Name: Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Jamaican-Inspired Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 green onions, sliced; Fresh parsley for garnish; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re craving a vibrant dinner that brings big flavor and Caribbean vibes to your table in just 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat with Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta! This zingy, color-packed dish features tender shrimp tossed in spicy jerk seasoning, nestled with bell peppers in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. Every forkful bursts with bold flavors and feels like a vacation on a plate. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or just spoil yourself, Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta always delivers a delicious punch you’ll dream about long after the last bite.

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is how these simple ingredients combine to create layers of flavor, color, and irresistible creaminess. Each item plays a special role, bringing out the best in this dreamy Caribbean-inspired pasta!

Large Shrimp (1 pound): Plump, juicy shrimp become gorgeously tender and take on all those jerk flavors beautifully.
Jerk Seasoning (1 tablespoon): This is where the signature smoky-spicy flavor comes in; use your favorite blend or make your own for an extra kick!
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Helps sauté the shrimp and veggies, giving everything a lovely richness and sheen.
Bell Peppers – Red, Yellow, Green (3, sliced): These colorful beauties add crunch, sweetness, and that classic “rasta” look to the dish.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For fragrance and savory depth that builds the creamy sauce’s flavor foundation.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): This is where the luscious, silky texture comes from – pure comfort!
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1/2 cup): Adds body and savory notes, helping create the perfect sauce consistency.
Parmesan Cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Melts right in, thickening the sauce and adding a gentle nuttiness.
Penne Pasta (12 ounces): The classic choice for Rasta Pasta, its tubes catch all that sauce so every bite is loaded with flavor.
Green Onions, sliced: For freshness and a subtle zing sprinkled on at the end.
Fresh Parsley, for garnish: To brighten everything up with a burst of herbal green.
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors just right.

How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your penne and cook until it’s perfectly al dente (check the package for timing!). Right before you drain, scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water and set it aside – this will save your sauce if you need to loosen it later. Drain the rest of the pasta and get ready for the flavor to begin!

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

While the pasta boils, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with the jerk seasoning until they’re thoroughly coated. Whether you use homemade or store-bought seasoning, make sure every shrimp is covered for maximum Caribbean flavor in every bite!

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, lay in the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque (don’t overcook!). Scoop them out onto a plate and set aside while you whip up the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Bell Peppers and Garlic

In the same skillet, add your remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in those beautifully sliced bell peppers. Let them sizzle and soften for 3–4 minutes — you want them still a bit crisp for texture. After that, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just 30 seconds until fragrant. The kitchen should be smelling amazing by now!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in your heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stir gently, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in your grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This is the moment Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta becomes outrageously luscious!

Step 6: Toss it All Together

Add your cooked shrimp back to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together, making sure the sauce coats every single piece. If the sauce looks a little thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your perfect creaminess. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed — that final touch makes the flavors come alive!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Heap your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta into bowls, then shower with fresh green onions and parsley to brighten things up. Dig in while it’s hot and creamy!

How to Serve Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Garnishes

For a classic finish, sprinkle chopped green onions and parsley over the top just before serving. If you want an extra kick, a scattering of thinly sliced Scotch bonnet peppers adds fantastic heat and color. A drizzle of lime juice brings a gentle tang that ties all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is deliciously satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try serving it alongside warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or some sweet fried plantains for a real island-style feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your plating! Serve your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta in a wide bowl piled high, or try a family-style platter for a festive dinner. For gatherings, portion the pasta into individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch — it’s perfect for showing off those vibrant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors have a chance to deepen, making next-day scoops just as tasty!

Freezing

While you can freeze the leftovers, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use an airtight container and eat within one month for the best flavor.

Reheating

For a gentle reheat, place your leftover pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, then warm over low heat, stirring steadily until hot and saucy. This keeps everything silky and prevents the shrimp from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is the tradition, feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or even linguine. Just choose a shape that holds onto the sauce for messy, delicious bites.

How spicy is Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta?

The spice level depends on your jerk seasoning and any added peppers. Start mild if you’re sensitive, or toss in extra jerk or a Scotch bonnet for those who like it fiery!

Can I make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a wonderful, tropical twist that’s completely dairy-free.

What proteins work instead of shrimp?

Chicken strips, tofu cubes, or even sautéed mushrooms work well for a spin on the classic, soaking up all those bold flavors from the creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Keep a close eye and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque — overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so quick-cooking is key!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as colorful and exciting as it is comforting and creamy, you truly can’t go wrong with Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta. This dish has a way of bringing friends and family to the table smiling, and once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to favorite! Give it a try — you just might find a new signature dish for your own kitchen.

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean with this creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta recipe. A fusion of jerk-seasoned shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with penne pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces penne pasta
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh parsley for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Prepare the Shrimp: Season shrimp with jerk seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
Sauté the Peppers: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Create the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Garnish: Return shrimp to the skillet along with cooked pasta, tossing to coat; add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.