Rasta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces 450 g dried pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts or 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tbsp for frying chicken and 1 tbsp for sauteeing bell peppers
- 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning 1.5 tbsp with the chicken, and 1.5 tbsp goes in the sauce
- 3 bell peppers in different colors – sliced
- ½ cup green onions sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup 60 ml vegetable stock or chicken stock
- ½ cup 120 ml heavy cream or half and half
- ½ cup 80 g parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions, take it out at "al dente" as you will cook it more in the next steps.
- I'm using rotisserie chicken in this recipe, but if you are using raw chicken breast then cube it, toss in jerk seasoning and cook until it's golden and cooked through. Then remove from the pot, and set aside to add later.
- Add vegetable oil to a heavy bottomed pot, and saute bell peppers with green onions. Add the minced garlic and cook until it's fragrant.
- Add jerk seasoning to the pot.
- Add heavy cream, cooked chicken and vegetable stock to the pot. Simmer for a few minutes or until the sauce thickens, mix in the parmesan in the sauce and then mix in the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped chives, green onions or parsley and serve.
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes that never fails to bring a burst of sunshine to my kitchen – Rasta Pasta! This vibrant, flavorful dish is a delightful fusion of creamy Italian pasta and bold Caribbean spices that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
I first stumbled upon Rasta Pasta during a trip to Jamaica a few years ago, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The moment I tasted that perfect blend of spicy jerk seasoning, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, I knew I had to recreate it at home. After much experimenting (and many delicious taste tests), I’ve finally perfected my own version of this mouthwatering dish.
What I love most about Rasta Pasta is how it brings together the best of two culinary worlds. The creamy, cheesy goodness of Italian pasta dishes meets the fiery kick of Jamaican jerk seasoning, creating a unique flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable. And let’s not forget about those colorful bell peppers that not only add a delightful crunch but also give the dish its name – the red, yellow, and green peppers represent the colors of the Rastafarian flag!
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Speaking of ingredients, let’s talk about the star of the show – the jerk seasoning. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat! This Jamaican spice blend typically includes allspice, thyme, scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, and a variety of other spices. It adds a complex, spicy-sweet flavor that really makes this dish sing. You can find jerk seasoning in most grocery stores, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own!
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But Diana, I’m not a fan of super spicy food!” Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. The beauty of making this dish at home is that you have complete control over the heat level. Start with less jerk seasoning and gradually add more until you find your perfect balance. And if you’re a heat lover like me, feel free to throw in some extra for that fiery kick!
One of my favorite things about cooking is the ability to customize dishes to your liking, and Rasta Pasta is no exception. While I love using penne pasta for this recipe (those little ridges are perfect for holding onto the sauce), feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta would work beautifully here.
And let’s not forget about the protein! While I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience, you can easily swap it out for grilled shrimp, tofu, or even keep it vegetarian by loading up on extra veggies. The possibilities are endless!
As I’m writing this, I can almost smell the aromatic blend of spices and hear the sizzle of peppers in the pan. It’s bringing back memories of warm Caribbean nights, steel drum music, and laughter shared with friends over good food. And that’s what I love most about cooking – its power to transport us and create lasting memories.
So, why not bring a little bit of that Caribbean magic into your own kitchen? Gather your ingredients, crank up some reggae tunes, and let’s get cooking! I promise you, this Rasta Pasta will become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect dish to brighten up a gloomy day or to share with friends at your next dinner party.
Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect. The beauty of home cooking is in the little imperfections and personal touches that make each dish unique. So go ahead, add that extra sprinkle of cheese, throw in your favorite veggies, or adjust the spices to your heart’s content.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this Rasta Pasta as much as I do. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your colorful creation and share it with me – I’d love to see your own spin on this Caribbean-inspired delight!
Until next time, happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious aromas and joyful memories!
