Easy Rasta Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Caribbean-Italian Fusion

Whipping up a delightful rasta pasta recipe brings Caribbean flavors dancing across your plate with vibrant, bold ingredients.

Jamaican-inspired seasonings create a spicy, creamy masterpiece that breaks traditional pasta boundaries.

Colorful bell peppers and jerk-seasoned proteins combine in a surprisingly simple dish.

Culinary adventure calls you to experience these rich, tantalizing combinations.

Mediterranean-style cooking meets Caribbean zest through unexpected ingredient pairings.

creamy sauces and bold spices promise an unforgettable meal that sparks conversation.

Jump into this incredible journey and let your taste buds celebrate!

Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe Benefits

• Rasta Pasta brings bold Jamaican-inspired flavors that transform an ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary adventure.
• This recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• The creamy sauce and customizable spice level mean both kids and adults can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish, with options to adjust heat according to individual preferences.
• Chicken can be easily swapped with shrimp, tofu, or additional vegetables, allowing flexibility for different dietary needs and taste preferences.

What’s in Creamy Rasta Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish.
• Jerk Seasoning: A Jamaican spice blend that provides bold and authentic Caribbean taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty, and nutty flavor to enhance the sauce's complexity.
• Cream, Milk: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Bell Peppers, Green Onions, Garlic: Provide layers of fresh flavor and aromatic depth to the pasta dish.

• Canola Oil: Used for cooking chicken and sauteing vegetables.
• Stock: Helps create a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
• Cornstarch: Assists in thickening the sauce to the desired consistency.

Rasta Pasta Cooking Directions

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package instructions.

Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready to soak up the delicious sauce later.

Step 2: Spice and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle jerk seasoning generously over chicken breasts.

Heat canola oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Slice or shred the chicken into delectable pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Green onions

Cook until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute.

Step 4: Create Luscious Creamy Sauce

• Jerk seasoning
• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream
• Milk

Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens beautifully.

If needed, add a cornstarch mixture to help it reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Elevate

Sprinkle in parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely.

Fold the cooked pasta and prepared chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your Rasta Pasta!

Best Tips for Creamy Rasta Pasta

• Rub jerk seasoning generously into chicken before cooking to ensure deep, authentic Caribbean taste penetrates the meat completely.
• Whisk cornstarch mixture slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, silky sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Chop bell peppers and green onions just before cooking to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color in the final dish.
• Remove pan from heat when adding parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
• Swap cream and milk with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy, rich flavor profile.

Save and Reheat Creamy Rasta Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate chicken and sauce to maintain better texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or milk to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Stir gently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.

Pairing Options for Rasta Pasta

Spice Up Your Sip: Caribbean-Inspired Beverage Pairings

• Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix white rum with pineapple juice and a splash of coconut cream to complement the spicy jerk flavors and creamy pasta texture.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied red like Malbec with slight peppery notes that can stand up to the robust jerk seasoning and rich sauce.
• Crisp Jamaican Beer Pairing: Grab a Red Stripe lager to cut through the creamy sauce and refresh your palate with its light, clean profile that balances the dish's intensity.
• Refresh with Ginger Punch: Blend fresh ginger, lime juice, and sparkling water for a zesty non-alcoholic drink that echoes the Caribbean spice profile and cleanses your taste buds.

Variations of Creamy Rasta Pasta

• Vegan Rasta Pasta: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative. Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy products for a creamy, dairy-free sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all seasonings and stocks are certified gluten-free.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or salmon. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain the signature jerk seasoning flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream and reduce cornstarch to maintain a rich, creamy texture while lowering carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What is jerk seasoning?

Jerk seasoning is a spicy Jamaican blend of herbs and spices like allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and cinnamon that gives a bold, hot flavor to dishes.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of jerk seasoning or use a mild version to lower the heat level while maintaining the signature Caribbean flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to pasta. Use gluten-free pasta and verify that your jerk seasoning and stock are gluten-free to adapt the dish.

• What type of cream works best?

Heavy cream or half-and-half work best for creating a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta and chicken evenly without separating during cooking.

Rasta Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamaican-inspired rasta pasta weaves spicy, creamy magic with colorful peppers and jerk-seasoned chicken dancing through perfectly tender noodles. Culinary adventurers will discover a Caribbean celebration on their plate that promises pure flavor excitement.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (450 grams) dried pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded pre-cooked chicken)
• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package instructions, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Generously coat chicken with jerk seasoning, then sear in a hot skillet with canola oil until fully cooked at 165F, ensuring golden exterior. Slice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and green onions until they soften and develop slight caramelization. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Create a creamy sauce by incorporating jerk seasoning, chicken stock, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer and reduce until the mixture thickens, whisking continuously to prevent scorching. If sauce needs additional thickening, introduce a cornstarch slurry.
5. Fold in parmesan cheese until completely melted and integrated into the sauce. Gently combine the sauce with prepared pasta and cooked chicken, ensuring even coating and distribution of ingredients.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality jerk seasoning for authentic Jamaican flavor that brings depth and complexity to the dish.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine to add visual interest and texture variation.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that absorbs the jerk seasoning perfectly.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy Caribbean-inspired profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 607
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg