How to Make Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Shrimp – A Caribbean-Italian Fusion Delight

Are you looking for a dish that’s gonna blow your taste buds away? Well, look no further than Rasta pasta with chicken and shrimp! This colorful, creamy, and spicy dish combines the best of Jamaican and Italian flavors to create something truly magical I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.

Rasta pasta has become super popular, especially on TikTok where home cooks share their versions of this vibrant dish. It’s the perfect meal when you want something quick but impressive – ready in about 30 minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

What Is Rasta Pasta?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand what Rasta pasta actually is Rasta pasta is a fusion dish that combines Caribbean flavors with Italian pasta The name comes from the colors of the bell peppers used (red, green, and yellow) which represent the Rastafarian colors.

Contrary to what some might think, Rasta pasta isn’t actually associated with Rastafarianism (whose followers are typically vegetarians) History tells us it was first created by Chef Lorraine Washington at her Paradise Yard Restaurant in Negril, Jamaica back in 1985 She prepared a meal featuring ackee on tomato sauce over homemade fettuccine for construction workers, who noticed the dish’s resemblance to Rastafarian colors. One worker dubbed it “Rasta Pasta,” and the name stuck!

Over time, this dish has evolved to include various proteins like chicken, shrimp, and even sausage, making it heartier and more versatile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

For the Protein:

• 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 1 whole chicken breast
• 1 pound smoked sausage (optional for extra flavor)

For the Vegetables:

• 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow for authentic Rasta colors)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 stalks scallions (green onions), sliced

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups cheese (a mix of cheddar and Parmesan works great)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Seasoning:

• 1-2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (or Cajun seasoning as an alternative)
• 1 teaspoon all spice
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional if you like it spicy)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon (for authentic Caribbean flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add about ½ tablespoon of salt.
2. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (about 10-15 minutes depending on type).
3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining (this is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency later).
4. After draining, toss pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2: Prep and Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a bit of jerk seasoning.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4. Remove chicken from pan and set aside to rest before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Season shrimp with jerk seasoning or Cajun seasoning.
2. In the same pan you used for chicken, cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes total (about 1-2 minutes per side).
3. Be careful not to overcook! Shrimp should be pink and just curled.
4. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Cook Sausage (If Using)

1. Slice sausage into ½-inch thick pieces.
2. Cook in the same skillet until browned on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
3. Remove and set aside with other proteins.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and butter.
2. Add bell peppers, onions, and scallions, sautéing for about 2 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute (don’t let the garlic burn).
4. Add diced tomato and cook for about 2 more minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour chicken stock or pasta water into the pan to deglaze and scrape up any flavorful bits.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with vegetables.
3. Add all the seasonings (jerk/Cajun seasoning, paprika, all spice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a tiny bit of cinnamon).
4. If using scotch bonnet, add it now (be careful as it’s very hot!).
5. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Combine

1. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
3. If sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 8: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and sausage (if using) back to the pan.
2. Gently stir to coat with the sauce.
3. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well combined and coated with sauce.
4. Let it cook together for 1-2 minutes so flavors can meld.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Rasta Pasta

• Cook pasta al dente – It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
• Layer the flavors – By cooking everything in the same pan, you’re building flavor at each step.
• Balance the heat – Jerk seasoning can be spicy, so adjust according to your preference.
• Use freshly grated cheese whenever possible for the smoothest sauce.
• Reserved pasta water is your friend – It helps thin out the sauce if needed without diluting flavor.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Version

Replace the proteins with mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a different but delicious flavor profile.

Different Pasta Shapes

While penne is traditional, you can use any pasta that will hold the sauce well. Rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine all work great!

Cheese Options

The classic recipe uses cheddar and Parmesan, but you can experiment with mozzarella or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Seasoning Alternatives

If you don’t have jerk seasoning, Cajun seasoning works well as a substitute. You can also make your own jerk blend with allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rasta pasta very spicy?

It can be, but you control the heat! Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning or scotch bonnet pepper to your taste. For a milder version, use less seasoning or substitute with a milder alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Rasta pasta reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as alternatives. Coconut milk gives it a different but complementary flavor that works well with the Caribbean spices.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook very quickly! They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and just curl into a C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never gets old! The combination of creamy sauce, spicy seasonings, tender chicken, and succulent shrimp creates a meal that’s satisfying on so many levels.

What I particularly love about Rasta pasta is how versatile it is. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like, swap proteins based on what you have on hand, and even use leftover chicken to make the process quicker.

The vibrant colors from the bell peppers make this dish not just delicious but also beautiful to look at. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

So next time you’re craving something a little different from your usual pasta night, give this Rasta pasta with chicken and shrimp a try. It’s a flavorful journey to Jamaica via Italy that you won’t regret!