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Rasta Pasta

Creamy, spicy Caribbean-inspired pasta featuring jerk-seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite of penne.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Jerk Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced into strips
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small scotch bonnet pepper seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken strips, jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  4. Rest the chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Let rest 2 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces; set aside.
  5. Sauté the bell peppers: In the same skillet over medium heat, add red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  6. Build flavor: Add minced garlic and scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  7. Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in paprika and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  8. Combine: Add drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat, then sprinkle in parmesan cheese. Stir over low heat until cheese melts and sauce is creamy, 1–2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional jerk seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Notes

Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Use coconut cream and gluten-free pasta for dairy-free or gluten-free versions. Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent graininess.