Name: Easy Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (divided); 3 tablespoons butter (divided); 1 large onion, sliced; 1 large red bell pepper, sliced; 1 large green bell pepper, sliced; 3-5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated; 16 ounces penne pasta, dry; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Introduction

This Easy Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table. Tender chicken coated in spicy jerk seasoning pairs perfectly with a cheesy pasta sauce loaded with peppers and onions. It’s a vibrant, comforting meal that’s simple enough for weeknights.

A close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a large round white bowl, showing three main layers: the pale yellow penne pasta as the base, mixed with chunks of browned sausage pieces and strips of cooked red and green bell peppers, all coated in a smooth light cream sauce. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb leaves and crushed red pepper flakes scattered evenly on top, adding color contrast and texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken breasts (boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)

3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (divided)

3 tablespoons butter (divided)

1 large onion (sliced)

1 large red bell pepper (sliced)

1 large green bell pepper (sliced)

3-5 cloves garlic (minced)

1 ½ cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese (freshly grated)

16 ounces penne pasta (dry)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning until well coated.

Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is just cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken to a bowl and set aside, being careful not to overcook.

Step 4: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot, then sauté the sliced onion and bell peppers over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and the last tablespoon of jerk seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the pot, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir to combine well.

Step 7: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 8: While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Step 9: Add the drained pasta to the pot with the chicken and sauce, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 10: Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier meat.

Try using different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varying flavors.

To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store separately from the pasta and combine just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.

What if I don’t have jerk seasoning?

You can make a simple homemade jerk seasoning by mixing together ingredients like allspice, thyme, cinnamon, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder. Alternatively, use a spicy Cajun or Creole seasoning for a different but tasty flavor.