Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

Rasta Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the best of Caribbean spices with the comfort of creamy pasta. With its colorful bell peppers, tender shrimp, and rich sauce infused with jerk seasoning, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a unique and delicious meal, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta recipe is sure to be a hit.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning, ensuring that each shrimp is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside with the vegetables.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of jerk seasoning and the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta, Shrimp, and Vegetables

Add the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce, and the shrimp and vegetables are evenly distributed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the Rasta Pasta to serving bowls or a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

With a Side of Garlic Bread

Pair this creamy, spicy pasta with a side of garlic bread for a delicious contrast of textures. The crispy bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

With a Simple Green Salad

A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish, balancing the richness of the pasta with a refreshing bite.

Topped with Extra Parmesan Cheese

For an even cheesier experience, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan over each serving. The sharpness of the cheese adds a wonderful depth to the creamy sauce.

Tips for Making the Perfect Rasta Pasta

Adjust the Spice Level

Jerk seasoning can be quite spicy, so feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, start with one tablespoon of jerk seasoning and add more to taste.

Use Fresh Shrimp

For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp if possible. However, if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up as well in this dish.

Variations on Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Chicken Rasta Pasta

If you prefer chicken over shrimp, you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Slice the chicken into strips, season with jerk seasoning, and cook as directed for the shrimp.

Vegetarian Rasta Pasta

For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. You can also add a can of chickpeas or black beans for extra protein.

Extra Creamy Rasta Pasta

If you love a super creamy sauce, double the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This will create a richer, more indulgent pasta dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp and Vegetables

High in Protein

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s also low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health. They also add fiber and antioxidants to the dish.

Low in Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if you opt for a smaller portion of pasta or substitute it with a low-carb alternative like zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make Rasta Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce, shrimp, and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the pasta and toss everything together.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well with this sauce.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the labels on your jerk seasoning to ensure it’s also gluten-free.

Q5: What can I use if I don’t have jerk seasoning?
If you don’t have jerk seasoning, you can make a simple blend using allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spices to taste.

Conclusion

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a delightful fusion of Caribbean flavors and Italian comfort food. The combination of spicy jerk shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and rich, creamy sauce makes for a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen!

Yield: 4

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

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Rasta Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the best of Caribbean spices with the comfort of creamy pasta. With its colorful bell peppers, tender shrimp, and rich sauce infused with jerk seasoning, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you're looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a unique and delicious meal, this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta recipe is sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• SHRIMP:
• 2 lbs. wild-caught jumbo or colossal shrimp, deveined
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• RASTA PASTA:
• 1 (16 oz.) package organic rigatoni pasta (You can use your fave short-cut pasta; See Notes for GF option.)
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chopped bell peppers (You can use an array of colors for a brighter look)
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
• 1-2 Tbsps jerk seasoning, homemade or store-bought (Depending on how much jerk flavor you'd like.)
• 2 cups organic heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock, low-sodium (You can also use vegetable stock, if desired)
• 2 Tbsps white cooking wine
• 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded thick-cut mild cheddar (optional)
• GARNISH:
• Chopped scallions (aka green onions)

Instructions

BOIL THE PASTA:

1. To begin, cook pasta according to packaging. NOTE: rigatoni pasta doesn’t take a long time to cook, usually 8-10 minutes (however, you should cook at 6-8 minutes or so—‘al dente’).

SEASON + SAUTE THE SHRIMP:

1. In a bowl, add the freshly rinsed and patted dry shrimp along with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and parsley, mixing together to combine.
2. In a medium 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter until butter has melted. Add in the minced garlic to sauté frequently about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add in the shrimp and cook on both sides (about 3-4 minutes), until pink and cooked through. Set aside unto a plate.

TO MAKE THE SAUCE:

1. In a large (12-inch) skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped bell peppers, sautéing until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the jerk seasoning and flour, stirring everything together. Whisk in the heavy cream, stock, and white cooking wine until everything thickens and becomes smooth with no lumps visible. Add the thyme sprigs.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens more and the peppers become more tender. Stir in the grated parmesan and mild cheddar (if using) until it has melted and the sauce is even more creamy.
3. Add in the cooked pasta and shrimp and stir until everything is well coated. Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, discard the thyme sprigs, and serve immediately with a garnish of chopped scallions, if desired.
5. Bon Appetit!