Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Rasta Pasta—a bold, colorful, Caribbean-inspired dish that packs a serious flavor punch! This is comfort food with a twist: tender penne is tossed in a velvety, jerk-spiced cream sauce, studded with sweet bell peppers and melty cheese. It’s a dish that always invites excitement to the dinner table, whether you jazz it up with juicy shrimp, hearty chicken, or keep it beautifully vegetarian. Creamy Rasta Pasta brings together vibrant ingredients in a way that tastes like a beachside vacation and the ultimate weekday treat, all at once.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple the ingredient list is for such a showstopper! Every single element is important, adding color, heat, or that ultra-satisfying creamy finish. Let’s walk through what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single item.

• Penne pasta (8 oz): The perfect shape to soak up all that rich sauce—feel free to try other shapes, but penne catches the creamy goodness in every bite.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle fruity notes and helps the peppers sauté to sweet, silky perfection.
• Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers sweetness and a vibrant pop of color that’s visually irresistible.
• Yellow bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds mellow flavor and sunshine-bright brightness to your pasta bowl.
• Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings a hint of earthiness and completes the authentic “Rasta” color trio.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Deliciously fragrant, it forms the backbone of the sauce’s savory flavor.
• Jerk seasoning (1 teaspoon, plus more to taste): The heart of this dish—smoky, spicy, slightly sweet, and totally crave-worthy. Adjust for your ideal heat level!
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smokiness and extra depth to the creamy sauce.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances every flavor in the pot—don’t skip it!
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Invites a gentle heat and lively finish to the dish.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The magic ingredient that makes the sauce ultra-rich and silky.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin the sauce, giving the pasta a velvety coating without making it too heavy.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Saltiness, nuttiness, and irresistible creaminess, all in one handful.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into dreamy strands for that perfect pull and stretch in every forkful.
• Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Adds a finishing touch of freshness and color to your plate.
• Cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein (optional): Customizes the dish for any mood or eater—simply stir in your favorite cooked protein at the end.

How to Make Creamy Rasta Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

First, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and toss in the penne pasta. Cook it just until al dente following the package directions—don’t overcook, because the pasta will finish absorbing flavor in the sauce. Once it’s ready, drain it well and set it aside so it doesn’t get mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Bell Peppers

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slide in all your sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Cook them, stirring often, for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they’re softened but still bursting with color and a little crunch. This is where Creamy Rasta Pasta starts coming to life!

Step 3: Add Spice & Aromatics

Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic, jerk seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let everything cook for about a minute. You’ll smell that irresistible Caribbean aroma filling the kitchen, promising plenty of heat and flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Simmer the Cream Sauce

Turn the heat down to low, and pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir thoroughly to deglaze the pan, making sure you pick up all those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let it come to a gentle simmer—just bubbling around the edges—so the sauce thickens a little but doesn’t boil over.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses

Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses straight into the skillet, and stir constantly as they melt. The sauce should quickly turn glossy, creamy, and thick, coating the peppers beautifully. Taste, and add a little extra jerk seasoning if you like things spicy!

Step 6: Toss Pasta & Protein

Add your drained penne pasta right into the skillet. Using tongs or a big spoon, toss everything together until the noodles are luscious and coated in sauce. If you have cooked chicken, shrimp, or a plant-based protein ready, now’s the moment to add it so it warms through and soaks up some creamy Rasta flavor.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Right before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve up your Creamy Rasta Pasta hot, and get ready for serious smiles at the table.

How to Serve Creamy Rasta Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is just the start—try topping your bowl with vibrant green onions for extra crunch, or a few slivers of red chili for an extra spicy pop. A little extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lime amps up both flavor and presentation, turning Creamy Rasta Pasta into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece at home.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it shines alongside crisp green salads, sweet fried plantains, or roasted vegetables. If you want to offer something traditional, serve with a slice of warm, crusty Jamaican hard dough bread to soak up every drop of that wonderful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Need to wow at your next dinner party? Serve Creamy Rasta Pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or pasta bowls, or layer it over a bed of wilted greens for a modern twist. For a crowd, try arranging sautéed shrimp or roasted chickpeas on top for dramatic color and instant upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just let Creamy Rasta Pasta cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh and fabulous for up to three days, ready for quick lunches or future comfort meals.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Rasta Pasta in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to a month. Note that creamy sauces sometimes separate slightly after freezing, but a good stir when reheated will bring things back together. For the best texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if you can.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Creamy Rasta Pasta on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just use short bursts and mix often. Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with that same silky, flavorful dish you fell in love with the first time.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Rasta Pasta dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk, and use your favorite plant-based cheeses. The natural sweetness of coconut milk pairs beautifully with jerk seasoning, making for a delicious alternative.

What protein works best in this recipe?

Creamy Rasta Pasta is truly versatile: add juicy grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or your go-to plant-based protein. Each option brings its own texture and flavor, so mix and match to keep your meals exciting!

How can I control the spice level?

Jerk seasoning can be hot, mild, or anything in between—start with a conservative amount and taste as you go. If you love heat, add extra jerk or even a few sliced Scotch bonnet peppers for serious kick.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While penne’s ridges hold the sauce especially well, Creamy Rasta Pasta also works with rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. The goal is to pick a shape that lets that luscious sauce cling to every bite.

How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Creamy Rasta Pasta will stay tasty and safe in the fridge for up to three days. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of milk when reheating.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring some island flair and a serious dose of comfort to your table, give Creamy Rasta Pasta a try. Each forkful is bursting with flavor, warmth, and joy—and you’ll be dreaming up new ways to customize it every time. Let this crowd-pleaser become a go-to in your kitchen, and don’t forget to share the love!

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