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Creamy Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken

A close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant Rasta Pasta featuring penne, chicken pieces, and sliced red and yellow bell peppers.
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Make this flavorful Rasta Pasta featuring tender jerk chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, creamy sauce. This Jamaican Pasta Recipe delivers bold Caribbean comfort perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with the jerk seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sliced bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer and reduce slightly for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy jerk sauce.
  9. Serve the Rasta Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce with the jerk seasoning.
  • You can substitute chicken with shrimp or use firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • If you do not have jerk seasoning, you can create a quick blend using allspice, thyme, brown sugar, and scotch bonnet pepper powder.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/rasta-pasta-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/