Rasta Pasta Recipe

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Introducing the flavorful and vibrant world of Rasta Pasta, a delightful fusion of Caribbean-style jerk chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and creamy pasta.

This dish is very delicious and has a rich and spicy flavor., making it the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.

You’ll love making this pasta recipe all the time because it’s so easy and full of flavor.

Oh yes, this Rasta Pasta recipe is not just delicious; it’s an explosion of colors that makes every spoonful an absolute joy to devour.

Imagine every mouthful bursting with creamy goodness and the vibrant crunch of bell peppers that add a tantalizing twist to this beloved dish.

The flavor journey is truly a delightful ride, and trust me when I say, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

So, what exactly is Rasta Pasta?

Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that infuses Caribbean flair into the classic Italian favorite.

This fusion cuisine embraces an enticing combination of heavy cream, robust jerk seasoning, and an assortment of bell peppers, creating a harmonious blend of colors and tastes.

The name “Rasta” pays homage to the Rastafarian culture, and while it is often served as a vegetarian dish, jerk chicken or shrimp can be added for extra depth.

With its creamy texture and bold flavors, Rasta Pasta has earned its place as a beloved culinary gem, appealing to pasta enthusiasts and adventurous foodies alike.

Ingredients you will need

(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)

• Pasta
• Chicken breasts
• Oil
• Red pepper
• Green pepper
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Jerk seasoning
• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

How to make pasta rasta

Whipping up this pasta dish is a breeze, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a quick and easy comforting dinner option.

If you’re on the lookout for a simple and delicious meal that you can prepare in no time, then this recipe is tailor-made for you!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this Caribbean-inspired pasta masterpiece:

1. Cook the Jerk Spiced Chicken:

  – Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

  – Season the chopped chicken with 1.5 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

  – Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes or until it’s thoroughly cooked. Set it aside for later use.

2. Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onions:

  – Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same pan and add the sliced bell peppers and green onions.

  – Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they soften and develop beautiful colors.

3. Create the Flavorful Sauce:

  – Add the minced garlic and 1.5 tablespoons of Jamaican jerk seasoning to the pan with the peppers and onions. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to infuse the flavors.

4. Simmer with Liquids:

  – Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, coconut milk (or heavy cream), and add the previously cooked jerk chicken back to the pan.

  – Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up. If it gets too thick, you can add a few tablespoons of water or stock to adjust the consistency.

5. Add the Creamy Finish:

  – Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and infuse the sauce with creaminess.

6. Cook the Pasta:

  – While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta of your choice in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

  – Drain the cooked pasta and toss it generously with the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

  – Your Pasta Rasta is ready to be served! Garnish with fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley if desired, and savor every flavorful bite.

Now, you have the key to creating a tantalizing and comforting Pasta Rasta recipe that will transport you to the enchanting flavors of the Caribbean!

You can make Rasta Pasta in the Instant Pot. Using the Instant Pot will significantly reduce the cooking time, making it a convenient and efficient way to prepare this delightful dish.

What type of pasta shall I use?

When it comes to making Rasta Pasta, the choice of pasta is flexible, and you can use various shapes to suit your preferences.

Here are some pasta options that work well with Rasta Pasta:

Penne: Penne pasta is a classic choice for Rasta Pasta. Its cylindrical shape with angled ends allows the sauce to cling to the pasta, ensuring each bite is filled with flavor.

Fusilli: Fusilli pasta’s twisted and spiral shape adds a fun and playful element to the dish. The nooks and crannies in the pasta hold the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall taste.

Bow Tie (Farfalle): Bow tie pasta brings a charming appearance to the dish, resembling little butterflies. It provides a delightful contrast to the vibrant bell peppers and creamy sauce.

Rigatoni: Rigatoni’s large, ridged tubes create a hearty and satisfying bite. The sauce can seep into the pasta’s hollow center, making each mouthful incredibly flavorful.

Macaroni: If you prefer a smaller pasta shape, macaroni works beautifully in Rasta Pasta. Its small tube-like shape ensures a harmonious combination of sauce and bell peppers in every bite.

Rotini: Rotini pasta, with its twisted shape, offers a unique texture to the dish. The spiral design holds the sauce and spices, resulting in a delightful and visually appealing plate of pasta.

Rasta Pasta Variations

Rasta Pasta is an incredibly versatile dish, and there are several exciting variations you can explore to suit your taste preferences and dietary choices. Here are some delightful Rasta Pasta variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Rasta Pasta: Embrace the true essence of Rastafarian cuisine by going fully vegetarian. Skip the chicken or any other meat, and let the bell peppers and jerk seasoning shine as the stars of the show. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
2. Instant Pot Rasta Pasta: A quick and easy one-pot meal ready in just 15 minutes! Let the Instant Pot infuse the penne pasta with jerk seasoning and creamy tomato-coconut sauce for a delightful twist on this classic dish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
3. Shrimp Rasta Pasta: Replace the chicken breasts with peeled and deveined shrimp for a mouthwatering seafood twist. Sauté the shrimp in oil and garlic until pink, then set them aside. Follow the same recipe as the original, and once the pasta is cooked in the sauce, add the cooked shrimp back in. The combination of succulent shrimp and jerk seasoning creates a delightful and vibrant dish.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

Cream Cheese Pasta with Bacon

Italian Sausage Pasta

Chili Mac & Cheese

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