This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish! It features juicy shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich, creamy sauce filled with vibrant bell peppers.
What I love most is how the flavors dance together—it’s like a party on my plate! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can enjoy a little taste of Jamaica any night of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rigatoni for its ridges that hold the sauce nicely. Penne is a good alternative. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, chickpea or lentil pasta works well, too.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for this dish, but feel free to use other seafood like scallops or even chicken if you prefer! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Jerk Seasoning: Jamaican jerk seasoning adds a wonderful kick! If you can’t find it, you can mix your own with spices like allspice, thyme, and pepper, or use store-bought Cajun seasoning for a different flavor.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but coconut cream is a delicious dairy-free option. You could also use half-and-half to reduce the calories a bit.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness, but if you’re not a fan, you can substitute with parsley or green onions for a milder flavor.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Just Right?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key for this dish. Here’s my trick: Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear. Only cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery!
- Ensure your shrimp are not overcrowded in the pan to get an even sear.
- Try not to move them around too much while cooking; let them sit to develop a bit of color.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without It Curdling?
The sauce can be tricky, but here are a few tips. First, make sure to simmer the cream gently after adding it. High heat can cause cream to separate, leading to a grainy texture.
- Always add the cream gradually, stirring continuously.
- If using cheese, add it little by little, letting it melt into the sauce completely before adding more.
Enjoy making this dish and savor those delicious flavors!
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
For the Vegetables:
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (mix of red, yellow, and green)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or seafood stock
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lime
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking, then just toss everything together and enjoy a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the Jamaican jerk seasoning. Make sure they’re well coated for that kick of flavor!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are slightly charred. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sliced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add in those vibrant bell peppers and diced tomatoes! Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften, adding a lovely color and flavor.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring it all together. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Enhance the Sauce:
If you’re using it, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point. It adds a creamy richness! Taste the sauce and season it with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
8. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and shrimp are well coated with the creamy sauce.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and fold in the chopped cilantro. Don’t forget to squeeze the juice of half a lime over the dish for brightness!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is ready! Serve it immediately, garnished with extra cilantro or parsley if you like. Dive in and enjoy the delicious flavors!
This dish is not just quick to prepare but also bursts with vibrant island-inspired taste that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Feel free to swap out the bell peppers and tomatoes for your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, spinach, or even a handful of mushrooms would work beautifully in this dish.
What If I Want a Spicier Dish?
If you love heat, you can add more Jamaican jerk seasoning or toss in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes while cooking. Just adjust to your preferred spice level!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
