Description
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta combines succulent shrimp seasoned with spicy jerk seasoning with vibrant bell peppers and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. It’s a flavorful Caribbean-inspired main course perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests with bold island flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (divided)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning until evenly coated and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aromas.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked penne pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss well to ensure everything is fully coated with the creamy jerk sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions if desired. Serve the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- For an extra creamy texture, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water before serving.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until pink to avoid toughness.
