Jamaican shrimp rasta pasta

This Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta brings together bold Caribbean flavors and creamy comfort in one vibrant dish. The combination of spicy jerk shrimp with colorful peppers and a rich, cheesy sauce makes it a lively meal perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with a tropical twist.

I love this recipe because it was the first time I experimented with jerk seasoning beyond chicken. The shrimp marinated in that spicy sauce gave the dish a kick my whole family enjoyed. It quickly became a favorite request for dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: the star protein look for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for best texture
• Penne pasta: holds onto the sauce nicely due to its tube shape
• Jerk sauce: brings authentic Jamaican spice and complexity choose a good quality brand or homemade if possible
• Adobo seasoning: enhances savory notes and adds a subtle smoky flavor
• Crushed garlic cloves: fresh garlic ensures aromatic depth
• Garlic seasoning and onion powder: boost background flavor without overpowering
• Paprika: adds mild sweetness and a hint of color smoked variety works wonderfully
• Yellow, red, and green capsicum peppers: these add vibrant color and a fresh bite
• Green onions: offer a mild onion flavor and freshness when sautéed
• Heavy cream: creates a luscious sauce that balances the spice and veggies
• Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses: a combo that melts beautifully for creaminess and a rich, layered taste
• Oil for cooking: a neutral oil like vegetable or canola will work well without overpowering

Instructions

Sauté the Shrimp:

Combine the cleaned shrimp with jerk sauce and adobo seasoning in a bowl, mixing well. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the shrimp absorb the flavors.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if needed.

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat a small amount of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a light golden sear. Remove the shrimp from the pan and keep them aside.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pan with the shrimp juices, add crushed garlic, chopped yellow, red, and green capsicum peppers, and sliced green onions. Sauté everything for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the vegetables soften slightly without losing their crunch.

Make the Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Add adobo seasoning, jerk sauce, paprika, onion powder, and garlic seasoning. Stir to combine and let cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.

Melt the Cheese:

Lower the heat and add mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously to help all the cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.

Combine and Simmer:

Return the cooked pasta and sautéed shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together well so the pasta and shrimp get coated in the rich sauce. Allow the dish to simmer on low heat for a few minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Many friends and family who tasted this dish told me they couldn’t believe how juicy and flavorful the shrimp turned out with the creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a perfect recipe when you want to impress without hours in the kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore the sauce’s silky texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find jerk sauce, a mix of cayenne pepper, thyme, allspice, and garlic powder makes a decent homemade alternative. You can swap penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for a different bite experience. Heavy cream can be replaced with half and half or coconut milk if you want a lighter or dairy-free version, though this changes the richness significantly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasta with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to add a fresh contrast. A side of toasted garlic bread complements the creamy sauce perfectly. For an added touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

This dish combines Caribbean heat with creamy pasta comfort, making it unforgettable for any occasion.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do you prepare the shrimp for cooking?

Marinate shrimp with jerk sauce and adobo seasoning, then cook over medium-high heat until opaque and lightly browned on both sides.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and complements the shrimp texture.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?

Yes, modify the amount of jerk sauce and adobo seasoning according to your heat preference.

→ How is the creamy sauce made rich and flavorful?

Heavy cream is combined with garlic, paprika, onion powder, jerk sauce, and melted mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheeses for depth and smoothness.

→ What vegetables add texture to the pasta?

Chopped yellow, red, and green capsicum peppers along with sliced green onions provide vibrant color and a slight crunch.