Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious sauce made from coconut milk, jerk seasoning, bell peppers, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe brings bold spices and creamy textures together for a comforting meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 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)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season: Sprinkle the jerk seasoning over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream (if using), then let the mixture simmer gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Keep mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss it to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the pasta and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, though penne works best for holding the creamy sauce.
- Adjust jerk seasoning to your preferred spice level; use less for milder heat.
- The heavy cream is optional, but it adds extra richness to the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein to make it a heartier dish.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently adding a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
