerk seasoning, cooked to perfection and combined with pasta. This dish is actually a complete meal, and uses a mix of Caribbean inspired spices to elevate the flavors of a seemingly simple dish.
Contents
Why You’ll Love shrimp Jerk Pasta
- Spicy and Savory: Enjoy the bold, fiery flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning.
- One-Pot Wonder: An all-in-one meal that cuts down on cleanup time.Seafood Delight: Perfect for shrimp lovers and a great way to spice up pasta. If you love this shrimp dish you’ll also want to try Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Bisque or Shrimp Curry.
Recipe Ingredients
Jerk Spice:
- Onion and Garlic Powder: Provide a savory depth to the spice mix.
- Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper, Hot Pepper Flakes: Contribute heat and enhance other flavors.
- Ground Thyme, Dried Parsley: Add an earthy, herbaceous note.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Ground Allspice, Paprika: Offer a warm, slightly sweet spice flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove: Bring in a sweet, aromatic component.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy element.
Pasta:
- Penne Pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds up well to hearty sauces and ingredients.
- Shrimp: The main protein, adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor.
- Jerk Seasoning: Infuses the dish with the complex, spicy flavors of Jamaican cuisine.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, adds richness to the dish.
- Red and Green Bell Pepper, Onion: Add a sweet, crunchy texture and colorful visual appeal.
- Pineapple: Brings a juicy, tangy sweetness that complements the jerk seasoning.
- Minced Garlic: Enhances the savory flavors of the dish.
- Pasta Water: Helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Combine to make a rich, creamy sauce that balances the spice.
- Frozen Shrimp: An added protein that brings more depth and flavor to the dish.
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.
Expert Tips For Cooking Fantastic Jerk Pasta
- Marinate: Enhance shrimp flavor by marinating in jerk seasoning overnight for a richer taste in your Jamaican jerk pasta.
- Halved Shrimp Hack: Speed up cooking and intensify flavors by using halved lengthwise shrimp for quicker, more flavorful results in your dish.
Variations
- Island Veggie Delight: Transform this recipe into a creamy Rasta Pasta recipe by omitting the shrimp and adding bell peppers, mushrooms, and pineapple to creamy pasta tossed in coconut milk infused with Jamaican jerk seasoning for a delightful island twist.
- Tropical Twist Pasta: Elevate your dish with a vegetarian rendition: colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, pineapple tossed in coconut milk and Jamaican jerk seasoning for a flavorful, satisfying alternative.
Storing Leftover Jerk Pasta
- Storage: Once cooled, transfer the Jamaican jerk pasta with shrimp into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the Jamaican jerk pasta and shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent drying out, if needed. Stir occasionally to ensure even reheating. Enjoy!
What To Serve With Jerk Pasta And Shrimp?
- Fried Plantains: Sweet and caramelized plantains add a delightful contrast to the spicy kick of the Jamaican jerk pasta seasoning.
- Jamaican Callaloo: A side of sautéed callaloo, a leafy green vegetable, brings a touch of earthiness to your Jamaican jerk pasta.
- Mango Salsa: Fresh mango salsa with lime and cilantro provides a burst of fruity freshness to balance the heat.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Enhance your Jamaican jerk pasta experience with succulent shredded rotisserie chicken for a flavorful twist.
Jamaican Jerk Pasta
Spice up your dinner with this bold and flavorful Jamaican Jerk Pasta! Creamy, zesty, and loaded with the vibrant spices of traditional jerk seasoning, this pasta dish brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table. With tender Shrimp and colorful veggies tossed in, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Serving Size 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tsp Ground Thyme
- 2 tsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Allspice
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Hot Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 8 oz Penne Pasta
- 1 lb. Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Jerk Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- 1 Onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup Pineapple small chunks
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3/4 cup Pasta Water
- 3/4 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 766kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 349mg | Sodium: 995mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 2918IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 526mg | Iron: 4mg
Notes
Marinate Overnight Masterstroke: Enhance shrimp flavor by marinating in jerk seasoning overnight for a richer taste in your Jamaican jerk pasta.
Halved Shrimp Hack: Speed up cooking and intensify flavors by using halved lengthwise shrimp for quicker, more flavorful results in your dish.
