The fusion of creamy Italian-style pasta with bold Jamaican jerk flavors makes this dish a true celebration of global comfort food. Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta combines tender, juicy shrimp seasoned with spicy jerk, tossed with sautéed peppers and onions in a rich cream sauce that clings to every bite of al dente penne. Whether you’re craving a spicy seafood dinner or looking to shake up your pasta night routine, this vibrant and flavorful dish delivers. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for casual dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with something unexpected and delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz penne pasta
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 red onion, sliced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 1/4 cups heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chicken broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Season shrimp with jerk seasoning.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
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Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return shrimp to the skillet and add cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with extra jerk seasoning for added heat, if desired.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Heart of Island Fusion Cuisine
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is a dish that perfectly embodies the art of culinary fusion. It brings together the vibrant, spicy, and aromatic notes of traditional Jamaican cuisine with the rich, indulgent textures of Italian comfort food. This dish has its roots in the popular Caribbean “Rasta Pasta,” a colorful and creamy pasta dish often made with jerk seasoning and vegetables. Over time, home cooks and chefs alike have elevated it by adding shrimp, making it a complete meal that bursts with flavor and texture.
Rasta Pasta itself was believed to have been created in Jamaica by Chef Lorraine Washington, who wanted to make a meal for a group of Rastafarian construction workers. Though originally vegetarian, it quickly evolved into a protein-packed dish, with shrimp becoming a popular and luxurious addition. The version you’re about to enjoy today takes inspiration from that cultural crossroads, combining the boldness of jerk spices with silky, cheesy cream sauce — all swirled into al dente pasta.
Why This Dish Works So Well
What sets this Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta apart from ordinary shrimp or pasta dishes is its ability to balance contrasting flavors and textures. The shrimp is coated in a flavorful jerk seasoning that’s spicy, smoky, and earthy — awakening your taste buds from the first bite. The creamy sauce softens the heat of the jerk and brings a rich, indulgent component that ties the whole dish together.
The vegetables — usually bell peppers and red onion — bring natural sweetness and crunch, which contrast beautifully with the tenderness of the shrimp and smooth pasta. Each bite offers something different: heat, creaminess, sweetness, and savoriness. It’s complex, yet incredibly comforting — the best of both worlds.
Health Benefits of Shrimp and Bell Peppers
This dish isn’t just delicious; it also offers several nutritional benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and is rich in key nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. Despite being low in calories, it offers powerful antioxidant properties and supports heart and brain health.
Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C — more than even oranges — along with vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. They add color, crunch, and nutrition without excess calories. Pairing these two ingredients in a creamy sauce still allows for balance — a touch of indulgence without going overboard.
If you use whole wheat pasta or high-protein pasta, this recipe can easily become more nutritious without sacrificing taste. It’s also easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free penne or pasta of choice.
Jerk Seasoning: The Soul of Jamaican Cuisine
One of the key ingredients that gives this recipe its personality is jerk seasoning. A quintessential Jamaican spice blend, jerk combines elements like allspice, thyme, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and Scotch bonnet peppers. It’s more than just heat — it’s aromatic, sweet, and savory all at once.
The jerk seasoning you use can either be homemade or store-bought. Both will give you that signature smoky kick. It’s the soul of this dish, and what turns simple shrimp and pasta into something unique and unforgettable. For those sensitive to spice, you can tone it down slightly while still keeping the depth of flavor intact.
Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions
This dish is one of those rare meals that works for multiple occasions. Need a quick weeknight dinner that feels special? Done — it’s ready in just about 30 minutes. Want to impress guests with something flavorful and elegant? This pasta looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining.
Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, fresh lime wedges, or even a slice of toasted garlic bread. For a more tropical vibe, serve with a side of fried plantains or a fresh mango salad. No matter how you present it, this pasta always steals the show.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta
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Use fresh, raw shrimp: Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Raw shrimp allows you to season and cook them perfectly with the jerk spice.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp: They only need 2–3 minutes per side. As soon as they turn pink and curl, they’re done.
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Choose your cream wisely: Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, but for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a tropical twist.
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Add extra jerk for heat lovers: After the final mix, sprinkle in more jerk seasoning if you want a spicier profile.
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Finish with Parmesan: The salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan balances the heat and richness of the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
This dish is wonderfully adaptable. If shrimp isn’t your preference or if you’re serving someone with a shellfish allergy, feel free to use grilled chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms. The cream sauce and jerk seasoning work well with many proteins.
You can also get creative with the pasta — try bowties, fettuccine, rotini, or gluten-free pasta. For a low-carb alternative, consider using spiralized zucchini or hearts of palm pasta.
If dairy is a concern, you can easily make the dish dairy-free by using coconut cream and omitting Parmesan or substituting it with a vegan cheese.
Want to boost the veggie content? Add spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
This pasta is best served fresh, but it stores beautifully too. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
To complete the meal, serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or lime juice. A tropical drink like pineapple juice or a mojito also pairs well to enhance the Caribbean theme.
If you’re making this for a crowd, it scales easily — just multiply the ingredients and keep the shrimp warm in the oven while you cook the pasta.
Why It’s a Crowd Favorite
There’s a reason why Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is gaining popularity around the world. It hits all the notes that food lovers crave — bold flavors, creamy textures, and visual appeal. It’s a dish that satisfies comfort food cravings while still feeling fresh and exciting.
It’s also versatile. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night meal, something new to add to your weekly rotation, or a dish that reminds you of island vacations, this recipe delivers. It’s a celebration on a plate — colorful, bold, and unforgettable.
This is the kind of recipe that brings people back to the table again and again. Once you make it, it quickly becomes part of your regular favorites.
Conclusion
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Pasta is more than just a delicious meal — it’s a story on a plate. It honors the richness of Jamaican culture and cuisine while inviting in the comfort and familiarity of a pasta dinner. From the spicy, flavorful shrimp to the velvety cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, every bite is a blend of warmth, spice, and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to spice things up in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, quick, and incredibly rewarding. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you want something that feels indulgent, homemade, and just a little bit magical. Let this be the recipe that brings the taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen — no passport required.
