Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 300g penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine (cooked al dente)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
For the Jerk Chicken:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan or cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 small red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 scallions (chopped)
Garnishes (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)
- Extra grated cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, coat the chicken strips with jerk seasoning and lime juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F). Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, cooking until fragrant and soft (about 2-3 minutes).
- Toss in the sliced bell peppers and scallions. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re slightly tender but still vibrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat and pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream).
- Stir in parmesan cheese, jerk seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Slice the cooked jerk chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
- Mix lightly to combine, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the rasta pasta to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, extra grated cheese, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg