Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta 

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a vibrant fusion dish that marries the bold flavors of Caribbean jerk seasoning with the comforting richness of a creamy pasta sauce. Succulent shrimp are seasoned with aromatic spices, sautéed to perfection, and then combined with a luscious sauce featuring bell peppers, garlic, and a hint of heat. This dish offers a delightful balance of spice, creaminess, and savory goodness, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal.

🧄 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Pinch of salt (if seasoning is low in sodium)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni, ziti, or your preferred pasta shape)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1½ tablespoons jerk seasoning

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock (low-sodium)

• 2 tablespoons white cooking wine (optional)

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mild cheddar (optional)

• Chopped scallions (green onions) for garnish

🔪 Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:
   In a bowl, toss the shrimp with jerk seasoning and a pinch of salt. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.

4. Make the Sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Add jerk seasoning, heavy cream, chicken or seafood stock, and white cooking wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Combine Pasta and Shrimp:
   Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar (if using) until melted and the sauce is creamy.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.

📊 Nutritional Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 622 kcal

• Total Fat: 35 g

• Saturated Fat: 20 g

• Cholesterol: 225 mg

• Sodium: 1,200 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Dietary Fiber: 3 g

• Sugars: 6 g

• Protein: 30 g