Flavorful Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? This Jamaican shrimp pasta recipe combines the best Caribbean flavors with a creamy, cheesy pasta base. With juicy shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich jerk sauce, this dish is a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors. It’s the perfect way to impress your family or guests while keeping things simple and delicious.

This Jamaican shrimp pasta is ready in 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or preparing a weeknight dinner, this dish will bring warmth and excitement to your table. Let’s dive into the flavors and steps behind making this vibrant, easy-to-make dish!

What Is Jamaican Shrimp Pasta?

Jamaican shrimp pasta, often known as Rasta Pasta, is a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that celebrates the vibrant cuisine of Jamaica. The dish typically features tender shrimp simmered in a jerk-seasoned sauce, mixed with colorful bell peppers, and combined with a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s a fusion of bold spices, savory flavors, and a comforting, creamy texture. The combination of shrimp, cheese, and the kick from jerk seasoning makes it an irresistible choice for seafood lovers.

Ingredients for Jamaican Shrimp Past

To create this mouthwatering Jamaican shrimp pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp and Pasta:

• 350g penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 400g large shrimp, cleaned and developed
• 2 tablespoons jerk sauce
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking shrimp)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 green onions (spring onions), chopped

For the creamy sauce:

• 3 cups double cream (or heavy cream)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Hot sauce (optional, for added heat)

How to Make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious Jamaican shrimp pasta:

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp Start by marinating the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of jerk sauce and 1 teaspoon of adobo seasoning. Mix well and refrigerate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Boil salted water in a large saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables In the same pan, add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), and green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. You can leave the shrimp juices in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce Pour the double cream into the pan with the vegetables. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add the lemon juice and hot sauce, if using, for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 7: Combine Everything Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Add the cooked shrimp and stir gently to combine.

Step 8: Serve Serve the Jamaican shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with additional green onions or chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy!

Tips and Substitutions

• Pasta Type: While penne is commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni, depending on your preference.
• Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but you can use frozen shrimp if needed. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
• Jerk Sauce: The flavor of this dish largely depends on the jerk sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more jerk seasoning or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jerk sauce and skip the hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or prefer a vegetarian option, you can swap the shrimp with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a delicious alternative.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference. You can also add cream cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess.

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Why You Should Make Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

• Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of jerk sauce, garlic, and cheese creates a rich and creamy pasta sauce that is bursting with flavor.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Whether you prefer shrimp, chicken, or a vegetarian option, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, Jamaican shrimp pasta is ideal for serving guests at dinner parties or holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamaican Shrimp Pasta

To ensure your Jamaican shrimp pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and if left on the heat for too long, it can become tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on the shrimp and cook it for just 3-4 minutes per side, until it turns pink and opaque.
• Underseasoning the Sauce: The jerk sauce and seasonings are what make this dish unique, so don’t skip on the spices! Taste your sauce as you go and adjust the heat or seasoning level according to your preference. If it’s too mild, add more jerk seasoning or hot sauce.
• Not Letting the Sauce Thicken: For the best creamy texture, make sure to let the sauce simmer and thicken before adding the cheese and pasta. If the sauce is too runny, it won’t coat the pasta properly.
• Using Cold Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by placing it in a bowl of cold water for 10–15 minutes. Cooking frozen shrimp directly without thawing it first can affect the texture and flavor.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente to avoid mushy pasta when mixing it with the sauce. The pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce, so it’s important to avoid overcooking it beforehand.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican shrimp pasta is rich and filling on its own, but you can enhance the meal with the following side dishes and accompaniments:

• Tropical Salad: A fresh salad with tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and avocado pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, balancing out the richness with some sweetness.
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken: For those who want to add a little extra protein, serve the shrimp pasta with grilled Jamaican jerk chicken for a flavorful pairing.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, can add a nice crunch and lighten up the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.

Jamaican Shrimp Pasta Recipe Card

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Pasta:

• 350g penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 400g large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 tablespoons jerk sauce
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking shrimp)
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 green onions (spring onions), chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 cups double cream (or heavy cream)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Hot sauce (optional, for added heat)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of jerk sauce and 1 teaspoon of adobo seasoning. Mix well and refrigerate for 10 minutes.

2. Cook the Pasta Boil salted water in a large saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables In the same pan, add the minced garlic, chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), and green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. You can leave the shrimp juices in the pan for extra flavor.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce Pour the double cream into the pan with the vegetables. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. Add the Cheese Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add the lemon juice and hot sauce, if using, for an extra burst of flavor.

7. Combine Everything Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy sauce and toss well to coat. Add the cooked shrimp and stir gently to combine.

8. Serve Serve the Jamaican shrimp pasta immediately, garnished with additional green onions or chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy!

Notes

• Pasta Type: While penne is commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni, depending on your preference.
• Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but you can use frozen shrimp if needed. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
• Jerk Sauce: The flavor of this dish largely depends on the jerk sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more jerk seasoning or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jerk sauce and skip the hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or prefer a vegetarian option, you can swap the shrimp with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant for a delicious alternative.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference. You can also add cream cheese or ricotta for extra creaminess.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Method: Stovetop

Cuisine: Jamaican