This Rasta Pasta recipe has tons of flavor, is super satisfying, and is oh-so-easy to make that you can whip it up for dinner tonight in less than 30 minutes. #winningatthiscookingthing
Easy Rasta Pasta
Jamaican Rasta Pasta is loaded with zesty Jerk chicken, a rainbow of colorful bell peppers, and your favorite pasta. (I liked to use penne, but fusilli is another great option), Then top it all off with a silky, creamy, sauce and the perfect amount of parmesan cheese. Friends, it really is soooooo good! As good as this Cornmeal Porridge, best ever Jamaican Rice And Peas, and delicious Jamaican Oxtail Stew. Oh and if you prefer you can head on over to my Instant Pot Rasta Pasta, and try that instead.
What Is Rasta Pasta?
This is a Jamaican-inspired recipe made with colorful peppers, Jerk spiced chicken, and a creamy sauce. First created in Jamaica by International Chef Lorraine Washington in 1986, the dish includes colors that are reminiscent of the Rastafarian flag. Chef Washington’s restaurant patrons began using the play on words “Rasta Pasta” to refer to the dish. The name stuck, and it’s been an international favorite ever since.
Why Make This Recipe
Super Flavorful – The bold flavors are the perfecrt alternative to boring and bland pasta recipes.Perfect for Leftovers – This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Easy Meal Prep – You’ll want to pack the leftovers for lunch all week long.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken – Cut two chicken breasts into thin two-inch-long strips.Olive Oil – Or use any light, neutral-flavored oil. Jerk seasoning – Jamaican Jerk seasoning blend is made with scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, scallions, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, ginger, and salt. Buy it premade from the grocery store or you can make it from scratch.Ginger Powder – Ginger adds a warm, sweet spiciness to the dish.Cayenne Pepper Powder – Adds another level of heat, but if your Jerk seasoning is already hot enough you can omit. Salt – Brings out the natural flavors of all the other ingredients.Penne Pasta – Penne holds up to the heavy sauce. Feel free to use your favorire shape or whatever you happen to have on hand.Butter – adds a luscious creaminess to this dish.Bell Peppers – Use one red, one yellow and one green bell pepper, seeds removed and cut into thin slices.Vidalia onion – For a hint of sweetness and flavor.Garlic – Use fresh minced garlic or garlic powder.Heavy Cream – Substitute with coconut milk, if you prefer.Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese complements this pasta dish perfectly.
Ready to learn how to make this delicious Jamaican Rasta Pasta? Gather up those ingredients and I will show you…
How To Make Rasta Pasta
Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
In a bowl, combine chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of Jerk seasoning, ginger powder, cayenne powder and salt. Toss to coat, then cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours) in the fridge.While the chicken marinates, bring 6 cups of water to a boil over high heat in a large pot then cook the pasta for 9 minutes to el dente.Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the water and set it aside for later. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F / 74C.Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Add butter, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the peppers start to soften a bit.Pour in the remaining Jerk seasoning and reserved pasta water, along with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Cook until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.Add the cooked chicken back in, then the cooked pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.Garnish with freshly sliced green onions or parsley, serve and enjoy.
Note: Always check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165F / 74C before it is considered cooked and safe to eat.
Expert Tips
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, and up to 8 hours (or overnight).Cook pasta to al dente. This means the pasta has a little bit of resistance when you bite into it.Traditionally, Rasta Pasta includes 3 colors of bell peppers, but you can use what you have on hand. For those who like a lot of heat, add more Jerk seasoning and cayenne pepper to really kick things up. And use less, or even omit the Cayenne altogether, if you prefer a milder dish. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of chicken should be 165F / 74C.You can also make this using already-cooked chicken or chicken leftovers if you prefer. Just add all of the Jerk seasoning to the skillet when cooking the vegetables.
Delicious Variations
Swap The Pasta – Penne or Rigatone pasta works great for this recipe, but Fusilli, bow tie, or tagliatelle al work too.Add Shrimp – Make shrimp Rasta Pasta by swapping out some or all of the chicken for jerk seasoned shrimp. Make It Vegetarian – Leave out the meat for a vegetarian Rasta Pasta. For Vegan Rasta Pasta, swap butter for oil, use coconut milk in place of heavy cream and omit the parmesan cheese.
Prep And Storage
Prep Ahead – Cook pasta noodles in advance and toss with oil or butter, then store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cook chicken in advance and store in a separate airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days. Prep the rest of the recipe just before serving. Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a covered dish for up to 3 days. Freeze – Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
FAQs
More Recipes You May Like
Easy Jamaican Oxtail Stew. Seriously our favorite recipe to make.Jamaican Goat Curry. This version is better than take out.Cornmeal Porridge. Great breakfast treat.Jamaican Rice and Peas. I love to serve this with everything.Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken. It is easy to make and great for meal prep.The easiest Jerk Sauce. – yes please.Creamy Mushroom Chicken. A finger licking good easy recipe.Chicken Florentine. Cream and dreamy.Chicken Fricassee – An easy version of the popular French Stew.Instant Pot Rasta Pasta. Made simply and easily in your pressure cooker.Smothered Potatoes. A fab side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage.Jamaican Rum Punch.Tomato Choka.
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