Description
Creamy Rasta Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Caribbean flavors, blending al dente penne pasta with a luscious sauce made from coconut milk, spices, and Parmesan cheese. Infused with jerk seasoning and colorful bell peppers, it offers a creamy, spicy, and aromatic meal perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add Jerk Seasoning: Sprinkle jerk seasoning over the vegetables, stirring to evenly coat them and release the spices’ aroma.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and heavy cream (if using). Simmer gently, then stir in Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, thoroughly coating it with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water incrementally if needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve warm for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer.
- The heavy cream is optional; omit it for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Adjust the jerk seasoning quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness; you may also try cilantro for a variation.
