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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning with tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy one-pan meal bursts with tropical flavors, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or any occasion that calls for a comforting yet exciting twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or any short pasta

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking your pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Season and Cook the Shrimp: In a hot pan with olive oil, toss shrimp with jerk seasoning and sauté until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Then add diced bell peppers and sauté until tender but still crisp, locking in their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and some lime juice to create a rich, tangy sauce.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the pan. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
  6. Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, and give one last gentle toss before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Shrimp cooks quickly, so remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubberiness.
  • Reserving pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Adjust jerk seasoning and peppers based on your spice tolerance for a perfect kick.
  • Fresh herbs lift the dish with fresh, aromatic notes, enhancing complexity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jamaican shrimp pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, jerk seasoning pasta, Rasta pasta, Caribbean pasta recipe, spicy shrimp pasta, quick shrimp dinner