Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy sauce infused with Jamaican spices. The creamy sauce, made with coconut milk, perfectly complements the heat of scotch bonnet peppers and the earthy flavors of allspice. This dish is a delicious fusion of Caribbean and Italian flavors, making it an exciting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
12 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of allspice. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic, ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet peppers, and cook for another minute.
Stir in the ground allspice, cinnamon, soy sauce, brown sugar, coconut milk, and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Combine the Pasta and Shrimp:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 4):
Calories: 470 kcal
Total Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Cholesterol: 180 mg
Sodium: 670 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 8 g
Protein: 32 g