Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with coconut milk, jerk seasoning, and a blend of colorful bell peppers. This easy-to-make recipe balances spicy, smoky, and savory flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- 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 and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season: Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them evenly and to release the spices’ flavors.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta just before serving. Serve the creamy rasta pasta warm for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Heavy cream is optional; omit it for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce; light versions may make the sauce thinner.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to achieving perfect sauce consistency.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.
