Rasta Pasta Recipe recipe photo - Rasta Pasta Recipe by Jan

Rasta Pasta Recipe

Published: July 1, 2025 Prep Time: About 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 Difficulty: Medium Category: Main Course Cuisine: Jamaican

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add onion and bell peppers, cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper, cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add jerk seasoning, curry powder, allspice, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
  7. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
  8. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  9. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Special Notes

This vibrant Jamaican-inspired pasta dish gets its name from the Rastafarian colors (red, yellow, green) from the bell peppers. The combination of jerk seasoning and curry creates a unique flavor profile that's both spicy and aromatic. Adjust the heat level by using less scotch bonnet pepper if desired.