This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This Rasta Pasta recipe is packed with delicious flavors and colors, along with just the right amount of creamy sauce and spice! Every bite 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.
“This dish is perfect for family gatherings, parties, special occasions, or even busy weeknight dinners.“
-Becky
Rasta Pasta is packed with bold Caribbean flavor. It’s usually made with jerk chicken or shrimp and tossed in a creamy sauce that makes it extra hearty and satisfying.
Love a good comfort meal? Add this to your dinner rotation along with recipes like Homemade Beanie Weenies, Easy Chicken Pot Pie, or Baked Chicken Wings.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 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.
- jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)-Jerk seasoning provides the bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that make Rasta Pasta unique.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
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.
How to Make Rasta Pasta with Chicken
- 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. Sauté on medium heat until slightly tender.
- 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.
- Add pasta to cream sauce, and stir to combine. Then, top pasta with chicken or stir chicken into pasta. Garnish and serve.
Expert Tips
- Spice Level: Jerk seasoning can range from mild to very spicy. If you like extra heat, finely dice a small piece of Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper and sauté it with the bell peppers. It adds an authentic Caribbean kick. Be careful, just a little goes a long way!
- Creamy Sauce: For an extra thick sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or even a few tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness. If the sauce thickens too much, add a spoonful of milk or heavy cream to thin it out.
- 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.
Rasta Pasta 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.
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.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
Halloween Recipes
Mummy Hot Dogs
Smoker and BBQ Recipes
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Smoker and BBQ Recipes
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Holidays
Roasted Turkey
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
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.