Rasta Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rasta Pasta is a vibrant, creamy, and spicy Caribbean-inspired dish that blends colorful bell peppers, jerk seasoning, and pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. This flavorful fusion gets its name from the red, green, and yellow peppers resembling the Rastafarian flag, and it’s perfect for anyone craving a bold and satisfying meal with a touch of island flair.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

penne pastabell peppers (red, yellow, green)jerk seasoningboneless chicken breast (or shrimp for variation)garliconionheavy creamparmesan cheeseolive oilsalt and peppergreen onions (for garnish)

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breast and season generously with jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté sliced onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened and fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together until fully combined and heated through.

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.

Add a dash of hot sauce or scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat.

Stir in spinach or kale for a veggie boost.

Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free, tropical twist.

storage/reheating

Store Rasta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

What does Rasta Pasta taste like?

It’s creamy, spicy, and savory with the sweet crunch of bell peppers and bold jerk seasoning.

Is Rasta Pasta a traditional Jamaican dish?

It’s a modern Caribbean-inspired fusion dish, not a traditional Jamaican recipe, but it uses iconic flavors like jerk spice.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, substitute the meat with tofu or veggies, and use coconut cream and vegan cheese.

Is it very spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of jerk seasoning used—you can adjust it to your taste.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well to hold the creamy sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well if stored properly in the fridge.

What cheese is best for Rasta Pasta?

Parmesan is classic, but you can also try mozzarella or a sharp white cheddar.

Should I marinate the chicken first?

It’s not required but marinating in jerk seasoning for a few hours enhances flavor.

Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?

Yes, a good quality store-bought jerk seasoning works great for this recipe.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, just reduce the spice level to make it more suitable for kids.

Conclusion

Rasta Pasta brings the heat, the color, and the comfort all in one dish, making it a standout meal for weeknights or special occasions. With its creamy sauce, bold Caribbean flavor, and customizable ingredients, it’s a recipe that invites creativity and delivers satisfaction in every bite.

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