Easy Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, color, and just the right amount of spice, then look no further than this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta. This dish brings together the bold heat of Jamaican jerk seasoning and the comfort of a creamy, cheesy pasta, making it a perfect fusion of Caribbean and Italian flavors. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a gorgeous, flavorful meal, this dish has it all. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes! Let’s dive into the recipe, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This creamy shrimp pasta is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t have a ton of time to cook.
• Bold Caribbean Flavor: The jerk seasoning on the shrimp gives it that signature Jamaican kick, while the creamy sauce balances the heat with rich, cheesy goodness.
• Colorful and Festive: The vibrant bell peppers add beautiful colors to the dish, making it not just delicious but also visually appealing.
• Customizable: Don’t have shrimp? No problem! You can swap it for chicken, tofu, or even veggies to fit your preferences.
• Comfort Food with a Kick: This dish is hearty, comforting, and the perfect way to spice up your weeknight dinners.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This isn’t your typical pasta dish. The creamy sauce combines heavy cream with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a velvety texture that coats each bite. The shrimp, marinated in jerk seasoning, gives this dish an irresistible tropical vibe. The addition of colorful bell peppers and a hint of garlic rounds it all out, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Plus, the best part? You can customize the spice level to your taste. If you’re someone who likes a little heat, toss in some Scotch bonnet pepper or extra jerk seasoning. If you prefer something milder, just scale back on the seasoning. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (plus more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked, drain and set it aside.
2. Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss your shrimp with the jerk seasoning until they are evenly coated. You can always add more seasoning if you like extra spice!
3. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in your bell peppers and sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the garlic release its fragrance.
5. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together, and then add in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Combine: Now, add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and creamy.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so make sure you don’t leave them in the pan for too long. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, and we definitely want to avoid that!
• Adjust the Heat: The jerk seasoning can vary in spiciness, so taste your shrimp before adding more. If you want it hotter, you can add a little Scotch bonnet pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Choose Your Pasta: Penne and fettuccine work great with this dish, but feel free to swap with your favorite type of pasta. Rigatoni, rotini, or even linguine are all good choices!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Protein swap: If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, you can easily substitute it with chicken breast, tofu, or even seared scallops for a different protein.
• Vegan version: Use plant-based cream, dairy-free cheese, and your favorite plant-based protein to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Extra heat: Add some Scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce to ramp up the heat if you’re craving something spicy.
• Pasta choices: If you prefer another type of pasta, feel free to switch it up! Rigatoni, rotini, or linguine all work wonderfully with this creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

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• Pair it with a green salad: A fresh, simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette would perfectly balance the richness of the pasta.
• Fried plantains: The sweetness of fried plantains is the perfect side to this spicy pasta.
• Garlic bread: For a more comforting meal, serve the pasta with a slice of crispy garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Pairing Ideas

• Drinks: A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp, cold beer would complement the spices of the dish perfectly.
• Sides: A zesty coleslaw or a side of steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans would add a refreshing crunch to the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make-ahead: You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat everything and toss in the shrimp.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, freezing this dish isn’t ideal due to the cream-based sauce. The sauce can separate when thawed, which would affect the texture. It’s best served fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking shrimp: As mentioned earlier, shrimp cooks fast! Keep a close eye on them to avoid rubbery texture.
• Using too much jerk seasoning: Start with 2 tablespoons of seasoning and adjust as needed. Too much can overpower the dish and make it too spicy for some people.
• Skipping the salt in pasta water: Don’t forget to salt your pasta water! It’s the only chance you get to season the pasta itself, so don’t skip it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is Rasta Pasta?
  Rasta Pasta is a fusion dish that combines creamy pasta with the vibrant flavors of jerk seasoning and colorful vegetables. It’s often named after the red, green, and yellow colors associated with Rastafarian culture.
• Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
  Yes, store-bought jerk seasoning works great in this recipe! Just be sure to adjust the amount based on your desired spice level.
• How spicy is this dish?
  The dish is medium-spicy, thanks to the jerk seasoning. You can always adjust the spice level by adding more or less of the seasoning, or by incorporating hot sauce.
• What shrimp size works best?
  Large shrimp (16–20 count) work best for this recipe as they are meaty and cook quickly. They also hold up well to the creamy sauce.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, but it’s best to cook everything except for the shrimp. You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time and then sear the shrimp fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Pasta strainer
• Knife and cutting board
• Stirring spoon

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in something comforting yet exciting.