Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a flavorful, vibrant dish blending tender penne pasta with a rich, spicy sauce made from jerk-seasoned sautéed vegetables, coconut milk, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines Caribbean-inspired jerk seasoning with creamy textures, perfect for a cozy yet exotic dinner in about 30 minutes.
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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Season: Sprinkle the jerk seasoning evenly over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat them with the spices, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and optional heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta just before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve the creamy Rasta Pasta warm for best taste.
Notes
- Adjust jerk seasoning to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
- The heavy cream is optional; you can omit it for a lighter version or replace it with more coconut milk.
- Parmesan cheese adds richness and umami; substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegetarian or vegan option.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency and ensuring it clings well to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired
