Spice up your dinner table with this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta, a dish bursting with vibrant Caribbean flavors! Combining tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy jerk-infused sauce, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of spice and comfort. With colorful bell peppers and a cheesy richness, it’s a versatile meal that satisfies any craving. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a winner. Plus, it offers dairy-free and vegan options for everyone to enjoy!
PrintCreamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Spice up your dinner table with this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta! 🦐✨ A fusion of creamy pasta, juicy shrimp, and bold Caribbean spices, this dish is packed with vibrant flavors and a touch of heat. 🌶️🍝 Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a tropical twist at home. Every bite is a flavor vacation! 😍💛 #RastaPastaLove #JamaicanFlavors #ShrimpDelight #CaribbeanCuisine #SpiceAndCream #PastaNight #FoodieFusion #ComfortFoodVibes #BoldAndCreamy #DinnerGoals 🦐🌶️🍝
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 lbs. jumbo or colossal shrimp – wild-caught, deveined
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For the Rasta Pasta:
- 1 (16 oz.) package rigatoni pasta (or your favorite short-cut pasta; see Notes for GF options)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (use an array of colors for brightness)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (organic, if preferred)
- 1–2 tbsp jerk seasoning (adjust for desired spice level)
- 2 cups heavy cream (organic)
- 1 cup chicken or seafood stock (low-sodium; or vegetable stock)
- 2 tbsp white cooking wine
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped scallions (green onions)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to the package instructions. For rigatoni, aim for 6–8 minutes to achieve an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Sauté the Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once butter is melted, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until pink and fully cooked. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in jerk seasoning and flour, ensuring it blends smoothly.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stock, and white cooking wine. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Add thyme sprigs.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan and mild cheddar (if using) until melted and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove thyme sprigs.
5. Serve
- Plate the Rasta Pasta and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Bold Spice: The jerk seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Parmesan and cheddar (optional) provide a rich, velvety texture.
- Vibrant Colors: Bell peppers bring a rainbow of color and a slight sweetness.
- Juicy Shrimp: Perfectly seasoned and sautéed shrimp enhance the dish’s protein-packed appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 2 lbs. jumbo or colossal shrimp – wild-caught, deveined
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For the Rasta Pasta:
- 1 (16 oz.) package rigatoni pasta (or your favorite short-cut pasta; see Notes for GF options)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped bell peppers (use an array of colors for brightness)
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (organic, if preferred)
- 1–2 tbsp jerk seasoning (adjust for desired spice level)
- 2 cups heavy cream (organic)
- 1 cup chicken or seafood stock (low-sodium; or vegetable stock)
- 2 tbsp white cooking wine
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped scallions (green onions)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to the package instructions. For rigatoni, aim for 6–8 minutes to achieve an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Sauté the Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once butter is melted, sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until pink and fully cooked. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in jerk seasoning and flour, ensuring it blends smoothly.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stock, and white cooking wine. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Add thyme sprigs.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan and mild cheddar (if using) until melted and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Shrimp
- Add cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove thyme sprigs.
5. Serve
- Plate the Rasta Pasta and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately.
Flavor and Texture Notes
- Bold Spice: The jerk seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that balances beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Parmesan and cheddar (optional) provide a rich, velvety texture.
- Vibrant Colors: Bell peppers bring a rainbow of color and a slight sweetness.
- Juicy Shrimp: Perfectly seasoned and sautéed shrimp enhance the dish’s protein-packed appeal.
Tips & Tricks
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or stock to refresh the sauce.
Adjusting Spices
- If the spice is too bold, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning. For extra heat, sprinkle in cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Customizing Pasta
- Use short pastas like penne, orecchiette, or paccheri for an easy-to-coat dish. Long pastas like fettuccine or tagliatelle can also work but require gentle tossing.
Meatless Option
- Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free Version
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Add a tropical drink like mango lemonade or a classic piña colada to elevate the Caribbean vibes.
Conclusion
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a delightful fusion of comfort and spice. This quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a taste of the islands. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or adapt it with dairy-free and vegan options, this pasta promises to be a hit with everyone at the table. Get ready to savor every creamy, spicy, and flavorful bite! 🌶️🍤