Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe

If you love rich, creamy pasta with a Caribbean twist, this Rasta Pasta recipe is for you! This dish combines tender, jerk-seasoned chicken (or shrimp) with bell peppers, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

I recently made this dish, and let me tell you—it’s an absolute game-changer! The jerk seasoning adds perfect heat and smokiness, while the creamy sauce beautifully balances everything. Let me walk you through my step-by-step process for making this mouthwatering dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (mild or spicy)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this creamy Rasta Pasta, you’ll need the following:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs (for handling chicken/shrimp)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for cheese)

How to Make Creamy Rasta Pasta?

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for al dente).
3. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Jerk Chicken or Shrimp

1. Season the chicken (or shrimp) with jerk seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. (For shrimp, cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink.)
4. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

1. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
3. Add dried thyme and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, stirring to coat well.
2. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet (or toss in the shrimp).
3. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Stir in green onions and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness of your homemade Rasta Pasta!

How to Store Leftover?

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Rasta Pasta without meat?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken or shrimp and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Is Rasta Pasta supposed to be spicy?

Traditionally, yes! Jerk seasoning has a kick to it, but you can use a mild version if you prefer less heat.

What pasta works best for Rasta Pasta?

Penne is the most popular choice, but you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Conclusion

Making this Creamy Rasta Pasta was an absolute delight! The flavors of jerk seasoning, creamy sauce, and colorful bell peppers make it a standout dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

If you love bold and creamy pasta dishes, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!