Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken (Rastafarian Pasta)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Rastafarian Pasta is a Caribbean fusion dish that melds fiery jerk seasoning with a creamy alfredo-like sauce for a delicious and unique pasta dish. With tender chicken and lots of colorful bell peppers, this meal is balanced and flavorful. 

Ingredient Notes

• Pasta | The ridges of penne pasta hold the delicious Jerk seasoning sauce for the maximum flavor in every bite.
• Oil | Use olive oil to saute the chicken and veggies. 
• Chicken | One pound of boneless chicken breasts serves about four to six people.
• Paprika | Paprika brings a smoky element to the flavor of this rasta pasta.
• Salt | Add a little kosher salt to bring out the ingredients’ natural flavors.
• Jerk Seasoning | This fun Caribbean seasoning gives you all the extra spices this jerk chicken pasta needs. This spice blend is very spicy, so I recommend mild jerk seasoning. I used Walkerswood mild traditional Jamaican jerk seasoning.

• Onion | Sliced yellow onion adds a little sweetness to contrast the spice.
• Bell peppers | Use three medium sliced bell peppers – red, green peppers, and yellow bell peppers are perfect for adding the rasta colors to this dish.
• Garlic cloves | For subtle spice, add two cloves of garlic.
• Heavy cream | Use heavy cream to cut the spice and make a creamy pasta sauce.
• Cheese | I like to use freshly grated parmesan cheese because it melts the best and has an authentic flavor.
• Green onions | Garnish the dish with a bundle of sliced green onions.

How to Make Jerk Chicken Pasta

Traditional jerk-seasoned chicken is a lengthy process. But you can make this easy pasta recipe in just 30 minutes and still enjoy the classic Caribbean flavors!

STEP 1 | Boil the pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

STEP 2 | Cook the chicken

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast, paprika, salt, and some of the jerk seasoning.

Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, reserving the juices and seasonings.

STEP 3 | Saute the vegetables

Next, add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet, with a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the vegetables for about 7-8 minutes, until tender.

Then, add the garlic for the last minute of cooking and remove the vegetables from the pan, setting aside to add to the pasta dish later.

STEP 4 | Make the creamy sauce

Now, reduce the temperature to medium heat and add the heavy cream to the pan, ]allowing it to warm up. Once the cream is warm, add the remaining jerk seasoning and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy (about 3-4 minutes).

STEP 5 | Add chicken and veggies

Then, add the chicken pieces, onions, and peppers back to the cream sauce and stir to combine.

STEP 6 | Add pasta, toss, and garnish

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until it is well coated in sauce. Sprinkle the top of the pasta with green onions and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

For more delicious pasta recipes, try my Cherry Tomato Pasta with a classic combination of juicy tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. You may also enjoy this kid-friendly Cheeseburger Macaroni or my cozy Pasta and Butternut Squash when you’re craving the ultimate comfort food.

Variations and Substitutions

• More or Less Jamaican Jerk Seasoning. Taste the pasta at the end, and feel free to add a tablespoon of jerk seasoning, adding more until it’s as spicy as you like it. Or use hot jerk seasoning for extra heat!
• Thinner Sauce. Add reserved pasta water or chicken stock to thin the sauce.
• Coconut Jerk Chicken Pasta. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for coconut jerk chicken pasta – Yum!
• If preferred, garnish the pasta with red pepper flakes. 
• Feel free to use another type of pasta if you’d like.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Save leftover rasta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheat in a skillet on the stove until the cheese is melted again and the ingredients are warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Rasta Pasta

Cool down your taste buds by serving this spicy jerk chicken pasta with a refreshing citrus Grilled Shrimp Salad.

You can also serve this creamy pasta with Cheddar Bay Biscuits or my Mayonnaise Biscuits to sop up the delicious sauce!

Beyond the recipe

This Rasta Pasta recipe is inspired by the traditional flavors of jerk chicken, a classic dish enjoyed all around the Caribbean! This special recipe dates back centuries – It’s a unique cooking style that combines Caribbean seasonings, and tender slow-cooked or grilled chicken and is often served with rice or other authentic Caribbean side dishes. 

I love how this pasta recipe transforms the tropical dish into an easy meal you can enjoy anytime in your own kitchen!