Description
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines al dente penne pasta with jerk-seasoned shrimp and colorful bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This Caribbean-inspired recipe delivers a spicy, savory, and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Shrimp
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning, plus more to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
- Season and Cook the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning until evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra jerk seasoning or salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Jamaican shrimp rasta pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or scallions for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For an extra spicy kick, increase the amount of jerk seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute chicken breast for shrimp if preferred, cooking thoroughly before adding to the pasta.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace shrimp with mushrooms and omit meat.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro can be used as an alternative garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
