This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish that brings the island vibe to your table! It’s filled with juicy shrimp, creamy sauce, and vibrant bell peppers.
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love to make it when I want to impress friends. Plus, it comes together so easily—you just cook, mix, and enjoy the deliciousness. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rigatoni pasta: A great choice for this dish! If you don’t have rigatoni, you can easily swap it for penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well, adding to the creamy texture.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are amazing, but feel free to use medium shrimp or even scallops if that’s what you have. You can also use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness. Green peppers can be used, but they are slightly bitter. Even zucchini or asparagus can work if you’re looking for something different!
Scotch bonnet pepper: If you’re unsure about the heat, jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can make good substitutes. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk; just be cautious as it may not thicken as much. Coconut cream can also be a delicious alternative for a tropical twist!
How Do I Get the Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp takes just a few minutes, but doing it right is key! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so watch closely. Here’s how:
- Ensure your skillet is hot and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Season the shrimp just before cooking to amplify their flavor.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque, then remove them immediately.
Remember, they’ll continue cooking a bit after being removed from the heat, so don’t let them sit too long in the pan!
How Can I Make This Dish Creamy?
The key to a creamy sauce is ensuring you combine the heavy cream and cheese properly. Here’s how:
- After adding the cream, stir it gently but constantly on medium-low heat. This encourages it to thicken and blend with the flavors.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the cheese. This helps create a rich, velvety texture.
- Adding the cheese slowly while stirring ensures it melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.
This technique will make your Rasta Pasta irresistibly creamy and delicious!
How to Make Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Protein:
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional for heat)
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp allspice (pimento)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 30 minutes to prepare and cook this delicious dish. It’s a quick meal perfect for a weeknight dinner with friends or family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, allspice, and smoked paprika. Mix well to ensure each shrimp is coated with the seasoning.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, white parts of the green onions, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and the Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft but still colorful.
5. Make the Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine with the vegetables. Let the cream warm up and slightly thicken for about 3 minutes while continuing to stir.
6. Add Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and creates a smooth sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and the browned shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and shrimp in the creamy sauce. Heat everything through for another 1-2 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve your vibrant, creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta immediately and enjoy the burst of island flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thaw them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, you can add more Scotch bonnet pepper or even include a dash of hot sauce in the cream sauce. For an extra kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can also add some beans or chickpeas for protein. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the vegetables.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or a little water to help restore the creaminess.
