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Delicious Rasta Pasta dish with spicy jerk shrimp and colorful vegetables.

Jerk Shrimp Pasta

A vibrant celebration of Caribbean cuisine featuring tender jerk shrimp, a creamy sauce, and colorful bell peppers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 400 g penne pasta The perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb jumbo shrimp (cleaned and deveined) These seafood gems are tender and succulent.
  • 1.5 tbsp jerk seasoning Use half to season the shrimp.
For the Sauce
  • ⅓ cup double cream Key ingredient for a rich and luxurious sauce.
  • ⅓ cup chicken stock Adds moisture and enhances flavor.
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese Brings a sharp flavor that complements the dish.
  • ⅓ cup blended cheese Adds creaminess and depth.
  • 1 small onion, sliced Deepens the sauce’s flavor.
  • 3 stalks scallion, sliced Lends a fresh, oniony taste.
  • 3 bell peppers (mixed colors) Adds color and sweet flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped Adds earthy notes.
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper Provides the signature spicy kick.
  • 2 tsp paprika Adds smokiness and color.
  • 1 tsp allspice Embodies Caribbean cooking.
  • Salt and pepper to taste seasoning Essential for flavor balance.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the bell peppers into strips and chop the onion, scotch bonnet, and garlic. Set aside.
  2. Season the shrimp with ½ tablespoon of jerk seasoning and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped bell peppers and onion for 1-2 minutes, then add scallions, remaining jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute.
  4. Deglaze the pan with chicken stock, scraping up any flavorful brown bits.
  5. Incorporate garlic and cook for another minute before adding double cream, chopped scotch bonnet, paprika, and allspice.
  6. Stir in Parmesan and blended cheese until smooth; adjust seasoning.
  7. Add cooked penne to the sauce, mix well, and if needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan, mix gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate shrimp longer for improved flavor absorption. Adjust spice levels and experiment with cheese options.