Quick and Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta – Caribbean Comfort in 30 Minutes 2025
If your taste buds are longing for something bold, vibrant, and irresistibly creamy, look no further than Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta. This dish is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of Caribbean flavor fused with the comfort of pasta. Featuring succulent shrimp, a medley of colorful bell peppers, rich creamy sauce, and the signature heat of jerk seasoning, this recipe is a flavorful journey to the heart of the islands—all in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this dish combines ease, elegance, and explosively good taste in every bite. From weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this is the pasta recipe that delivers every single time.
⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta
- ✅ Bursting with Flavor – Thanks to Caribbean jerk seasoning, garlic, parmesan, and herbs.
- ✅ Fast and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- ✅ Perfect Fusion – Combines Italian pasta comfort with Jamaican spice and soul.
- ✅ One-Pan Friendly – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- ✅ Customizable – Adjust the heat, switch proteins, or add veggies!
🌴 What Is Rasta Pasta?
Rasta Pasta originated in Jamaica, where chefs began combining Italian pasta with local jerk spices and Caribbean flair. While the name may suggest a tie to Rastafarian culture, the dish is not traditionally part of Rastafarian cuisine, which is typically plant-based. Instead, Rasta Pasta is more of a modern culinary creation that pays homage to the region’s bold flavors.
The signature components?
- Creamy, seasoned sauce
- Bright bell peppers (often in the colors of the Rastafarian flag)
- A kick of spice
- A protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- Pasta that soaks up all the goodness
🛒 Ingredients: What You’ll Need
This recipe is designed to be simple yet luxurious, using ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp – Peeled, deveined; medium or large preferred.
- 2 cups penne pasta – Or any pasta that holds sauce well.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning – Choose mild or hot based on your spice level.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – For creamy richness.
- 1/2 cup milk – Whole or 2% works best.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
✅ Optional Add-ins
- Fresh lime juice (for brightness)
- Crushed red pepper (for extra heat)
- A pinch of nutmeg (for depth)
- Coconut milk (for a tropical variation)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
🍝 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—you want it firm enough to hold the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
🍤 Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry and toss with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Shrimp cooking tip: Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery. Remove as soon as they curl and change color.
🌈 Step 3: Cook the Peppers and Garlic
In the same skillet, add your colorful sliced bell peppers. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Bell peppers not only bring color but sweetness, balancing the heat from the jerk spice.
🥣 Step 4: Make the Creamy Jerk Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Add the remaining tablespoon of jerk seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
🧀 Step 5: Add the Cheese and Pasta
Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Return the cooked pasta and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently so the sauce fully coats every bite.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Top with chopped parsley or green onions. For an extra touch of brightness, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Serve piping hot and enjoy the blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors!
📦 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheating:
Warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to rehydrate the sauce.
Freezing:
Not recommended with dairy and shrimp. If necessary, freeze without the shrimp and add freshly cooked shrimp after reheating.
🧠 FAQs About Rasta Pasta
1. Can I make this less spicy?
Yes! Use mild jerk seasoning or reduce the amount. You can also stir in extra cream or a spoon of cream cheese for a milder finish.
2. What if I don’t have jerk seasoning?
Make your own with a mix of allspice, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg, and onion powder.
3. Can I substitute the shrimp?
Absolutely. Try grilled chicken, sausage, tofu, or even scallops for a luxurious twist.
4. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Try spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of cream/milk, and swap parmesan for dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
🥗 What to Serve With Rasta Pasta
Pair your Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta with:
- Crispy fried plantains
- Caribbean coleslaw
- Garlic bread
- Tropical fruit salad
- Limeade or ginger beer
🌶️ Customize It Your Way
Make it your own with these variations:
| Option | How To Modify |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Replace shrimp with tofu or chickpeas |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free pasta |
| Extra Creamy | Add a spoonful of cream cheese |
| Tropical | Use coconut milk in place of dairy |
| Bolder Flavor | Add a splash of white rum to the sauce |
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutrition values can vary based on specific brands and substitutions.
📌 Save It, Share It, Cook It!
Love this recipe? Don’t forget to:
- 📍 Pin it on Pinterest
- 📲 Share it on WhatsApp or Facebook
- 🧾 Print it out for your kitchen binder
This Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a fusion dish worth keeping on repeat. Spicy, rich, and full of Caribbean flavor, it’s proof that pasta night doesn’t have to be boring.
✍️ Final Thoughts
This dish is more than just a weeknight wonder—it’s an edible postcard from the islands. With each bite of this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta, you’re not only enjoying rich, warming comfort food, but also savoring a beautifully blended cultural expression. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a seafood fanatic, or just someone who enjoys bold flavors, this is one recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
