Jerk Shrimp Pasta Flavor

This jerk shrimp pasta brings a burst of Caribbean flavor to your table with vibrant jerk-seasoned shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy, cheesy sauce hugging gluten-free fusilli. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that wakes up busy weeknights or adds excitement to a dinner party. The blend of parmesan and mozzarella enriches every bite, creating a rich, comforting dish that always impresses.

This was my go-to dish when I wanted something both quick and special. The first time I made it, my family was hooked, and now it’s a recipe I reach for anytime I want a little Caribbean sunshine on a plate.

Ingredients

• Gluten-free fusilli: holds sauce well while keeping it gluten-free for sensitive eaters look for quality brands with good texture
• Jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined: the star protein that takes on the jerk seasoning beautifully fresh or frozen can work just thaw properly
• Orange and green bell peppers sliced: add crunch and color with a sweet contrast to the spice
• Heavy cream: creates a luscious sauce that softens the heat from the spices
• Chicken broth: adds depth and keeps the sauce light instead of too heavy
• Parmesan cheese: sharp and nutty it adds complexity and richness fresh grated is best
• Mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly for a creamy finish
• Jerk seasoning: a blend of warming spices and heat if possible choose an authentic Jamaican brand for the best flavor
• Roasted garlic powder: enhances the savory notes
• Hungarian paprika: brings smoky warmth to balance the heat
• Thyme: classic herb for Caribbean dishes adding earthiness
• OliveNation red bell pepper seasoning and ginger powder: subtle heat and spice layers
• Salt: essential for balancing all the flavors
• Olive oil: for sautéing and bringing everything together with richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Shrimp:

In a bowl, toss the jumbo shrimp with jerk seasoning, garlic powder, and Hungarian paprika until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and firm. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. This quick sear locks in the flavor and ensures juicy shrimp.

Sauté the Bell Peppers:

Add a little more olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced orange and green bell peppers and sauté over medium heat. Cook until the peppers become slightly translucent but still retain some crunch. This step adds sweetness and texture to complement the spicy shrimp.

Build the Creamy Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add jerk seasoning, paprika, thyme, red bell pepper seasoning, ginger powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer to meld the spices, about a minute or two.

Melt in the Cheeses:

Add the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. This step is key for the rich, cheesy finish that balances the dish.

Combine and Serve:

Simmer the sauce for about five minutes to thicken slightly. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp evenly with the sauce. Serve hot for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Save

The jerk seasoning is my favorite ingredient because it delivers warmth and complex spice in every bite without overwhelming the other flavors. I remember the first time I made this for friends, and they kept reaching for extra servings because the spicy-sweet combo was just irresistible.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the creamy sauce smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the gluten-free fusilli for regular pasta if gluten is not a concern. Shrimp can be replaced with scallops or chicken breasts cut into strips for variation. If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk can add a different but delicious dimension to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta with a simple green salad and a squeeze of lime on the side to brighten the richness. A crisp Caribbean white wine or a light lager complements the spices perfectly and keeps the meal feeling balanced.

Cultural Context

Jerk seasoning is an iconic Jamaican blend traditionally used for grilling meats with a fiery and aromatic profile. This dish brings that vibrant Caribbean cooking style into a creamy pasta format, making it accessible and fun for cooks who love bold flavors with a twist.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best with spicy shrimp dishes?

Short, ridged pasta like fusilli holds creamy sauces well, making it an excellent pairing for spicy shrimp and rich, cheesy blends.

→ How do you ensure shrimp stays tender when cooking?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink, avoiding overcooking that can cause toughness.

→ Can bell peppers be substituted or omitted?

While bell peppers add sweetness and texture, other mild vegetables like zucchini or snap peas can be used, or omitted depending on preference.

→ What gives jerk shrimp its distinctive flavor?

A blend of spices including paprika, thyme, roasted garlic, and red pepper seasoning creates the bold, aromatic jerk profile that coats the shrimp.

→ How is the creamy sauce made for this dish?

The sauce combines heavy cream, chicken broth, and melted parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, simmered with spices to achieve a smooth, rich texture.