Rasta Pasta

This creamy pasta with jerk chicken combines fiery with creamy and the resulting rasta pasta is a mouthwatering dish that might become a new pasta favorite.

Also try Cajun chicken pasta, Cajun shrimp pasta, gochujang chicken stir fry, a watermelon and jalapeno salad, or shrimp pasta in spicy vodka sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

Offers a balanced taste: This recipe includes both creamy ingredients and spicy ones for a well-balanced dish that’s neither too bland nor too spicy.
Easy to prepare: It’s simple to make. The chicken and sauce are cooked in one pan and the pasta is cooked in another. After that, the two are combined to make this amazing rasta pasta dish.
Complex smoky flavor profile: It’s up to you whether you use mild or hot jerk seasoning and also how much to use, so you can achieve a complex flavor profile with subtle smoky flavor and go for as much heat as you choose.

Creamy Rasta Pasta Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Penne pasta: Use a different pasta shape if you prefer.
Chicken breast: Swap for chicken thighs if you like.
Jerk seasoning: I typically use mild jerk seasoning and add a little at a time (this one is my favorite!) but you can opt for hot if you want it more spicy.
Vegetables: Onion and bell peppers add flavor and color.
Heavy whipping cream: The basis of the alfredo style sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best!
Minced garlic: Always a tasty addition to savory dishes.

How to Make Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta following the directions on the package and drain.
Cook the chicken: Season the sliced chicken with paprika, salt and jerk seasoning. Cook until done and then set aside.
Cook the vegetables: Next cook the onion and bell peppers until tender and then add minced garlic and cook briefly. Set the vegetables aside.
Make the sauce: Warm the heavy cream in the pan and add the parmesan cheese and more jerk seasoning and cook.
The finishing touches: Add the pasta into the skillet and stir until coated with sauce. Serve sprinkled with green onions plus extra parmesan cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and check the ingredient list on the jerk seasoning.
Another protein: You can make rasta pasta with shrimp instead of chicken. Just keep in mind it has a much shorter cooking time.
Different vegetables: You can use sweet onion for a touch of sweetness, swap the bell peppers for zucchini or mushrooms, or add any other vegetables you want.
Vegetarian version: You can use extra-firm tofu instead of the chicken or another vegetarian-friendly protein of choice.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Start the meal with one of these cold appetizers you can make ahead.
Side dishes: As rasta pasta has protein, a starch and vegetables, you don’t have to serve side dishes unless you want to. If so, how about one of these vegetable sides or panzanella salad?
Desserts: Finish up with something cooling such as dragon fruit ice cream or a mixed berry parfait. A strawberry martini might even hit the spot.

How to Store Creamy Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Store: Keep leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: It’s best not to freeze leftovers because the cream sauce would separate.
Reheat: Either microwave the leftovers or warm them back up in a pan on the stove over a low to medium heat, stirring often.