Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and colorful dish that brings the essence of Caribbean cuisine right to your dinner table. This dish combines spicy jerk-seasoned chicken with creamy sauce, fresh vegetables, and hearty penne pasta, creating a delightful blend of flavors that transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica.
Why We Love This Rasta Pasta Recipe
There is so much to love about Rasta Pasta. First, it’s bursting with flavors that complement each other perfectly. The Caribbean jerk seasoning adds a kick of spice, while the creamy sauce balances it out, making every bite a delightful experience. The combination of colorful bell peppers, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness brings comfort to classic comfort food.
Second, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It offers the opportunity to incorporate different ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you want to swap out the chicken for a plant-based option or add more veggies, Rasta Pasta can easily adapt to your needs.
Finally, the preparation process is straightforward and quick. Within a short amount of time, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours. This makes Rasta Pasta a go-to choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Ingredients about Rasta Pasta
To create this delicious Rasta Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 3 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning (divided)
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 16 ounces dried penne pasta
- Water (to boil pasta)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice, optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Rasta Pasta Directions
Making Rasta Pasta is an exciting culinary adventure that begins with preparing the chicken. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the Caribbean jerk seasoning and toss the chicken well, ensuring each piece is coated with the spicy seasoning. You want to pack in those flavors early on!
Next, heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside while you prepare the vegetables.
Using the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Then, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, along with the sliced onion. Sauté these vegetables for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become tender, and the onions turn translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base of your Rasta Pasta.
When the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of jerk seasoning. Sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. The aroma will transport you to a tropical paradise and set the stage for the rich, delicious sauce.
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and reduces to a creamy consistency.
While the sauce is simmering, start boiling water in a large pot for the penne pasta. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and follow the package instructions to cook it to al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Monterey Jack cheese until it melts and combines smoothly into the sauce. This cheesy twist enhances the richness of Rasta Pasta. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the hunk of creamy jerk sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated.
To finish, garnish your plate of Rasta Pasta with optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick and freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Your vibrant, delicious dish is now ready for you and your loved ones to enjoy!
How to Serve Rasta Pasta
Serving Rasta Pasta is an opportunity to showcase the colors and flavors of the dish. You can plate the pasta family-style in a large bowl or arrange individual servings on plates. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish’s overall look.
Consider pairing Rasta Pasta with a side of crusty bread or a crisp green salad. The salad can balance the richness of the dish, while crusty bread serves as a delicious tool to mop up the creamy sauce.
Don’t forget to have some extra grated cheese on hand for those who love a cheesy topping! For those who enjoy a little extra heat, offering hot sauce on the side can add another dimension of flavor.
Allow your guests to serve themselves a generous portion of this colorful dish, and watch as they dig into the cheerful medley of flavors. Rasta Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
Expert Tips: Rasta Pasta
To ensure your Rasta Pasta is restaurant-quality, consider these helpful tips:
Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, marinate your chicken in the jerk seasoning overnight. This allows the spice to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing the overall taste.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jerk seasoning you use, or omit the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add more seasoning or other hot sauce varieties to elevate the heat.
Add Vegetables: Customize your Rasta Pasta by including more vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. This not only adds nutritional value but also contributes more texture and flavor.
Pasta Variety: If you prefer other types of pasta, feel free to swap the penne for fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Each variation offers a different mouthfeel to the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember to drain the pasta while it’s still al dente, as it will continue to cook when added to the sauce.
How to Store Rasta Pasta
To keep your Rasta Pasta fresh for later, proper storage is essential. After you’ve enjoyed your meal, let the leftover pasta cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you want to enjoy Rasta Pasta over a more extended period, consider freezing it. However, be cautious as the creamy sauce may change texture upon reheating. For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, ensuring to seal it tightly. It can last up to 2 months frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Variation of Rasta Pasta
Rasta Pasta is a versatile dish, and there are numerous ways to make it uniquely yours. Here are a few variations that can elevate your dish even further:
Seafood Rasta Pasta: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops. Cook the seafood quickly to ensure it remains tender, and combine it with the sauce for a delightful twist.
Vegetarian Rasta Pasta: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and load up on an assortment of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. This version can be just as hearty and flavorful.
Creamy Rasta Pasta Bake: Transform your dish into a baked casserole by layering cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake until golden and bubbly for a new twist on the traditional preparation.
Rasta Pasta Salad: For a refreshing twist, turn the dish into a cold pasta salad by using rotini or fusilli pasta, and mix it with a vinaigrette dressing, fresh veggies, and herbs.
FAQ
What ingredient gives Rasta Pasta its distinctive flavor?
The key to Rasta Pasta’s unique flavor lies in the Caribbean jerk seasoning. This spice blend includes a variety of spices that add warmth and depth to the dish.
Is Rasta Pasta spicy?
While Rasta Pasta can indeed be spicy due to the jerk seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, you can adjust the level of heat to your preference by reducing the seasoning or omitting the spice completely.
Can I make Rasta Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Rasta Pasta can be prepared ahead of time. Simply store the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat just before serving to maintain the best texture.
What sides pair well with Rasta Pasta?
Serving Rasta Pasta with a crisp salad or warm, crusty bread works wonderfully. You can also try serving it with grilled vegetables for added flavor.
Rasta Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Caribbean jerk seasoning (divided)
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 3-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese grated
- 16 ounces dried penne pasta
- Water (to boil pasta)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning.
- In a large Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pot. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Add minced garlic and remaining tablespoon of jerk seasoning; sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot; stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, boil water in a large pot and cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Stir in grated Monterey Jack cheese until melted, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!