If you are craving something that bursts with vibrant color, bold flavor, and creamy comfort all at once, you are in for a treat with this Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe. This dish combines the lively spirit of Caribbean spices with a rich, cheesy pasta base, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Packed with tender jerk-seasoned chicken and a medley of bright bell peppers, the Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe is as visually exciting as it is delicious, bringing a taste of the islands straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe is a breeze, but each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced, vibrant dish. From the spicy jerk seasoning that packs a punch to the creamy cheese that smooths everything out, these ingredients work together beautifully to create that signature rasta pasta experience.
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite shape for maximum sauce coating and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and building the flavorful base.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (or shrimp), sliced: The protein star of the dish, tender and perfectly spiced.
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (plus more to taste): Essential for that authentic Jamaican flavor kick.
- 1 red bell pepper, 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a colorful, crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced: Provides a subtle sweetness and mild crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings depth and aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The foundation for the luscious, dreamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps balance richness and infuse savory notes.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese: Melted into the sauce for creaminess and a little gooey indulgence.
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal touch that’s classic in Caribbean cooking.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To perfectly season and enhance all flavors.
- Chopped scallions or parsley for garnish (optional): Freshness and a pop of green to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water and cooking your choice of penne or fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. This step ensures the pasta becomes perfectly tender, ready to absorb all the delicious sauce without turning mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Toss your sliced chicken breast with a generous tablespoon of jerk seasoning—this is where the magic starts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the chicken is beautifully seared and cooked through, locking in the smoky, spicy flavors. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest for the next stage.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften just enough to release their natural sweetness but still retain a bit of crunch. This colorful combination adds a lively textural contrast to the creamy pasta you’ll be mixing in soon.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and black pepper, allowing the sauce to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, stir in the shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, letting it melt until silky smooth and thickened. This sauce is the hallmark of the Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe—rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked pasta and jerk-seasoned chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is generously coated with the creamy sauce and colorful vegetables. Taste and add more jerk seasoning if you want to dial up the heat. Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley for a fresh pop before serving.
How to Serve Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped scallions or fresh parsley adds a beautiful burst of green that complements the warm colors of the pasta. Plus, it introduces a slight herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess, balancing the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe alongside a light Caribbean-style salad or some fried plantains for a well-rounded meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a tangy coleslaw also pairs wonderfully, adding refreshing crunch and extra nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the pasta in colorful bowls that echo the rasta theme—reds, yellows, and greens. You could even sprinkle some toasted coconut or add a wedge of lime for guests to squeeze over their plates for that tropical zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal or lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of the cream sauce, the texture might change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place portions in a sealed container or freezer bag, and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in the Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp works beautifully and adds a lovely seafood twist. Simply season and cook it similarly to the chicken but reduce cooking time since shrimp cooks faster.
How spicy is the jerk seasoning in this recipe?
The jerk seasoning provides a moderate heat that’s warm and aromatic, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more seasoning or including a pinch of cayenne if you like things hotter.
Is there a vegetarian version of Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or a hearty vegetable like mushrooms. Be sure to season well to capture the authentic jerk flavor.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the components in advance, keeping the pasta and sauce separate until just before serving, then quickly toss everything together to keep it fresh.
What cheese works best for the creamy sauce?
Parmesan is great for its sharpness, while mozzarella gives a gooey meltiness. You can even mix both, depending on your preference for flavor and texture when making this Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe is a celebration on a plate, perfectly combining the boldness of jerk seasoning with the comforting creaminess of pasta. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try and let the flavors transport you to sunny Caribbean shores.
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Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Description
Jamaican Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean dish that combines tender chicken seasoned with spicy jerk seasoning, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy, cheesy sauce tossed with penne or fettuccine pasta. This hearty and aromatic meal brings the bold flavors of Jamaica to your dinner table, perfect for a satisfying main course that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced (or shrimp as alternative)
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning (plus more to taste)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped scallions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and cook the chicken: Toss the sliced chicken breast with the jerk seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red, green, and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender and slightly softened.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the thyme, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add cheese and combine: Stir the shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese into the sauce until melted and creamy. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add additional jerk seasoning if you want more spice. Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley if desired. Serve the Jamaican Rasta Pasta hot for a delicious and colorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot jerk seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu to suit different dietary preferences.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce while warming.
