Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta


  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Get ready to turn up the flavor with this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta—a spicy, vibrant, and indulgently creamy twist on pasta that brings the Caribbean straight to your table. Perfect as a quick dinner, weekend treat, or show-stopping meal for guests, this easy recipe is packed with juicy jerk shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, spicy comfort food, or a new pasta night favorite, this dish delivers big time. Every bite is a bold mix of creamy, spicy, and savory goodness that’s impossible to resist.


Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz penne pasta

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: dash of cayenne or hot sauce

Garnish:

  • Chopped parsley or green onions
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toss shrimp with jerk seasoning, olive oil, and salt. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Sear the marinated shrimp in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers for 5–7 minutes.
  5. Pour in cream and milk. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan, paprika, and pepper. Let the sauce thicken.
  6. Add shrimp and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and lime wedges. Serve hot.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes