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Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Bring island flavors to your dinner table with this bold, spicy, and oh-so-creamy Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta. Perfect for lovers of vibrant, colorful dishes, this quick dinner idea blends tender shrimp, a creamy jerk-infused sauce, and rainbow bell peppers over a bed of hearty pasta. It’s one of the best dinner ideas when you want something different yet comforting—bursting with Caribbean flair and soul-warming spice. Whether you’re looking for a fun food idea for your next gathering or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this easy recipe brings together flavor, heat, and creaminess in every bite. A must-try if you’re into easy dinners, spicy pasta, or flavorful shrimp dishes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion (optional), sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 12 tablespoons jerk seasoning (to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and half the jerk seasoning. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add bell peppers, garlic, and onion. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and let it warm through. Stir in parmesan, onion powder, paprika, and remaining jerk seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
  5. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Return shrimp and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in sauce.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and lime juice if desired.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.