This rasta pasta recipe is everything! The spicy kick from the jerk seasoning combined with creamy coconut milk and melty cheese makes every bite absolutely delicious.

If you love Jamaican foods try my Jamaican Curry Chicken, Jerk Marinade and Jamaican Green Seasoning.

What is Rasta Pasta?

Rasta pasta is a Jamaican fusion dish. It’s reminiscent of alfredo but with Jamaican seasonings and peppers. The bell peppers add sweetness, balancing the heat from the chicken, while the pasta soaks up every bit of that flavorful sauce.

I first had rasta pasta at Footprints in Brooklyn, NY. The rasta pasta at footprints is famous if you’re familiar with NYC Jamaican cuisine. They offer rasta pasta in a variety of ways. You can get shrimp, oxtail or chicken.

I fell in love with the dish and had to come up with my own rasta pasta recipe. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this pasta always hits the spot.

Ingredients for this recipe

• Chicken breasts: Lean protein that absorbs all those bold jerk flavors.
• Dry jerk seasoning: Adds smoky heat, bringing that Caribbean vibe.
• Paprika: Provides extra warmth and a hint of sweetness.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to perfection.
• Penne pasta: Its ridges hold onto the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Onion: Adds a savory base to the dish.
• Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant for color and flavor.
• Green bell pepper: Brings subtle bitterness to balance the dish.
• Yellow bell pepper: Adds sweetness and brightness.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• Coconut milk: Brings a hint of tropical sweetness and thickness to the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Makes the sauce smooth and extra creamy.
• Wet jerk seasoning: Elevates the heat and ties all the flavors together in this rasta pasta recipe.

The full written recipe with measurements is below on the recipe card.  

How to make this rasta pasta recipe

Cut the chicken breast into strips.

Season and cook the chicken until golden and juicy.

Start cooking the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta boils, sauté onions and bell peppers in olive oil.

Add garlic, cream, coconut milk, and wet jerk seasoning to the pan, letting it simmer into a thick sauce. Stir occasionally and the sauce should reduce by a third.

Remove the pan from the heat and then stir in the cheese. This will prevent it from clumping up. Then toss in the cooked pasta and chicken.

Garnish with more cheese if you’d like then dig in.

Please remember to leave a review if you make this recipe. The feedback helps me to become a better cook and develop amazing recipes for you.

Commonly Asked Questions