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Jamaican Pasta
Rasta Pasta Recipe!

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Jamaican Pasta | Rasta Pasta RecipeJamaican Pasta | Rasta Pasta Recipe

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Rasta Pasta is a very odd name for a dish most often served with chicken, shrimp or even oxtail. This Jamaican Pasta is a quick meal inspired by both the Italian and Jamaican cuisines. The pasta and method of cooking came of course from Italy and the spices and seasoning from Jamaica.

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But why is it actually called Rasta pasta?

Rasta Pasta is so named not because of any strong connections to the Rastafarian faith or cuisine but instead, it is simply because of the colours of the bell peppers used to make the dish.

The peppers used just so happens to be the colours of the Rastafarian flag, red, green and gold. Also, since Rastafarianism originated in Jamaica and Jerk seasonings and spices are used in the dish, the name made some sense. 

Who created Rasta Pasta?

Who is responsible for this creamy delicious Italian-Jamaican pasta fusion? Chef Lorraine Washington, a Jamaican native and now international chef, came up with the dish unintentionally at her restaurant in Negril and quickly had to make it a part of her menu.

What is Rasta Pasta made of?

Rasta pasta is made from pasta, jerk seasonings, coconut milk (or heavy cream), parmesan cheese and bell peppers(sweet peppers). For vegan persons, you just need to switch out the ingredients that are not a part of your diet for its substitute and you are good to go.

Jamaican Pasta Recipe - Rasta Pasta

INGREDIENTS

  • Pasta
  • Olive Oil/Vegetable Oil
  • Onion
  • Bell Peppers
  • Jerk Seasoning (Natural or Store Bought, no pressure!)
  • Tomatoes
  • Coconut Milk
  • Parmesan Cheese (Vegan Cheese)
  • Brocolli (optional, works best with the Vegan version of this recipe
  • Herbs ( thyme, escallion, parsley)
  • Butter

PROCEDURE

  1. Firstly, prep your ingredients. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and jerk marinade in a large zip-lock bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken and let marinate for 30 minutes.

    While this is being done, core and seed your tri-coloured peppers, then slice them into strips and set them aside. Also peel, slice or dice whatever natural seasoning you have.

  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it has a dark crust underneath, this is usually 7-8 minutes.

    Flip the chicken to the next side and give it another 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove your chicken from the fire and transfer it to a clean cutting board and allow it to cool slightly. Reserve the skillet, no need to wash it yet.

  3. While your chicken cools, bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the pasta to the pot.

  4. While your pasta cooks cut the chicken into the desired pieces and set it aside.

  5. Now it is time to start working on your sauce. Remember your skillet from before, grab it now.

  6. First, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add the onion and peppers. Cook them down for about 5 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  7. Now add your tomatoes to your skillet, stir and allow them to cook down and fully be incorporated with the sauce then add your coconut milk and some of your parmesan cheese.

  8. While it thickens, check on your pasta which should be done by this time.

  9. Remove sauce from the stove, add in your pasta and mix thoroughly to fully incorporated the pasta and the sauce. Add your chicken strips and repeat the process.

Top with herbs and the remaining parmesan cheese and serve.

Tips For Making Rasta Pasta

  • If your sauce gets too thick after the coconut milk is added, swirl in a few tablespoons of water or chicken stock to lessen the thickness.

  • (be sure to consult the package of your pasta to know the recommended cooking.

  • Ensure there is enough sauce for the amount of pasta you are making, that way your pasta is creamy in every bite.

  • If you are making the vegan version of this recipe, cook your vegetables and add them close to the end of your pasta, so they retain some nutrients.

So this is the Jamaican pasta. As a customizable dish, you can become as creative as possible with other proteins both meat and meat alternatives like tofu.

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Return to Jamaican Food Recipes from Jamaican Pasta 
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References & Sources For Jamaican Pasta

  1. Rasta Pasta with Jerk Chicken - Mission Food Adventure,https://mission-food.com/jerk-chicken-pasta/ 
  2. Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe | Jerk Chicken Pasta, https://www.recipevibes.com/jamaican-rasta-pasta-recipe/
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