Description
Rasta Pasta is a vibrant, Caribbean-inspired pasta dish featuring a creamy, flavorful sauce with jerk seasoning, peppers, and tender chicken or shrimp, perfect for a bold and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp, diced or whole
- 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken or shrimp with jerk seasoning.
- Add the chicken (or shrimp) to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked (for chicken, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- If desired, add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or jerk seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot with additional lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of jerk seasoning or add some hot sauce.
- This dish works well with shrimp, chicken, or even a vegetarian version with sautéed vegetables or tofu.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg