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Rasta pasta with chicken, is packed with delicious flavors and colors, along with just the right amount of creamy sauce, and spice! This dish is perfect for family gatherings, parties, special occasions, or even busy weeknight dinners.
Easy Rasta Pasta Recipe
This Rasta pasta recipe has a bold and unique taste. It’s a little spicy, but not overwhelming, and the sweet flavors of the bell peppers balance the dish perfectly.
Rasta pasta is traditionally made with jerk chicken or shrimp, and has a creamy sauce that makes this pasta dish hearty and filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Recipe
- penne pasta-The pasta is the base of the dish. I like to use penne because of the size of shape, but you can use any pasta of your choice.
- chicken breast- cut into strips, or shredded rotisserie chicken- Using chicken breast gives the dish protein and makes it hearty.
- bell peppers- can be any colors (red, yellow, or green bell peppers), sliced into strips-Bell peppers provide a pop of color, crunch, and a slight sweetness.
- green onions-sliced-Green onions add a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- heavy cream-Heavy cream creates the rich, creamy sauce that makes this pasta rich and flavorful.
- chicken stock-Chicken stock helps thin the creamy sauce and keeps it smooth and creamy.
- grated Parmesan cheese-Parmesan cheese will thicken the sauce, and make it even richer in flavor.
- garlic, minced-Garlic enhances both the sauce and the chicken. I love adding it to meals for extra flavor.
- jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)-Jerk seasoning provides the bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that make Rasta Pasta unique.
- olive oil-Olive oil is used to cook the chicken with the seasonings. It helps lock in the flavors!
- kosher Salt-Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ground black pepper-Black pepper adds a mild heat that complements the jerk seasoning and minced garlic.
- Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
How to Make Rasta Pasta with Chicken
STEP 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. (Boil pasta in hot water until al dente.) Drain the water from the cooked pasta and then set pot aside.
STEP 2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken pieces, covering all sides.
STEP 3. In a large skillet, on medium high heat, add the oil, and the seasoned chicken. Cook chicken, until the strips are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken and set aside in a bowl or on a plate.
STEP 4. Add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté on medium heat until slightly tender.
STEP 5. Sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of jerk sauce, heavy cream, chicken stock, and parmesan cheese. Stir on medium heat until it becomes creamy and thickens.
STEP 6. Add pasta to cream sauce, and stir to combine. Then, top pasta with chicken or stir chicken into pasta. Garnish and serve.
Tips for Making the Perfect Rasta Pasta
- Spice Level- jerk seasoning can range from mild to very spicy. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Creamy Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Protein Options: This recipe works just as well with shrimp, or leave out the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms to make it vegetarian.
- Homemade Jerk Seasoning: If you prefer to make your own jerk seasoning, you can combine ingredients like allspice, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne for a flavorful homemade mix.
Variations
- Change proteins- substitute shrimp, steak, lobster, or pork for flavor variety.
- Add veggies- feel free to add in your favorite vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or whatever combination you choose.
- Make it gluten-free- just substitute gluten-free pasta, and other ingredients to keep this dish gluten free.
FAQ’S
The name “Rasta” comes from the Rastafarian culture, and the dish often features the red, green, and gold colors of the Rastafarian flag.
It can be, depending on how much jerk seasoning you use. I only used two tablespoons and that makes it mildly spicy. You can adjust the spice levels by adding or using less jerk sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of milk to freshen up the cream sauce.
Yes, you can freeze Rasta Pasta, but the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Keep them separated until just before serving.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a spoonful of milk or heavy cream to thin it out.
More Easy Meals
Rasta Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- large skillet
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 bell peppers, any colors
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minces
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. (Boil pasta in hot water until al dente.) Drain the water from the cooked pasta and then set pot aside.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken pieces, covering all sides.
- In a large skillet, on medium high heat, add the oil, and the seasoned chicken. Cook chicken, until the strips are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken and set aside in a bowl or on a plate.
- Add the bell peppers, onions, and garlic to the same skillet, then sauté on medium heat until slightly tender. Add in the remaining tablespoon of the jerk seasoning, heavy cream, chicken stock, and parmesan cheese. Stir on medium heat until it becomes creamy and thickens. (If you want your pasta a little spicier, add 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning.)
- Add pasta to cream sauce, and stir to combine. Then, top pasta with chicken or stir the chicken into the pasta. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
OMG, so so good. Flavors are awesome. Thanks for the recipe.