Jamaican Shrimp Pasta: The Ultimate Rasta Pasta Recipe

Name: Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cup large shrimp; 4 tablespoon jerk sauce; 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning; 12 ounce penne pasta; 2 clove garlic; 0.5 unit yellow capsicum pepper; 0.5 unit red capsicum pepper; 0.5 unit green capsicum pepper; 3 cup heavy cream; 0.25 teaspoon garlic seasoning; 0.25 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoon paprika; 3 unit green onions; 0.5 cup parmesan cheese; 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon oil

Introduction to Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that fuses the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with the comfort of Italian cuisine. This creamy pasta is packed with large shrimp marinated in jerk sauce, combined with colorful bell peppers, and smothered in a rich cheese sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any day you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

A Personal Story Behind My Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Journey

I remember the first time I had Jamaican Shrimp Pasta at a local Caribbean restaurant. The combination of spices and creamy sauce was unlike anything I had tasted before. I was inspired to recreate this dish at home, adding my own twist to it. Cooking it became a way for me to share a piece of my culinary adventures with friends and family, and it has since become a staple in my home kitchen.

What Makes This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because of its unique blend of flavors and textures. The jerk sauce provides a spicy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of the heavy cream and cheeses. The vibrant colors from the bell peppers not only enhance the dish visually but also add a variety of nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up even on a busy weeknight!

The Full Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups (400g) large shrimp
4 tablespoons jerk sauce
1-2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
12 oz (350g) penne pasta
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 yellow capsicum pepper, chopped
1/2 red capsicum pepper, chopped
1/2 green capsicum pepper, chopped
3 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon garlic seasoning
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
3 green onions/spring onions, sliced
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Oil for cooking

Instructions

Marinate the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of jerk sauce and 1/4 teaspoon of adobo seasoning. Let it sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you prepare the pasta. Tip: The longer the shrimp marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
In a large saucepan, boil salted water and then add the penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Tip: Always taste test your pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to avoid overcooking.

In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
In the same skillet, add the crushed garlic, chopped yellow, red, and green bell peppers, and spring onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, absorbing the shrimp juices. Tip: Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Pour in the heavy cream, then add the remaining jerk sauce, adobo seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and garlic seasoning. Stir everything together and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling.
Add the mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Tip: For a richer flavor, let the cheese melt slowly.
Add the cooked penne pasta and jerk shrimp to the sauce. Gently toss to combine everything well. Let it cook on low heat for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta! Tip: Garnish with extra spring onions, if desired.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

This Jamaican Shrimp Pasta can be served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a bit more heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or additional jerk sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of jerk sauce used. Feel free to add more or less based on your personal preference.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute I can use?
No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: 550
Servings: 4