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Amazing Rasta Pasta: 30 Minute Joy

rasta pasta

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Make this vibrant and creamy Rasta Pasta featuring bold jerk seasoning and colorful peppers. This recipe brings the exciting flavors of Jamaica right to your dinner table quickly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (or shrimp)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2-3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and half of the jerk seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the remaining jerk seasoning and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  8. Return the cooked chicken (or add shrimp now if using) to the skillet. Warm through for 2 minutes.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
  10. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Chef Tariq suggests using authentic Jamaican jerk paste for the deepest flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or mushrooms.
  • For extra spice, add a dash of scotch bonnet pepper sauce along with the broth.
  • Amara recommends using good quality Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.

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