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At the heart of Jamaican cooking lies a rich tapestry of influences, including indigenous Taíno traditions, African heritage, and European colonialism. These diverse elements come together to create a cuisine that is as colorful and vibrant as the island itself. One of the defining elements of Jamaican food is its use of spices, particularly jerk seasoning.

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta: A Creamy Delight

Indulge in the flavors of Jamaica with this creamy shrimp pasta recipe! Featuring tender fettuccine, succulent shrimp, and colorful peppers, this dish is a delightful blend of spices including Jamaican jerk seasoning and smoked paprika. The rich sauce combines coconut milk and heavy cream, making it irresistibly creamy. Perfect for dinner and easy to make in just 30 minutes, don’t forget to finish it off with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 tsp Jamaican jerk seasoning

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lime

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Add the Peppers and Shrimp: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Raise the heat to medium-high, add the shrimp, jerk seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

        Create the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in the creamy shrimp sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.

            Serve and Garnish: Plate the shrimp pasta and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro. Enjoy with a wedge of lime for an extra citrusy kick!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | 4 servings