Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe: A Tropical Delight

Jamaican rasta pasta weaves magic through a vibrant seafood symphony that dances across your plate with bold, spirited flavors.

Colorful bell peppers and succulent shrimp create a tropical melody in every delightful bite.

Caribbean spices whisper stories of island kitchens and sun-drenched coastlines.

Tender pasta strands wrap around plump shrimp, delivering a creamy embrace of zesty goodness.

Each forkful promises an adventure that transports you beyond ordinary meal expectations.

Peppers, scallions, and secret seasonings collaborate in a culinary performance that celebrates jamaican cooking traditions.

You will want to savor every single spectacular mouthful of this Caribbean-inspired masterpiece.

Why Rasta Pasta Has the Best Creamy Kick

• Quick Caribbean Flavor Burst: Dive into a spicy, creamy pasta that brings the vibrant taste of Jamaica right to your dining table with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort: Perfect for mixing and matching protein options like chicken or adding extra veggies, making this recipe super adaptable for different preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single pan technique that reduces cleanup time and simplifies the entire meal preparation from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated but comes together surprisingly fast and easily.

What’s Inside Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

• Pasta: A key component that forms the base of this creamy Jamaican-inspired dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides protein and a delightful ocean flavor to the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and shrimp.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Parsley: A blend of spices that enhances the shrimp's natural flavor.
• Jerk Seasoning: Adds a signature Jamaican kick and warm, spicy notes to the dish.
• Thyme: Provides an aromatic herb essence typical in Caribbean cooking.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides fat for sautéing and adds depth to the cooking process.
• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic base for the sauce and shrimp.
• Bell Peppers: Contributes color, texture, and a subtle sweetness to the pasta.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the sauce.
• White Cooking Wine, Stock: Provides liquid and enhances the sauce's complexity.
• Scallions: Offers a fresh, mild onion garnish to finish the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Shrimp Rasta Pasta Dish

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain when pasta reaches al dente texture and set aside.

Step 2: Spice and Sear Shrimp

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Heat skillet with olive oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic.

Add seasoned shrimp and cook until they turn pink and develop golden edges. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Jamaican Sauce

In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté fresh garlic. Add colorful bell peppers and fresh thyme, cooking until vegetables soften.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken stock
• White cooking wine

Simmer sauce until it thickens and develops rich consistency.

Stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Fold cooked pasta and seared shrimp into the vibrant sauce.

Allow everything to meld together for 1-2 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs.

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your Caribbean-inspired feast.

Best Advice for Shrimp Rasta Pasta Success

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness in the final dish.
• Adjust jerk seasoning according to your heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually adding more for personalized flavor.
• Whisk cream slowly and steadily to prevent lumps and create a silky, consistent sauce.
• Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best taste and ensure they are not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
• Garnish with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-quality finish.

Styles of Shrimp Rasta Pasta You Can Try

• Spicy Caribbean Rasta Pasta: Replace jerk seasoning with scotch bonnet peppers for an extra fiery kick, adding intense heat and authentic Jamaican flavor.
• Coconut Lime Rasta Pasta: Incorporate coconut milk instead of heavy cream and add fresh lime zest for a tropical, tangy profile that enhances the seafood.
• Veggie-Loaded Rasta Pasta: Swap shrimp with roasted chickpeas or tofu, then add zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms for a plant-based, nutrient-rich version.
• Seafood Fusion Rasta Pasta: Mix shrimp with crab meat or scallops, creating a luxurious marine medley that elevates the protein complexity.

What Complements Creamy Shrimp Rasta Pasta Well

• Pair Zesty Caribbean Cocktails: Mix rum-based mojitos with fresh mint and lime to complement the pasta's spicy jerk flavors.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy sauce and cut through the dish's richness.
• Match Tropical Side Salads: Create a light mango and cucumber salad with cilantro and lime dressing to refresh the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Jamaican Beer: Serve Red Stripe or Dragon Stout to echo the Caribbean culinary profile and provide a smooth, malty counterpoint.

How to Store Shrimp Pasta the Right Way

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of cream or stock to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when steaming hot.

Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add extra cream or stock to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until warmed through, about 4-5 minutes. Avoid high heat to prevent sauce separation.

FAQs

• What makes jerk seasoning special in this recipe?

Jerk seasoning brings authentic Jamaican flavor with its unique blend of spices like allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme, adding a bold, spicy kick to the creamy pasta.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp with chicken, which works perfectly in this recipe and absorbs the creamy jerk sauce beautifully.

• How spicy is this Rasta Pasta?

The spice level depends on your jerk seasoning, but you can control heat by using mild jerk seasoning or adding less to suit your taste preferences.

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Jamaican Rasta Pasta weaves Caribbean magic with succulent shrimp dancing through a creamy, spice-kissed sauce. Pasta lovers will savor this bold fusion of cultural flavors that promises a culinary journey straight from Jamaica’s heart.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs jumbo shrimp, deveined
• 1 (16 oz) package rigatoni pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups bell peppers, chopped
• 1 cup chicken or seafood stock
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 12 tablespoons jerk seasoning
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons white cooking wine
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar
• Chopped scallions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in boiling salted water at 212°F, cooking for 7 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
2. Create a robust spice blend for shrimp using salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and parsley. Massage seasoning thoroughly into each piece.
3. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 90 seconds.
4. Introduce seasoned shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink color and develop slight caramelization. Transfer to a separate plate.
5. In the same skillet, infuse olive oil and briefly toast garlic. Add diced bell peppers and fresh thyme, allowing vegetables to soften for 4 minutes.
6. Incorporate jerk seasoning and a light dusting of flour. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, chicken stock, and white wine, creating a luxurious sauce.
7. Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Blend in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until smooth.
8. Reunite cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp with the creamy sauce, gently folding to ensure complete coverage. Allow to warm together for 2 minutes.
9. Discard thyme sprigs, garnish with freshly chopped scallions, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce, preventing mushy texture.
• Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
• Slowly whisk cream to prevent separation and create a smooth, velvety consistency that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free flour and pasta for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 563 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg