Creamy Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra freshness, garnish the finished pasta with finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley before serving. This adds a bright color contrast and a subtle, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also enhance the Caribbean-inspired flavors of the jerk seasoning.

If you prefer a more intense jerk flavor, consider marinating the chicken strips in the jerk seasoning for thirty minutes in the refrigerator before cooking.

This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful chicken. Ensure the chicken stays in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it to maintain proper food safety.

Variations

• Vegetarian Rasta Pasta: Replace the chicken with hearty cremini mushrooms and extra bell peppers. Sauté the mushrooms until browned before adding the peppers, then proceed with the sauce as directed for a delicious meat-free version.
• Seafood Rasta Pasta: Substitute the chicken with large shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan before making the sauce to prevent overcooking.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or sauce base to loosen the sauce until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When cooling leftovers, ensure they are placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain safety. Avoid leaving the pasta out at room temperature for extended periods, as the dairy-based sauce is perishable and should be chilled promptly.

While this dish is best served immediately, the components can be prepared in advance to save time. You can cook the chicken and peppers and keep them in the refrigerator, and boil the pasta separately.

When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and peppers in a skillet, add the sauce base and cheese to form the sauce, and toss in the cooked pasta.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish in shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the bell peppers and the creamy coating on the penne.

A side of toasted garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment to balance the richness of the pasta. Ensure the portions are served while hot to maintain the best sauce texture.

Consider serving additional jerk seasoning or a mild hot sauce on the side for those who prefer an extra level of spice. Because the dish is rich and flavorful, it stands well on its own as a complete meal, but a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a tropical fruit juice can provide a nice contrast to the savory, creamy profile of the pasta.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta for a Quick Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 cup sauce base
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Season the chicken strips thoroughly with the jerk seasoning. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.
2. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the hot skillet. Cook until browned, then add the sliced bell peppers. Continue to sauté until the peppers have softened and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before combining.
3. Lower the heat to medium and pour the sauce base into the skillet with the chicken and peppers. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and stretchy. Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, coating every piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.