Shrimp Rasta Pasta

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Dive into the tropical flavors of our Shrimp Rasta Pasta, a delightful blend of Caribbean-spiced shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and creamy pasta.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a romantic date night.

You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again, thanks to its simplicity and burst of flavors.

Every forkful of Shrimp Rasta Pasta is a celebration of colors and tastes that will leave you craving more.

This Rasta Pasta recipe with shrimp is the ideal creamy pasta dish for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

If you’re a fan of pasta dishes, you might also love our Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara or the rich Creamy Mushroom Fettuccine.

What is Rasta Pasta?

Rasta Pasta is a lively and flavorful pasta dish that marries the Caribbean zest with the timeless Italian classic.

This fusion dish boasts a creamy base, spicy jerk seasoning, and a medley of bell peppers, offering a symphony of colors and flavors.

The term “Rasta” is a nod to the Rastafarian culture. While traditionally served vegetarian, the addition of jerk shrimp elevates the dish to new heights.

Its rich texture and bold taste make Shrimp Rasta Pasta a favorite among pasta lovers and culinary adventurers.

Rasta Pasta with Shrimp Ingredients

(Refer to the recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities & instructions)

• Pasta: A versatile base that absorbs flavors well, pasta provides a satisfying bite and contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and textured shrimp.
• Shrimp: Shrimp offers a sweet, delicate flavor and a firm texture that pairs perfectly with the robustness of jerk seasoning. Its quick cooking time ensures the dish remains a speedy delight.
• Oil: It acts as a medium to sauté and release the flavors of the ingredients, ensuring they meld together seamlessly.
• Red Pepper: These peppers not only add a splash of color but also a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Their crunch offers a delightful contrast to the soft pasta and creamy sauce.
• Green Onions: They provide a mild, tangy undertone and a burst of freshness, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.
• Garlic: A universal flavor enhancer, garlic adds a rich, aromatic base that complements the spicy jerk seasoning.
• Jerk Seasoning: The heart of Caribbean cuisine, jerk seasoning introduces a spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile, making the dish truly distinctive.
• Vegetable Stock: It adds depth and a savory note, ensuring the sauce has a well-rounded taste.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient introduces a rich, velvety texture to the dish, balancing out the spices and creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Parmesan Cheese: Its salty and nutty profile enriches the creamy sauce, adding depth and a slight umami touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings, they enhance and balance the flavors, ensuring every ingredient shines in the dish.

Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors and textures, making Shrimp Rasta Pasta a delightful culinary experience.

Steps to the Perfect Shrimp Rasta Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook your fettuccini pasta in salted water until al dente. Follow the instruction on the pasta pasta for doneness
2. Prepare the Jerk Spiced Shrimp:
   • In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
   • Season the shrimp with 1.5 tablespoons of jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side or until they are turning pink and opaque. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the sliced bell peppers and green onions.
   • Sauté until they’re soft and vibrant, roughly 5 minutes.
4. Make the Rich Sauce:
   • Add the minced garlic and another 1.5 tablespoons of jerk seasoning to the pan. Stir for a minute to meld the flavors.
   • Pour in the vegetable stock and heavy cream. Allow the mix to simmer for about 5 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, adjust with a splash of stock or water.
5. Creamy Touch:
   • Mix in the grated Parmesan, letting it melt into the sauce.
6. Mixed Pasta and Shrimp with Sauce:
   • Add the cooked shrimp and pasta and mix it with the creamy sauce, ensuring a good coat.
7. Serve:
   • Your Shrimp Rasta Pasta is ready! Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and enjoy the Caribbean vibes.

FAQs

What pasta works best for Shrimp Rasta Pasta?

Penne, Fusilli, Bow Tie (Farfalle), Rigatoni, Macaroni, and Rotini are all excellent choices. The pasta type can be tailored to your preference.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Just replace the shrimp with chicken pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness largely depends on the jerk seasoning. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.

Should I peel shrimp before cooking in pasta?

Yes, it is generally recommended to peel shrimp before adding it to pasta dishes like Shrimp Rasta Pasta. Not only does this make the dish easier to eat, but it also allows the shrimp to absorb more of the flavors from the sauce and seasonings.

Variations

Vegetarian Rasta Pasta: Omit the shrimp and incorporate hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and broccoli. You can also add tofu or tempeh for added protein. Use vegetable stock instead of any meat-based stock.

Instant Pot Rasta Pasta: Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to cook the seasoned shrimp (or chicken if you’re adapting) and set aside. Sauté the vegetables, add the jerk seasoning, pasta, and vegetable stock. Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for half the pasta’s cooking time. Quick release, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, then add the cooked shrimp back in, allowing the residual heat to warm them.

Classic Rasta Pasta: This version typically uses chicken instead of shrimp. Season boneless chicken pieces with jerk seasoning and sauté until cooked through. Follow the rest of the recipe, replacing shrimp with the jerk chicken.

Vegan Rasta Pasta: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Omit the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Creamy Coconut Rasta Pasta: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist, adding a sweet and creamy dimension to the dish.

Other Pasta Recipes to Try!

• White Wine Pasta
• Penne alla Vodka
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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