Hey, pasta lovers! Are you ready to try something new and exciting? If you love creamy pasta with a spicy kick, then you will love this rasta pasta recipe! Rasta pasta is a dish that combines Jamaican and Italian flavors, using colorful bell peppers, jerk seasoning, coconut milk, and cheese. It’s a dish that originated in Jamaica in 1985 by chef Lorraine Washington, who made it for a group of construction workers. They noticed that the bell peppers resembled the colors of the Rastafari movement (red, green, and yellow), hence the name rasta pasta.

This rasta pasta recipe is easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking. You can use any type of pasta that you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or bow-tie. You can also add chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or keep it vegetarian if you like. The sauce is creamy and rich, with a hint of coconut and a burst of spice from the jerk seasoning. You can make your own jerk seasoning or use a store-bought one, just make sure that it’s good quality. The sauce will coat the pasta and the veggies, making every bite delicious and satisfying.

Here’s how to make this amazing rasta pasta recipe:

1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cut the chicken (if using) into bite-sized pieces and season with jerk seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3. Chop the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and green onions. Heat some more oil in the same skillet over medium heat and cook the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft.

4. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

5. Add the coconut milk, vegetable stock, parmesan cheese, and more jerk seasoning to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

6. Add the pasta, chicken (or shrimp), and green onions to the sauce and toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

7. Sprinkle with more cheese and parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Here are some interesting facts about rasta pasta. Rasta pasta is not only popular in Jamaica, but also in other Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Grenada. It is sometimes made with ackee, a fruit that is native to West Africa and is considered Jamaica’s national fruit. It can be made vegan by using dairy-free cheese and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

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