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Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Creamy, spicy, and bursting with bold Caribbean flavor, this Jerk Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a vibrant fusion of Jamaican heat and Italian comfort. Loaded with tender shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious cream sauce kissed with jerk seasoning, it's a one-pan meal that comes together fast—and tastes like a tropical getaway.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean, Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs or wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 1 tbsp jerk seasoning (adjust to heat level)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz penne (or fusilli, rigatoni, gluten-free option)
  • Salt, for pasta water

For the Veggies & Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ scotch bonnet pepper (optional, finely chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • ½ cup chicken or veggie broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or dairy-free cheese
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Shrimp
    Toss shrimp with jerk seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Cook the Pasta
    Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Sauté the Shrimp
    Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and curled into a “C” shape. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the Veggies
    In the same skillet, add oil. Sauté bell peppers, onion, and scotch bonnet for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  • Make the Sauce
    Lower heat. Stir in cream (or coconut milk), broth, cheese, thyme, and allspice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
  • Combine
    Add cooked pasta, shrimp, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat until sauce is creamy and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Serve
    Garnish with scallions, fresh thyme, or cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Shrimp Tip: Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for best texture.
  • Spice Level: Omit or reduce scotch bonnet for a milder dish; sub with jalapeño or cayenne if preferred.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast or vegan cheese (as suggested by Orchids + Sweet Tea).
  • Protein Swap: Try jerk chicken, salmon, or tofu.
  • Sauce Control: Add pasta water to loosen or simmer to thicken.
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Keyword Caribbean Fusion, Creamy Jerk Pasta, Jamaican Pasta, Rasta Pasta, Shrimp Pasta