Every family gathering growing up had that one dish everyone rushed to get first. For us, it was always something rich, creamy, and bursting with the bold, spicy flavors of Jamaica. This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a memory stitched into every holiday, birthday, and Sunday dinner we ever celebrated.

Imagine a sauce so velvety it hugs every strand of pasta, shrimp seasoned with a kick that wakes up your taste buds, and an aroma that fills your kitchen like a warm hug. Jamaican cuisine is famous for its bold spices and fearless flavor combinations, and this pasta is no exception. It’s a little spicy, a little creamy, and a whole lot of comforting.

This recipe beautifully marries the vibrancy of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the cozy, familiar feeling of a creamy pasta dish. It’s the perfect way to bring a little island sunshine into your kitchen, no matter the season. Plus, it comes together quickly enough for a weekday dinner, but feels fancy enough for a special occasion.

If you’re looking for a meal that says “you’re home” with every bite, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bursting with authentic Jamaican flavors
• Rich and creamy without being too heavy
• Quick enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests
• Customizable to your spice preference
• A fun twist on classic comfort food

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. I always set a timer because there’s nothing sadder than mushy pasta in a beautiful dish like this. Drain and set aside, saving about half a cup of the pasta water—trust me, it might come in handy later.
2. Season the Shrimp: While your pasta’s doing its thing, toss the shrimp in a bowl with the jerk seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is well coated. This is where the magic starts—those spices waking up and promising good things ahead.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until they’re pink and slightly charred on the edges. Set them aside on a plate; they’ll get a second moment to shine later.
4. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet (because hello, flavor!), toss in the sliced peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until everything’s softened but still bright and vibrant. Every time I stir this part, I smile—it smells like a carnival!

1. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything melts together into a thick, glossy sauce that just whispers luxury.
2. Bring It All Together: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels a little thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right.
3. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, maybe an extra pinch of jerk seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous, and serve immediately. Preferably with a cozy chair and a happy heart.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Spice Level: Adjust the jerk seasoning to match your spice preference. Jamaican jerk can be quite bold, so taste as you go!
• Creaminess Boost: If you like it extra creamy (I always do), add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese.
• Shrimp Swap: You can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or even keep it vegetarian with mushrooms.
• Perfect Pasta: Don’t overcook the pasta; it’ll continue cooking a little when you toss it in the hot sauce.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Jamaican fusion
• Diet: Pescatarian

NOTES:

• For an even more authentic Jamaican flavor, use homemade jerk seasoning if you have the time!
• Don’t skip the fresh parsley at the end—it adds a bright pop that balances the richness of the dish.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving — approximate)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best served fresh. If you need to prep ahead, cook the pasta and shrimp separately and store them. Reheat gently with the sauce when ready to serve.

How spicy is this dish?
It’s got a nice little kick, but you can easily tone it down by using less jerk seasoning.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
No worries! You can swap it with any sharp, hard cheese you like, such as Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

CONCLUSION

Bringing a little island flavor to your table has never been so easy—or so delicious. This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta isn’t just food; it’s an experience. It’s laughter around the dinner table, it’s the comfort of creamy pasta wrapped up with the fiery spirit of Jamaica. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish is sure to make any meal feel like a special occasion.

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