Creamy Jamaican Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken

Rasta Pasta is a bold and flavorful Jamaican-inspired dish that brings together creamy, cheesy pasta with spicy jerk-seasoned chicken and vibrant bell peppers. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion. The heat from the jerk seasoning balances beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce, making it an irresistible comfort meal.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold & Spicy Flavors

Jerk seasoning brings smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Rich & Creamy

The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a silky, luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Vibrant & Colorful

With red, yellow, and green bell peppers, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Easy to Make

From prep to plate in just 40 minutes, making this a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Protein Options

• Chicken: This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can swap in shrimp, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Jerk Seasoning: Store-bought jerk seasoning works well, but if you want to make your own, a blend of allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, and garlic does the trick.

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

• Heavy Cream: For the creamiest sauce, but half-and-half or coconut milk can be used as a lighter option.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, but you can also try pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.

Pasta Choices

• Penne Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use rigatoni, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.

Spice & Seasoning

• Ginger Powder & Cayenne Pepper: Adds warmth and an extra kick.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors, adjust to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning, ginger powder, cayenne powder, and salt. Toss everything together, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Cook the Pasta

While the chicken marinates, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add butter and toss in the red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the diced Vidalia onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.

Make the Creamy Jerk Sauce

Pour in the reserved pasta water, the remaining jerk seasoning, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Stir well so everything gets coated in the creamy jerk sauce.

Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with freshly sliced green onions or parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting consistency and flavor.
• If you want extra heat, add a finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the sauce.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Stick to al dente for the best results.
• Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce.

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep your veggies while the chicken marinates to save time.
• Use pre-cut chicken strips to speed up the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with a fresh avocado salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Presentation Ideas

• Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top before serving.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat.

Beverage Pairings

• A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc balances the spice.
• Try a mango or pineapple juice for a tropical touch.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or even jackfruit for a plant-based version.

What if I don’t have jerk seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cayenne, and black pepper.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce the cayenne and opt for a mild jerk seasoning. Adding a bit more cream also helps mellow out the heat.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free alternatives like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta.

Flavor Twists

• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Stir in spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• For a festive touch, use red and green bell peppers only to match holiday colors.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more delicious recipes? Try these:

• Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms – A perfect appetizer that’s packed with cheesy, garlicky goodness.
• Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers – A light and romantic appetizer with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes.
• Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs – Flaky, golden pastries filled with a creamy spinach and feta mixture.

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Try this Rasta Pasta recipe and let me know how it turns out in the comments! I’d love to hear your variations and see your photos. Happy cooking!

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