Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta and Protein

01 - 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
02 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Aromatics and Vegetables

03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)

→ Sauce

07 - 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
08 - 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

11 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
12 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Get a large pot of water boiling and throw in a good pinch of salt. Add your pasta and cook it until it's al dente - check the package for timing, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water (trust me, it comes in handy). Then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta's cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it's soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, and cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Crank up the heat to medium-high and add those beautiful shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and that flavor-packed Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for just 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque - be careful not to overcook them or they'll get rubbery!
04 - Pour in the coconut milk and fresh lime juice, giving everything a good stir to combine. Let it all simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing those flavors to mingle and get to know each other. If your sauce looks a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like.
05 - Add your drained pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy shrimp mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that luscious sauce. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed - maybe a bit more salt, pepper, or even an extra dash of jerk seasoning.
06 - Dish up your creamy Jamaican shrimp pasta while it's still hot. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over top. The fresh lime juice adds the perfect finishing touch!

# Notes:

01 - For an extra creamy version, try stirring in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone into the sauce.
02 - Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
03 - The heat level can be adjusted by using more or less Jamaican jerk seasoning according to your preference.