Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Picture this: the vibrant colors of a Rastafarian flag paired with the warm, comforting embrace of pasta. That’s exactly what my Best Rasta Pasta with Shrimp brings to the table – a comforting dish with a burst of flavor that takes me back to the Caribbean sunshine. I first tried Rasta Pasta at a cozy little restaurant during a vacation, where it was brilliantly vibrant and packed with spices. It instantly became my guilty pleasure, and honestly, I’ve been hooked ever since!
This recipe is not only a delightful nod to Caribbean flavors but is also incredibly easy to whip up for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively get-together with friends. The combination of succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a rich creamy sauce over pasta is a culinary dance party. So, let’s get going, and I promise you’ll have your friends singing praises quicker than I can say “One Love!”
What’s in Best Rasta Pasta With Shrimp?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish a superstar:
Penne Pasta: The backbone of our dish! I love using penne because its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce so well.
Shrimp: I prefer using large, juicy shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp is fantastic, but frozen works just as well. Just be sure to thaw it before cooking!
Olive Oil: This is our cooking fat for that lovely sautéed flavor. Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice depth, but any good quality olive oil will do.
Bell Peppers: The red and green bell peppers not only add a pop of color but also provide a sweet crunch. If you stumble upon yellow or orange ones, feel free to switch it up!
Onion: Sliced onions bring a savory sweetness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Garlic: Ah, garlic! It adds that irresistible aroma and flavor that brings everything together. Use fresh minced garlic for the best impact.
Dried Thyme: This herb adds a touch of earthiness to the dish. If you have fresh thyme, go ahead and use that!
Paprika: This spice gives our pasta a lovely warm color and a mild peppery flavor.
Curry Powder: A nod to the Caribbean, this adds an exotic twist that makes the dish sing.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little kick! Adjust this to your personal spice level.
Heavy Cream: This is what creates that silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
Parmesan Cheese: Because cheese makes everything better. It adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
Salt and Pepper: These are essential for enhancing all the delicious flavors in the dish.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a hint of freshness!
Is Best Rasta Pasta With Shrimp Good for You?
You bet it is – with a few considerations! This dish is full of protein from the shrimp, creamy goodness from heavy cream, and colorful veggies that pack in some nutrients.
Shrimp: It’s low in calories yet high in protein, making it a fantastic option for a lean meal. They’re also rich in vitamins B12 and D, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are great for your health.
Pasta: While it does contain carbohydrates, using whole wheat pasta can give you added fiber that keeps your energy sustained.
Heavy Cream: Here’s the kicker – it adds richness but can also amp up the calories and fat content, so feel free to substitute half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Enjoy this dish in moderation, and you’ll be in foodie heaven!
Ingredients List
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Best Rasta Pasta With Shrimp?
1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, paprika, curry powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
6. Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious Rasta Pasta with shrimp!
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Rasta Pasta!
Now that we have this delightful meal ready to serve, how about some fun suggestions? It can be a blast to pair it with a fresh green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or perhaps some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. If you want to jazz it up, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or even add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for that zesty twist!
Give this fabulous dish a whirl, and I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Make sure to snap a pic and share your experience. Happy cooking, friends! 🌶️🍤🍝
