Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish combining penne pasta with a rich, spicy sauce made from coconut milk, jerk seasoning, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese. This colorful, comforting meal comes together quickly in about 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that packs a punch of taste.
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 package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers are tender but still vibrant.
- Season: Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly and develop the spicy flavor base.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and add the heavy cream if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Rasta Pasta warm and enjoy an exciting Caribbean-flavored meal.
Notes
- Jerk seasoning can be adjusted according to your preferred spice level; reduce for a milder dish or add more for extra heat.
- The heavy cream is optional but adds richness; you can omit it for a lighter dairy-free version.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, though penne is traditional and holds the sauce nicely.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
