Name: Easy Rasta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp, cleaned and deveined; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2–3 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Rasta Pasta is creamy, spicy, and packed with Caribbean flair. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The jerk seasoning gives it a smoky, slightly sweet heat, while the creamy sauce balances everything beautifully. You’ll love how customizable it is—swap out the protein, make it vegan, or adjust the spice to your liking. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
Chicken breast, shrimp, or your preferred protein
Bell peppers (red, green, yellow), sliced
Onion, sliced
Garlic, minced
Jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Olive oil or butter
Heavy cream or coconut milk
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season your protein with jerk seasoning and a pinch of salt.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken or shrimp and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic until tender.
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the cooked protein to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 25 minutes

Variations

Vegan version: Use plant-based milk or coconut milk and skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Extra spicy: Add Scotch bonnet pepper or extra jerk seasoning for a bigger kick.
Seafood version: Use shrimp, scallops, or a mix of seafood instead of chicken.
Low-carb option: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cheesy version: Stir in a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions. This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

What is Rasta Pasta?

Rasta Pasta is a Caribbean-inspired pasta dish made with colorful bell peppers, jerk-seasoned protein, and a creamy sauce—named for its vibrant colors that represent Rastafarian culture.

Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?

Yes, store-bought jerk seasoning works well. Look for one with a good balance of heat and spice.

What’s the best pasta for Rasta Pasta?

Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great choices because they hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cheese.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your jerk seasoning. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, cooked leftover chicken can be tossed in with the peppers and sauce.

What vegetables can I add?

Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini are great additions if you want to boost the veggies.

Is Rasta Pasta traditional Caribbean food?

It’s more of a Caribbean-American fusion dish inspired by Jamaican flavors and Rastafarian colors.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, keep the sauce and pasta separate until ready to serve.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

You can for extra flavor, but a quick seasoning right before cooking also works well.

Conclusion

Easy Rasta Pasta is a colorful, creamy, and spicy dish that brings Caribbean flair straight to your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, full of bold flavor, and endlessly customizable—making it a perfect choice for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.