If you’re looking for a vibrant and flavorful dish to brighten up your dinner table, our Homemade Rasta Pasta with Spicy Chicken is just what you need. This dish combines colorful bell peppers, creamy pasta, and spicy chicken in a delightful sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Inspired by Caribbean flavors, this recipe brings a tropical twist to your weeknight meals. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious and colorful dish at home!
Ingredients
For the Spicy Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rasta Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Jamaican jerk seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Rasta Pasta Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the dried thyme, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve the Rasta Pasta with Spicy Chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, add a splash of cream cheese or sour cream.
Our Homemade Rasta Pasta with Spicy Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a touch of Caribbean flair to your table. With its creamy sauce, colorful vegetables, and perfectly spiced chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
We’d love to see how your Rasta Pasta turns out! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media with your version of this delicious and colorful dish.