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Bring some of the flavors of the Caribbean to your next pasta night with this Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta. This dish is delivers rich, bold flavors with creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and colorful bell peppers, all spiced with jerk seasoning.
This dish was named after the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica because it uses the flavors of the island and the colors of the Jamaican flag: red, yellow, and green. It’s impressive presentation and rich flavors make it ideal for entertaining guests. And, this pasta dish is quick cooking time makes it a dinner champion for any night of the week.
Table of Contents
Reasons To Love This Recipe
- It’s flavorful. The combination of jerk seasoning and creamy pasta creates a balanced mix of spice and richness.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect option for busy weeknights.
- Great for Seafood Lovers: Shrimp brings a juicy, tender bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Rasta Pasta Ingredients
- Pasta: The wider linguine noodles are perfect for this thick sauce. If you prefer a different pasta shape, you can substitute it.
- Shrimp: For this dish, use peeled and de-veined shrimp. If you prefer the tail off, remove it before cooking. If you’re not a shrimp lover, you could use diced chicken breast.
- Jerk seasoning: Since a lot of different spices go into jerk seasoning, it’s easiest to buy it premixed. It typically contains onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, dried thyme and parsley, ground allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cumin, paprika, sugar, and hot pepper flakes.
- Garlic and butter: Like any good sauce, this one starts with minced garlic and butter.
- Bell peppers: For the best taste and color, use sliced tri-color peppers.
- Turmeric: Turmeric adds color and a little flavor to the sauce.
- Sauce liquids: Low-sodium chicken stock and heavy cream are the base of the sauce. Want to make the dish a little lighter? Use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Garnish: Garnish the finished pasta with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your jerk seasoning is gluten-free as well.
- Swap Protein: Use chicken, salmon, or even lobster for a different take on Rasta Pasta.
- Vegan Rasta Pasta: Replace shrimp with sautéed tofu or tempeh, and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan option.
- Swap Heavy Cream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to give the dish a tropical, dairy-free twist with more Caribbean flavor.
How To Make Rasta Pasta
Tips To Perfect This Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer, creamier texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add more jerk seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the seasoning and use more cream.
- Pasta Al dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it holds up well when tossed in the creamy sauce.
- Use Quality Jerk Seasoning: The flavor of jerk seasoning can make or break this dish, so opt for a high-quality brand or make your own for a fresher, more authentic taste.
What to Serve with Rasta Pasta
This recipe is a main dish meal on it’s own and does not need any sides complete it. But here are some great options to serve with it.
- Roasted Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery garlic bread is a perfect companion to soak up the creamy sauce of the pasta.
- Crispy House Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and balance to the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers bring a smoky flavor and complement the pasta’s jerk seasoning.
- Plantains: Fried or baked sweet plantains add a touch of sweetness, providing a delicious contrast to the spicy pasta.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of cream or stock if the sauce is too thick.
Freezing: Freeze the pasta in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! Add sliced zucchini, squash, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition. Just add any additional veggies with the peppers and cook until tender.
You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. However, shrimp are best cooked fresh to avoid overcooking.
Yes, Rasta Pasta can be spicy depending on the amount of jerk seasoning used. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
More Spicy Seafood Recipes
- Caribbean Jerk Fish Bowl
- Spicy Lemon Baked Tilapia Recipe
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi
- Spicy Honey Garlic Salmon
- Grilled Cajun Shrimp
This flavorful Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe combines the heat of jerk seasoning with creamy, cheesy pasta and juicy shrimp, making it an irresistible weeknight dinner option. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this dish will transport you to the Caribbean with every bite. Serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or grilled veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.
If you try this recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a star rating in the comment section below because I love hearing from my readers. Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes.
Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons jerk seasonings, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups tri color bell peppers, sliced
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¾ cup low sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Meanwhile, season the shrimp with a tablespoon of jerk seasoning and coat well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until the shrimp starts to turn pink. Remove the cooked shrimp to a separate bowl and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute.
- Add the bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the turmeric powder and remaining jerk seasoning.
- Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss with the shrimp and sauce for 2 minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley and serve while it is still warm.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, add more jerk seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the seasoning and use more cream.
- Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it holds up well when tossed in the creamy sauce.
- Use Quality Jerk Seasoning: The flavor of jerk seasoning can make or break this dish, so opt for a high-quality brand or make your own for a fresher, more authentic taste.
