Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine

Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a single dish can transport your taste buds to the tropical shores of Jamaica? With its tantalizing flavors and rich cultural history, Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine does just that. This fusion of tender shrimp marinated in spicy jerk seasoning and creamy pasta is not just a meal—it’s an experience. By combining spicy and savory elements, this dish is sure to challenge your preconceived notions about pasta recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, let’s dive into this delicious world of flavors!

Ingredients List

To create your own Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine, you will need the following ingredients:

• Fettuccine Pasta – 8 oz (Can substitute with whole grain or gluten-free pasta)
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – 1 lb (Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor)
• Jerk Seasoning – 2-3 tbsp (You can buy pre-made or make your own)
• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp (Avocado oil works as a great substitute)
• Garlic – 4 cloves (minced, adds aromatic depth)
• Heavy Cream – 1 cup (Coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version)
• Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup (Optional; for a vegan alternative, use nutritional yeast)
• Green Onions – 2 stalks (sliced)
• Bell Peppers – 1 cup (diced; choose colorful varieties for visual appeal)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Timing

Preparation for this Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine will take about 15 minutes, and cooking will take approximately 20 minutes, leading to a total time of 35 minutes. Interestingly, this is approximately 30% quicker than many classic pasta dishes that can take up to an hour!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, coat the shrimp with jerk seasoning and olive oil. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. This flavorful marinade is crucial as it sets the stage for the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining; it will be helpful for the sauce later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, bell peppers, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender. The colors and aromas will keep you excited for the next step!

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. This step will fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma!

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until reaching your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Combine

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy jerk sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your culinary journey to Jamaica!

Nutritional Information

This serving of Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine offers a balanced meal with:

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g (with healthy fats from olive oil)
• Fiber: 3g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Substitute fettuccine with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
• Instead of heavy cream, try using a blend of cashew cream and coconut milk to cut down on saturated fats.
• Increase fiber content by adding spinach or kale sautéed along with the bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine with a refreshing side salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. For a tropical touch, serve with a slice of pineapple or mango on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Frozen Shrimp: Always go for fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
2. Overcooking Pasta: Aim for al dente texture; it continues cooking in the sauce.
3. Neglecting to Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is a game-changer for sauce consistency.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess. For meal prep, you can marinate the shrimp a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

Creating an unforgettable Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. The combination of the spicy, creamy sauce with the shrimp and pasta offers an explosion of flavor that will impress family and friends alike. We invite you to give this recipe a try, share your experiences in the comments, and explore many other flavorful dishes on our blog.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Chicken is a great substitute. Just ensure it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and add additional vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free fettuccine or other alternatives like quinoa or chickpea pasta.

Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The spice level depends on the jerk seasoning used. Adjust the amount to meet your taste preference.

Jerk Shrimp Fettuccine

A delicious fusion of spicy jerk shrimp and creamy fettuccine, transporting your taste buds to Jamaica with every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Fusion, Jamaican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz Fettuccine Pasta Can substitute with whole grain or gluten-free pasta

Shrimp & Seasoning

• 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined) Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor
• 2-3 tbsp Jerk Seasoning You can buy pre-made or make your own
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil Avocado oil works as a great substitute
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Adds aromatic depth

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Optional; for a vegan alternative, use nutritional yeast
• 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced) For garnish
• 1 cup Bell Peppers (diced) Choose colorful varieties for visual appeal
• to taste Salt and Pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a medium bowl, coat the shrimp with jerk seasoning and olive oil. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, bell peppers, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender.

Cooking

• Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes until pink and opaque.
• Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water until reaching desired sauce consistency.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
• Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy jerk sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

• Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute fettuccine with spiralized zucchini or use cashew cream and coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keyword Creamy Pasta, Fettuccine, Jerk Shrimp, Quick Dinner, Tropical Dish

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest