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Rasta Pasta with Shrimp

If you haven’t heard of Rasta Pasta, it’s a delightful combination of Italian and Jamaican cuisines - penne pasta in a cream sauce paired with colorful bell peppers, marinated shrimp and Caribbean seasonings. 
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Ingredients
  

  • 1-pound penne pasta, reserve 1 cup pasta water
  • 2-pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 5 tbsp. jerk seasoning, divided
  • Cayenne pepper, optional
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 tbsp. avocado oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

To prepare the pasta and reserve pasta water:

  • Begin recipe by cooking 1-pound of penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and drain, reserving one cup of the pasta water; set aside.

To prepare the shrimp:

  • Place 2-pounds of large raw shrimp, which have been peeled and deveined, into a large bowl.
  • Add 3 tablespoons of jerk seasoning and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Add a little bit of cayenne pepper, for spiciness, if desired.
  • Using a wood spoon, mix the shrimp with the seasoning until well coated.
  • Bring a skillet to medium-high heat; add 4 tablespoons of avocado oil.
  • Add the shrimp and cook for a few minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  • Remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer to a bowl.

To prepare the garlic and peppers:

  • In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 thinly sliced orange bell pepper.
  • Stir the sliced bell peppers and garlic, over medium-high heat, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

To prepare the sauce:

  • Add 1 cup reserved pasta water and 2 cups of heavy cream.
  • Allow the cream come to a simmer.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning.

To assemble and serve:

  • Add the cooked penne pasta and cooked shrimp.
  • Stir to combine; garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve.