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Amazing Rasta Pasta: 1 Secret to Dreamy Sauce

rasta pasta
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This Rasta Pasta recipe brings the bright, spicy flavors of the Caribbean right to your dinner table. It features tender pasta coated in a creamy, vibrant sauce packed with bell peppers and seasoned perfectly with jerk spice. You can easily add chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. If using, add chicken or shrimp and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Add onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and jerk seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. If using, stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  9. Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet.
  10. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
  11. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  12. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

  • For a truly authentic flavor, use homemade jerk seasoning if you have time.
  • If omitting meat, add a can of drained, rinsed black beans along with the broth for protein.
  • Coconut milk provides a wonderful richness and complements the jerk spice beautifully, making this dish naturally dairy-free if you skip the Parmesan.
  • Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to control the spiciness of your Rasta Pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/creamy-rasta-pasta-jerk-chicken-recipe/