Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning, or should I make my own?

Store-bought jerk seasoning works perfectly for convenience! Each brand varies in spice level and flavor profile, so try a few to find your favorite. If you have time, homemade jerk seasoning allows you to customize the heat level and adjust ingredients to your taste preferences.

What's the best pasta shape for Rasta Pasta?

Medium shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work great because they catch the creamy sauce in their ridges and crevices. Longer pasta like fettuccine or linguine also works beautifully, allowing the sauce to coat each strand. Avoid tiny pasta shapes that might get lost among the chicken and vegetables.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or firm tofu, and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock. The jerk seasoning and creamy sauce work wonderfully with vegetable proteins, creating a satisfying meatless main dish.

My sauce is too thick/thin – how can I fix it?

If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce, or add a little more parmesan cheese to help thicken it. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced; 1 lb (450 g) pasta; 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning, divided; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 tablespoon (20 g) unsalted butter; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 spring onions, chopped; 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock; 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (100 g) parmesan, grated; Fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)

This vibrant Creamy Rasta Pasta is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! Featuring succulent jerk-seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, this Caribbean-Italian fusion dish delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes. The combination of spicy, savory, and creamy elements creates an unforgettable meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: This entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of warming jerk seasoning, sweet bell peppers, and creamy parmesan sauce creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Visually Stunning: With red, green, and yellow peppers against the creamy pasta backdrop, this dish looks as impressive as it tastes – perfect for serving guests or brightening a regular weeknight dinner.
Versatile Base: Once you master the basic recipe, you can customize it endlessly with different proteins, veggies, or heat levels to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta: Choose a substantial pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce – penne, fettuccine, or linguine work beautifully. The pasta forms the foundation of this comfort food dish.
Chicken breast: Provides lean protein and serves as the perfect canvas for absorbing the bold jerk flavors. Cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Jerk seasoning: The star ingredient that gives this pasta its distinctive Caribbean flair. It provides warmth, spice, and complexity that elevates the entire dish.
Olive oil and butter: The combination creates a rich base for sautéing with the butter adding a silky mouthfeel and the oil preventing burning.
Bell peppers: The trio of red, green, and yellow peppers not only represent the Rastafarian colors but also add sweetness, crunch, and visual appeal.
Garlic: Adds essential aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Spring onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a beautiful garnish that adds brightness to the finished dish.
Chicken stock: Forms the savory base of the sauce while adding depth and complexity.
Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
Parmesan: Adds rich, nutty flavor to the sauce while helping it thicken to the perfect consistency.
Pasta water: The secret ingredient! Keep some aside to adjust the sauce consistency – the starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try substituting shrimp for a quicker cooking time, or use sliced sausage for a smokier flavor profile. For vegetarians, firm tofu or simply extra bell peppers and mushrooms make excellent alternatives.

Heat Level Adjustments

If you love spice, add a diced scotch bonnet pepper or cayenne to amplify the heat. For milder palates, reduce the jerk seasoning and balance with a touch more cream.

Veggie Variations

Add spinach, broccoli florets, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and welcomes almost any vegetable you have on hand.

Dietary Adaptations

Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or dairy-free by substituting coconut milk (which also adds a tropical note that complements the jerk seasoning).

How to Make Creamy Rasta Pasta

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Place your diced chicken in a large bowl and thoroughly coat it with two tablespoons of jerk seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-covered with the aromatic spice blend.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions – you want it slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Remember to reserve 1-2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a deep pan or shallow casserole and melt the butter into it. Add your seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re cooked through with a nice exterior sear. Remove the chicken and set it aside, keeping all those flavorful bits in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and sauté your colorful bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften while still maintaining some crispness. Add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring to incorporate all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer until it begins to thicken slightly, creating a luscious base for your pasta.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and well-incorporated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional sliced spring onions for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
Layer Your Flavors: Build depth by using the same pan throughout – the chicken and vegetable fond creates an incredible flavor base for your sauce.
Prep Before Cooking: Have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly once you begin.
Balance the Heat: Jerk seasoning varies in spiciness between brands, so taste and adjust accordingly. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Reserve Extra Pasta Water: The starchy liquid is your secret weapon for the perfect sauce consistency – it helps the sauce cling to the pasta and can rescue a sauce that’s become too thick

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This creamy, spicy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Beverage Suggestions

Try a cold Red Stripe beer for an authentic Jamaican pairing, or a crisp, fruity white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that can stand up to the bold flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a zesty ginger beer complements the jerk spices beautifully.

Presentation Ideas

Serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl garnished with extra spring onions, fresh parsley, and a light dusting of additional jerk seasoning for color. Individual pasta bowls with a fresh lime wedge on the side allow guests to add brightness as desired.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this dish excellent for planned leftovers.

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly when thawed. If freezing, do so in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning, or should I make my own?

Store-bought jerk seasoning works perfectly for convenience! Each brand varies in spice level and flavor profile, so try a few to find your favorite. If you have time, homemade jerk seasoning allows you to customize the heat level and adjust ingredients to your taste preferences.
What’s the best pasta shape for Rasta Pasta?

Medium shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work great because they catch the creamy sauce in their ridges and crevices. Longer pasta like fettuccine or linguine also works beautifully, allowing the sauce to coat each strand. Avoid tiny pasta shapes that might get lost among the chicken and vegetables.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or firm tofu, and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock. The jerk seasoning and creamy sauce work wonderfully with vegetable proteins, creating a satisfying meatless main dish.
My sauce is too thick/thin – how can I fix it?

If your sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce, or add a little more parmesan cheese to help thicken it. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Rasta Pasta brings together the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with the comfort of Italian pasta in a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. The balance of spicy jerk chicken, sweet bell peppers, and creamy sauce creates something truly special that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking to impress guests, this colorful, flavorful pasta dish will not disappoint!