Description
Take your taste buds on a Caribbean adventure with Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta. This vibrant dish combines jerk-seasoned shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. It’s a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and bold flavor—ideal for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, yellow), thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
For garnish:
-
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with jerk seasoning until well-coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté the bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. - Prepare the Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in the cream cheese until fully incorporated. Add paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and black pepper to taste. - Combine Everything:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is well-coated in the cream sauce. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and mix gently to combine. - Serve:
Transfer the Rasta Pasta to serving bowls or a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the jerk seasoning and cayenne pepper.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Caribbean