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Creamy Rasta Pasta Recipe: A Taste of the Islands

Discover the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with this easy and delicious Rasta Pasta recipe. Packed with creamy sauce and your favorite ingredients, it's a weeknight dinner winner!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 -6
Course: Pasta
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using chicken, season it with salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic, thyme, allspice, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Return the cooked chicken (if using) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.