Jamaican Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold spices of Jamaican cuisine with creamy pasta. Its name comes from the colorful vegetables used, which represent the Rastafarian movement’s colors—red, gold, and green.This fusion dish is typically made with bell peppers, jerk seasoning, and a creamy sauce, often incorporating shrimp or chicken.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp or chicken, deveined (or cubed if chicken)
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: Scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the protein: Season the shrimp or chicken with 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through, or cook the chicken until golden and no longer pink inside (about 6–8 minutes for chicken, 3–4 minutes for shrimp). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of jerk seasoning to the vegetables, followed by the coconut milk and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and protein back into the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your flavorful Jamaican Rasta Pasta!
This dish is perfect as a weeknight dinner, combining the spice of the Caribbean with a creamy twist that everyone will love!
