Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Jamaican Pasta
Rasta Pasta Recipe!
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer
Rasta Pasta is a very odd name for a dish most often served with chicken, shrimp or even oxtail. This Jamaican Pasta is a quick meal inspired by both the Italian and Jamaican cuisines. The pasta and method of cooking came of course from Italy and the spices and seasoning from Jamaica.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
But why is it actually called Rasta pasta?
Rasta Pasta is so named not because of any strong connections to the Rastafarian faith or cuisine but instead, it is simply because of the colours of the bell peppers used to make the dish.
The peppers used just so happens to be the colours of the Rastafarian flag, red, green and gold. Also, since Rastafarianism originated in Jamaica and Jerk seasonings and spices are used in the dish, the name made some sense.
Who created Rasta Pasta?
Who is responsible for this creamy delicious Italian-Jamaican pasta fusion? Chef Lorraine Washington, a Jamaican native and now international chef, came up with the dish unintentionally at her restaurant in Negril and quickly had to make it a part of her menu.
What is Rasta Pasta made of?
Rasta pasta is made from pasta, jerk seasonings, coconut milk (or heavy cream), parmesan cheese and bell peppers(sweet peppers). For vegan persons, you just need to switch out the ingredients that are not a part of your diet for its substitute and you are good to go.
Jamaican Pasta Recipe - Rasta Pasta
INGREDIENTS
- Pasta
- Olive Oil/Vegetable Oil
- Onion
- Bell Peppers
- Jerk Seasoning (Natural or Store Bought, no pressure!)
- Tomatoes
- Coconut Milk
- Parmesan Cheese (Vegan Cheese)
- Brocolli (optional, works best with the Vegan version of this recipe
- Herbs ( thyme, escallion, parsley)
- Butter
PROCEDURE
- Firstly, prep your ingredients. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and jerk marinade in a large zip-lock bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken and let marinate for 30 minutes.
While this is being done, core and seed your tri-coloured peppers, then slice them into strips and set them aside. Also peel, slice or dice whatever natural seasoning you have. - Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it has a dark crust underneath, this is usually 7-8 minutes.
Flip the chicken to the next side and give it another 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove your chicken from the fire and transfer it to a clean cutting board and allow it to cool slightly. Reserve the skillet, no need to wash it yet. - While your chicken cools, bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the pasta to the pot.
- While your pasta cooks cut the chicken into the desired pieces and set it aside.
- Now it is time to start working on your sauce. Remember your skillet from before, grab it now.
- First, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add the onion and peppers. Cook them down for about 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Now add your tomatoes to your skillet, stir and allow them to cook down and fully be incorporated with the sauce then add your coconut milk and some of your parmesan cheese.
- While it thickens, check on your pasta which should be done by this time.
- Remove sauce from the stove, add in your pasta and mix thoroughly to fully incorporated the pasta and the sauce. Add your chicken strips and repeat the process.
Top with herbs and the remaining parmesan cheese and serve.
Tips For Making Rasta Pasta
- If your sauce gets too thick after the coconut milk is added, swirl in a few tablespoons of water or chicken stock to lessen the thickness.
- (be sure to consult the package of your pasta to know the recommended cooking.
- Ensure there is enough sauce for the amount of pasta you are making, that way your pasta is creamy in every bite.
- If you are making the vegan version of this recipe, cook your vegetables and add them close to the end of your pasta, so they retain some nutrients.
So this is the Jamaican pasta. As a customizable dish, you can become as creative as possible with other proteins both meat and meat alternatives like tofu.
You might like these
Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe - Mouth Watering!
Here is a quick and easy, yet delectable Jamaican jerk chicken recipe.
Free Jamaican Recipes! Yes Traditional Jamaican Recipes totally free
Yep, completely free Jamaican recipes for you to use. Just go ahead and use them, you can thank me later :-)
Delicious Jamaican Banana Bread Recipe
You've tasted it? Or probably heard about it right? Well, here's the delectable Jamaican banana bread recipe, free of charge. Go for it - but remember you'll have to share it when complete. Just kidding :-) Enjoy.
Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)
If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more.
It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!
Return to Jamaican Food Recipes from Jamaican Pasta
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Pasta
References & Sources For Jamaican Pasta
- Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken - Mission Food Adventure,https://mission-food.com/jerk-chicken-pasta/
- Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe | Jerk Chicken Pasta, https://www.recipevibes.com/jamaican-rasta-pasta-recipe/
New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿
 |
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
 |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
Read More ...
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for?
Still need help?
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
Featured Video!
Travelling To Jamaica?
Read this BEFORE you go
👇🏿
New Here?
I recommend you START HERE to enjoy the best of this website!
New! For Authentic Jamaican products, from my very own hands, visit my Etsy store here.
Recent Articles
-
Can Foreigners Buy Property In Jamaica?
Nov 23, 24 07:25 PM
Ever wondered, can foreigners buy property in Jamaica? Discover how easy it is for you to invest in Jamaican real estate. -
5 Things You Can Only Buy In Jamaica
Nov 23, 24 01:26 PM
Discover 5 unique and authentic things you can only buy in Jamaica, from world-renowned Blue Mountain Coffee to handmade Jamaican dolls and local wood carvings. -
101 Medicinal Herbs Of Jamaica- Top Natural Healing Herbs Of Jamaica
Nov 20, 24 09:27 PM
Here they are! The top 101 medicinal herbs of Jamaica. These ancient wonders that have provided effective natural healing from our parents and fore-parents. Ready? -
Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage?
Nov 20, 24 11:50 AM
To marry or not to marry? Once frowned upon, there’s much more leniency for common-law relationships these days. Does Jamaica Recognize Common Law Marriage? -
Can Jamaican Black Castor Oil Be Used On Your Face?
Nov 19, 24 05:29 PM
We have long discovered the great benefits of castor oil for our hair. But can Jamaican Black Castor oil be used on your face?
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site.
You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts:
You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.
Didn't Find What You Are Seeking?
Do a quick site search here:
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.