Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining al dente penne pasta with a rich, creamy sauce infused with jerk seasoning, coconut milk, and Parmesan cheese. Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and texture, while smoked paprika and thyme deepen the Caribbean-inspired flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting skillet meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 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)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Season Vegetables: Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to evenly coat all the vegetables with the spices.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream (if using) into the skillet with the vegetables. Let the mixture simmer gently, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta as a garnish. Serve the creamy Rasta Pasta warm, enjoying its vibrant flavors and rich texture.
Notes
- Jerk seasoning can be adjusted to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan alternatives.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of pasta water added.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for the best flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
