Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? Look no further! This Rasta Pasta recipe with shrimp is a vibrant explosion of Caribbean sunshine on your plate. It's bursting with fresh, delicious ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend meal. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise with this easy-to-follow recipe. This dish is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, easily adaptable to your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes per side.
Step 4: Create the Rasta Sauce
Stir in the Jamaican jerk seasoning, allspice, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the cilantro, parsley, lime juice, and coconut milk (if using). Toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade delicious dish!
Cooking Tips for the Best Rasta Pasta:
- Fresh Herbs: Using fresh cilantro and parsley makes a big difference in the flavor of this dish. If you can't find fresh, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs each.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it entirely.
- Shrimp Size: The size of the shrimp will affect the cooking time. Larger shrimp will take a little longer to cook.
- Pasta Water: Reserving some pasta water helps to create a creamier sauce and prevents the pasta from becoming dry.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the shrimp with chickpeas or firm tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Chicken: Add cooked chicken or other protein of your choice.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 15-20g
This easy recipe provides a satisfying and healthy meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat. Enjoy this best recipe and share your culinary adventures!