Oh, now we’re talking—Steak and Shrimp Jerk Pasta is a fusion dish that’s smoky, spicy, and rich with pasta comfort vibes. Here’s a clear way to make it at home. 🍤🥩🍝
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
Protein:
- 1 ribeye or sirloin steak (8 oz), thinly sliced
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Jerk Marinade/Seasoning:
- 2 tsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for extra Caribbean flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced thin (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate the proteins
- Toss shrimp with 1 tsp jerk seasoning, 1/2 tsp olive oil, and garlic.
- Toss steak slices with the remaining jerk seasoning and oil.
- Let sit 15–20 minutes while prepping pasta.
2. Cook pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the steak and shrimp
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
- Sear steak slices 2–3 min per side until medium-rare; remove and rest.
- In the same skillet, cook shrimp 2–3 min per side until pink and opaque; remove.
4. Make the sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper (if using) until soft.
- Add butter, then cream. Stir in Parmesan and a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine
- Toss pasta with the sauce, then gently fold in steak and shrimp.
- Heat together 1–2 min to coat everything in sauce.
6. Serve
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and an extra sprinkle of jerk seasoning if you like it spicy.
💡 Tips for flavor balance
- Use smoky paprika or a dash of cayenne if you like extra heat.
- Let steak rest before slicing to keep it tender.
- For a Caribbean twist, swap heavy cream for coconut milk—adds sweetness that pairs perfectly with jerk spice.
If you want, I can give a shortcut 20-minute version where you cook shrimp, steak, and pasta together without losing flavor—great for a weeknight meal.
Do you want me to do that?