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https://therecipecritic.com/rasta-pasta/Discover the magic of Rasta Pasta – a mouthwatering fusion of creamy pasta, jerk-seasoned chicken, and vibrant bell peppers that comes together in just 30 minutes! This crowd-pleasing dish combines the bold flavors of Jamaican cuisine with Italian pasta comfort food, creating an unforgettable weeknight dinner that your whole family will love.
What is Rasta Pasta?
While not traditionally part of Rastafari culture, Rasta Pasta has become a beloved fusion dish that celebrates Jamaica’s vibrant culinary influence. This creamy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying pasta dish features a harmonious blend of colorful bell peppers, tender jerk-seasoned chicken, and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. The combination of Caribbean spices with Italian pasta creates a unique flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
Don’t just take my word for it – here’s what Lynette, one of our regular readers, shared: “This has become our absolute family favorite! The flavors are even better the next day, and I love how versatile it is. We’ve tried it with shrimp too, and it’s fantastic!”
How to Make Rasta Pasta
The Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients:
For the Jerk Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Authentic jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Pasta:
- Penne pasta (or rigatoni/bucatini)
- Red, yellow, and green bell peppers
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic and onion
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Directions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil for your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente – you want it with a slight bite as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- While the water heats up, slice your chicken breasts into even strips and season generously with jerk seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté your sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic until just tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes. The peppers should retain their vibrant colors.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to incorporate any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add your cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return the chicken to the pan and fold everything together. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Tips and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some tried-and-tested variations:
Time-Saving Tip: Use rotisserie chicken! Simply shred it and toss with jerk seasoning before adding to the dish. This can cut your cooking time in half.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture. You can also use crushed tomatoes for a lighter, yet equally delicious alternative.
Protein Variations: While chicken is traditional, this recipe works beautifully with shrimp or can be made completely vegetarian by doubling up on the bell peppers and adding mushrooms.
Pasta Choice: While penne is traditional, any medium-sized pasta shape that can hold the sauce works well. Rigatoni and bucatini are excellent alternatives, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
Looking for more ways to prepare this dish? Check out our Instant Pot Rasta Pasta version for an even quicker weeknight meal!
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Many of our readers actually prefer the flavors the next day, as they become even more developed!
Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a review below and tag us in your creations on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Your feedback helps other home cooks make this recipe even better.
[Recipe Card follows with detailed measurements and instructions]
Don’t forget to check out our other pasta recipes for more weeknight dinner inspiration!