Easy Rasta Pasta Recipe: Creamy Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pasta (30 Minutes!)

This rasta pasta recipe holds a special place in my culinary journey as a recipe creator. I first discovered this incredible Caribbean-Italian fusion during my restaurant years at “Seasoned” in New York, where a Jamaican line cook named Marcus shared his family’s secret to the perfect creamy jerk pasta. As someone who’s dedicated my career to bridging cultural traditions through accessible recipes, I knew I had to master this vibrant dish.

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University and working in several acclaimed kitchens, I’ve learned that the most memorable dishes often come from unexpected cultural fusions. This rasta pasta recipe perfectly embodies my philosophy that authentic flavors deserve simple techniques. The creamy coconut milk sauce, spicy jerk seasoning, and rainbow of bell peppers create a dish that’s both comforting and exotic – exactly what I aim for in every recipe I create.

I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this rasta pasta recipe in my home kitchen, testing it at least five times (my standard for every RecipesMolly creation) to ensure it works flawlessly for home cooks. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something extraordinary without the fuss.

What is Rasta Pasta? (The Story Behind This Jamaican-Italian Fusion)

Rasta pasta recipe is a beloved Caribbean-Italian fusion dish that originated in Jamaica, where Italian immigrants brought their pasta-making traditions and locals added their own spicy, flavorful twist. The dish gets its name from the Rastafarian colors represented by the red, yellow, and green bell peppers that give it its signature rainbow appearance.

This jamaican rasta pasta recipe combines the creamy comfort of Italian pasta with the bold, spicy flavors of Caribbean jerk seasoning. The result is a dish that’s become a staple in Caribbean restaurants worldwide and a favorite among home cooks looking to spice up their dinner routine.

The beauty of rasta pasta recipe lies in its versatility. While traditionally made with jerk chicken, you can easily adapt it for vegetarian, vegan, or seafood preferences. The creamy coconut milk base provides the perfect canvas for the complex flavors of jerk seasoning, creating a harmony that’s both comforting and exciting.

Why This Rasta Pasta Recipe Works Every Time

This easy rasta pasta recipe has been perfected through countless kitchen tests to ensure consistent, restaurant-quality results. Here’s what makes it special:

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of jerk seasoning, coconut milk, and parmesan creates layers of flavor that complement rather than compete with each other.

Foolproof Technique: By cooking the chicken and sauce separately before combining, you avoid the common mistake of overcooking the protein or breaking the cream sauce.

Customizable Heat Level: The recipe includes guidance for adjusting spice levels, making it perfect for both heat lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

Quick and Efficient: With smart preparation techniques, this impressive dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Authentic Rasta Pasta Recipe

For the Jerk Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Creamy Pasta Sauce

• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Essential Vegetables and Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

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Step-by-Step Rasta Pasta Recipe Instructions

Preparing the Jerk Chicken (5 minutes)

Start by marinating your chicken pieces in a bowl with jerk seasoning, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and lime juice. Let the chicken absorb these flavors for at least 5 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. This quick marinade ensures every bite of chicken is packed with authentic Caribbean flavor.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces, cooking for 6-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside, keeping the flavorful drippings in the pan.

Making the Creamy Coconut Sauce

In the same skillet with the chicken drippings, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, jerk seasoning, thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Cooking the Pasta and Vegetables

While preparing the sauce, cook your penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. In a separate large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the colorful bell peppers and red onion for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and vibrant.

The vegetables should retain their bright colors and slight crunch, providing textural contrast to the creamy sauce. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Bringing It All Together

Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Fold in the cooked jerk chicken and sautéed vegetables, mixing gently to distribute everything evenly.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The final dish should have a perfect balance of creamy richness, spicy heat, and fresh vegetable flavors.

Pro Tips for the Best Rasta Pasta Recipe

Getting the Perfect Jerk Seasoning Balance

The key to authentic rasta pasta recipe lies in the jerk seasoning. If using store-bought seasoning, look for brands that include allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, and garlic. For homemade jerk seasoning, combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon allspice, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Start with less seasoning and build up to your preferred heat level. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away. The jerk flavor should be prominent but not overwhelming, allowing the other ingredients to shine through.

Achieving the Ideal Creamy Texture

The secret to a perfectly creamy rasta pasta recipe sauce is temperature control. Never let the coconut milk and cream mixture boil vigorously, as this can cause the sauce to break or curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer and add the cheese gradually while whisking constantly.

If your sauce does break, don’t panic. Remove it from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter or a splash of cold cream to bring it back together. The pasta water you reserved can also help smooth out any lumps and adjust consistency.

Vegetable Cooking Techniques

For the best results, cut your bell peppers into uniform strips about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and an attractive presentation. Cook the vegetables just until tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant colors and slight crunch, which provides important textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking vegetables, as this will cause them to steam rather than sauté. If necessary, cook them in batches to achieve the perfect caramelization.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan Rasta Pasta Recipe

Transform this dish into a completely plant-based meal by substituting the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Press and cube 14 oz of firm tofu, then marinate it in the same jerk seasoning mixture for at least 15 minutes.

Replace the heavy cream with additional coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. The result is a vegan rasta pasta recipe that’s just as creamy and flavorful as the original.

Seafood Rasta Pasta Recipe (Shrimp & Salmon Options)

For a delicious seafood variation, substitute the chicken with 1.5 lbs of large shrimp, salmon cubes, or a combination of both. Season the seafood with jerk seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until just cooked through.

Shrimp should be pink and opaque, while salmon should flake easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery.

Vegetarian Rasta Pasta Recipe Ideas

Create a satisfying vegetarian version by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. You can also include protein-rich ingredients like black beans, chickpeas, or marinated tofu to make the dish more filling.

Roasted vegetables work particularly well in this dish. Try roasting the bell peppers and onions in the oven with a little olive oil and jerk seasoning for deeper, more complex flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve your rasta pasta recipe in large, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the bell peppers. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and provide lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor that complements the rich, creamy sauce.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer such as a wheat beer or lager. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving with coconut water, ginger beer, or a tropical fruit punch.

A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or plantain chips also make excellent accompaniments.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Rasta pasta recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of coconut milk or cream to restore the creamy texture, as cream sauces tend to thicken when chilled.

For meal prep, cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately from the pasta and sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and makes reheating much easier.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding liquid as needed to restore the proper consistency.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg

This rasta pasta recipe provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The coconut milk contributes medium-chain triglycerides, while the colorful bell peppers add vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rasta Pasta

More Caribbean-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this rasta pasta recipe, you might also love other Caribbean-Italian fusion dishes like jerk chicken alfredo, coconut curry pasta, or spicy shrimp and plantain pasta. These recipes combine the best of both culinary worlds, creating exciting new flavors that will keep your dinner table interesting.

For authentic Caribbean sides, consider serving this with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a refreshing mango salsa. These traditional accompaniments complement the fusion nature of rasta pasta recipe perfectly.

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This rasta pasta recipe brings restaurant-quality Caribbean flavors to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes. The combination of creamy coconut milk, spicy jerk seasoning, and colorful vegetables creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this easy rasta pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Recipe Card Summary:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Cuisine: Caribbean-Italian Fusion
• Diet: Can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free

Keywords: rasta pasta recipe, caribbean pasta, jerk chicken pasta, coconut milk pasta, jamaican pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, fusion cuisine

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