Jerk Shrimp Pasta Bahama Breeze

Jerk Shrimp Pasta Bahama Breeze

How to Make Jerk Shrimp Pasta Inspired by Bahama Breeze A Spicy, Creamy Caribbean DelightIf you’re craving something bold, creamy, and just a bit spicy, jerk shrimp pasta inspired by Bahama Breeze might be your new go-to favorite. This tropical twist on a classic pasta dish combines the rich, smoky heat of Jamaican jerk seasoning with tender shrimp and a velvety cream sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings sunshine to your plate whether you’re cooking for a date night or a casual family dinner.

What Is Jerk Shrimp Pasta?

Jerk shrimp pasta is a fusion dish that blends Caribbean and Italian influences. The shrimp is seasoned with jerk spices typically including allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper and then sautéed until juicy and slightly charred. The pasta is tossed in a creamy sauce with hints of garlic, bell peppers, and a kick of heat. The result is a well-balanced dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Popularized by restaurants like Bahama Breeze, this dish has become a favorite for fans of bold flavors and seafood lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Bold flavor profile Spicy, creamy, and savory all in one bite.

  • Easy to prepare Cooks in under 30 minutes.

  • Versatile Works with different pasta types or proteins.

  • Perfect for any occasion Great for weeknights or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

To make jerk shrimp pasta that captures the essence of Bahama Breeze, you’ll need

For the jerk shrimp

  • Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

  • Olive oil or butter

  • Jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

  • Garlic (minced)

  • Lime juice

For the pasta and sauce

  • Fettuccine or penne pasta

  • Heavy cream

  • Parmesan cheese

  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

  • Onion (thinly sliced)

  • Garlic

  • Salt and black pepper

  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Making the Perfect Jerk Shrimp Pasta

Step 1 Season and Cook the Shrimp

Toss the shrimp in jerk seasoning and lime juice. Heat a skillet with oil or butter and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2 Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until soft and fragrant. This step adds both flavor and color to your dish.

Step 3 Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for added heat. Let it thicken slightly.

Step 4 Combine with Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and add it directly to the cream sauce. Toss to coat the noodles completely.

Step 5 Add the Shrimp

Return the jerk shrimp to the skillet and mix gently to combine with the pasta and sauce. Cook for another minute to let the flavors marry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the jerk shrimp pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lime juice. For a more complete meal, pair it with

  • A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices

  • A light tropical drink like mango iced tea or pineapple juice

This dish also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

Tips for the Best Jerk Shrimp Pasta

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.

  • Adjust spice levels by using mild jerk seasoning or fewer chili flakes.

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp they only need a few minutes.

  • Choose pasta that holds sauce well like fettuccine, linguine, or rotini.

Homemade Jerk Seasoning (Optional)

If you want to make your own jerk seasoning, combine the following in a small bowl

  • 1 tbsp allspice

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1 tsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

This mix gives you full control over the flavor and heat intensity.

Nutritional Benefits

While this is a rich and creamy pasta dish, there are still some nutritional perks

  • Shrimp is low in calories but high in protein, selenium, and B12.

  • Bell peppers add vitamin C and a pop of color.

  • Garlic and onions offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

  • Parsley and lime bring freshness and extra antioxidants.

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.

Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Here are some tasty variations

  • Jerk Chicken Pasta Swap shrimp for grilled jerk-seasoned chicken.

  • Vegetarian Jerk Pasta Use sautéed mushrooms or tofu in place of shrimp.

  • Spicy Jerk Alfredo Add extra cheese for a thicker, creamier sauce.

  • Gluten-Free Option Use gluten-free pasta and double-check all seasoning labels.

Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

Jerk shrimp pasta hits all the right notes it’s spicy without being overwhelming, creamy but not heavy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but special enough to serve at a party.

Whether you’re a fan of Bahama Breeze or just love discovering new fusion dishes, this recipe brings a vacation vibe to your kitchen.

Conclusion A Taste of the Islands at Home

Jerk shrimp pasta inspired by Bahama Breeze is the perfect dish when you’re in the mood for something different. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home without much effort. It’s a celebration of Caribbean spice, creamy pasta, and juicy shrimp all on one plate.

Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

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