A rich and flavorful pasta dish inspired by Caribbean cuisine, Creamy Rasta Pasta combines spiced jerk seasoning with vibrant bell peppers and a luxurious sauce. This comforting meal delivers a bold punch of flavor while remaining easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines creamy, spicy, and savory flavors for a truly unique dish.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Customizable with protein additions like shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes.
Uses simple ingredients but delivers a restaurant-quality experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, green for color)
2 teaspoons jerk seasoning (adjust for spice level)
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender but still vibrant.
Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream (if using), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
Add Protein: Incorporate grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added substance.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative to make this dish vegetarian or vegan.
Adjust Spice Level: Use more or less jerk seasoning to match your spice tolerance.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Cheese Lovers: Add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of mozzarella for a cheesier sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk or water to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Related Recipes:
- Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice
- Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers (Halloween Style)
FAQs
What is Rasta Pasta?
Rasta Pasta is a creamy pasta dish influenced by Caribbean flavors, particularly jerk seasoning, and often features bell peppers for color and vibrancy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives or use extra coconut milk for creaminess.
What protein works best with this recipe?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu pair wonderfully with the bold flavors of Rasta Pasta.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and reheat before serving for best results.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne works great, but you can use fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
Conclusion
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a delicious fusion of Caribbean spice and Italian comfort, making it an unforgettable dish for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to suit your preferences, it’s a recipe that delivers flavor and satisfaction every time.
📖 Recipe:
PrintCreamy Rasta Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a bold and flavorful Caribbean-inspired pasta dish featuring jerk seasoning, colorful bell peppers, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this quick and customizable recipe is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, green)
2 teaspoons jerk seasoning (adjust for spice level)
1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Season: Sprinkle jerk seasoning over the vegetables, stirring to coat.
- Make Sauce: Pour in coconut milk and heavy cream (if using). Simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm.
Notes
Customize: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free Parmesan or skip cheese for a vegan version.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal