Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a vibrant dish bursting with Caribbean-inspired flavors. This colorful recipe combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, spiced sauce, making it the perfect balance of heat and richness.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is quick enough for lunch or a satisfying dinner. The blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses creates a creamy, indulgent texture that’s complemented by the bold flavors of jerk sauce and paprika.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy seafood or simply craving something new, this dish will transport your taste buds to the tropics. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen!
Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta – Ingredients
This vibrant dish relies on the bold flavors of jerk sauce and adobo seasoning to infuse the shrimp with spicy, smoky depth. The colorful peppers—red, yellow, and green—add both sweetness and crunch, while green onions bring a fresh, herbal note.
The creamy base of heavy cream transforms the sauce into a luscious coating for the pasta, enriched with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar, creating a smooth, cheesy finish. The pasta soaks up all these flavors, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines the bold, spicy kick of jerk seasoning with the rich creaminess of a cheesy pasta. This dish features succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a luxurious sauce made from heavy cream and three types of cheese. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s both quick and satisfying, bringing the best of Caribbean cuisine to your table in under 30 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The jerk sauce brings a heat that can vary depending on the brand or recipe used. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jerk sauce or use a mild version. You can also balance the heat by adding a touch of honey or sugar to the sauce if needed.
- Creamy Sauce Consistency: If your sauce thickens too quickly or becomes too thick, simply add a splash of pasta water or more heavy cream to loosen it. The starchy pasta water is particularly helpful in keeping the sauce smooth and helping it adhere better to the pasta.
- Perfecting the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so make sure not to overcook it to avoid a rubbery texture. Sauté the shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to achieve the best texture.
What to Serve with Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
- Crispy Garlic Bread: A side of crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta. The crunch and garlic flavor balance out the creamy, spicy sauce, providing a perfect contrast. Serve it warm to soak up any extra sauce left on the plate.
- Crisp Garden Salad: A refreshing green salad with a zesty vinaigrette offers a light contrast to the bold, creamy pasta. Fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens will add texture and a burst of freshness to the meal.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: To bring a touch of sweetness to the dish, serve a tropical fruit salad on the side. A mix of mango, pineapple, and papaya will enhance the Caribbean flavors, offering a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the heat of the jerk seasoning.
FAQ
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. Soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes or allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
2. Is there a substitute for jerk sauce?
If you can’t find jerk sauce, you can make your own by combining allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and scotch bonnet peppers. Alternatively, use a store-bought Caribbean spice blend mixed with a bit of hot sauce for a similar effect.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Simply store the components separately in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to assemble the pasta.
4. What pasta can I use instead of penne?
If you don’t have penne pasta, you can easily substitute it with other pasta types such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Choose a shape that holds sauce well to fully enjoy the creamy Rasta sauce.
Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Ingredients
- Large shrimp cleaned and deveined
- Jerk sauce
- Adobo seasoning
- Penne pasta
- Garlic cloves crushed
- Yellow capsicum pepper
- Red capsicum pepper
- Green capsicum pepper
- Heavy cream
- Garlic seasoning
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Spring onions green onions
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Oil
Instructions
- Begin by marinating the shrimp with jerk sauce and a small amount of adobo seasoning. Allow the shrimp to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 10 minutes while you prepare the pasta.
- In a separate saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, until tender. Drain and set aside to incorporate into the sauce later.
- Heat oil in a pan and add the shrimp, cooking them on each side for 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Using the same pan, add chopped garlic, bell peppers, and spring onions. Retain any juices from the shrimp in the pan to maximize flavor. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the adobo seasoning, jerk sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses until melted and well combined.
- Finally, add the cooked penne pasta and shrimp to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low for a few more minutes before serving.
