Easy Jamaican Vegetarian Rasta Pasta Recipe

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Sauteed peppers, Parmesan cheese, whipping cream, and Jamaican jerk spice come together in this flavorful and rich, Vegetarian Rasta Pasta dish. The perfect combination of Italian cuisine and Jamaican flavors. 

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What is Rasta Pasta?

A Jamaican inspired pasta dish with sauteed peppers, whipping cream, Parmesan cheese and jerk seasoning. It’s the perfect combination of rich, creamy pasta, crispy bell peppers, and a touch of spice.

This brightly colored pasta dish has all your favorite indulgent pasta alfredo ingredients and a Caribbean taste. The combination is a delicious dish you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s pure comfort food at its best.  

Why is this dish called rasta pasta? Rasta Pasta gets its name from its colorful and lively presentation, reminiscent of the red, gold, and green, hues found in the Rastafarian flag.

Why you will love this vegetarian rasta pasta recipe

• Rich – Loaded with Parmesan cheese and whipped cream this, pasta dish is rich and creamy.
• Versatile – Change up the veggies or pasta shape to your liking. Or, add some chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Flavorful – The Jamaican jerk seasoning adds just the right amount of flavor to this delicious pasta dish.
• Quick and easy – You can quickly get this dish on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Change of pace – Serve this rasta pasta as an alternative to your traditional pasta dishes. It’s perfect for pasta night.
• Bright – Colorful bell peppers in this flavorful pasta dish will brighten your plate.

Main ingredients to make rasta pasta

• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter will both work for sauteeing the veggies.
• Onion – Any type of onion, sliced, adds flavor. Even green onions or shallots would work.
• Peppers – The perfect trio of bell peppers; red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and yellow bell peppers, all sliced. 
• Jamaican Jerk Seasoning – This seasoning really gives this pasta dish its unique flavor. Use store-bought or make your own.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves,  minced, add the best flavor but jarred garlic will also work. 
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Heavy whipping cream makes for a rich, creamy sauce. Substitute with a lower-fat cream or half-and-half if you want to lighten up the sauce. 
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor in this delicious creamy pasta dish. Stay away from shelf-stable Parmesan cheese. 
• Penna Pasta – Penne pasta works well with this sauce, but any short shape will do.

How to make Vegetarian Rasta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Step 2: Add the butter to a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and saute the sliced bell peppers and onions. Once the vegetables have softened add in the garlic and cook until it is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Add the jerk seasoning to the pan with the onions and peppers.

Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer over medium heat for 3 – 5 minutes or until the liquid begins to thicken. Do not bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Toss the hot pasta into the sauce and serve immediately.

Step 7: Garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.

Kitchen essential for making Vegetarian Rasta Pasta

Whisk

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Glass Liquid Measuring Cup

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Recipe variations

• Change up the vegetables and use broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, or whatever else you have on hand instead of the peppers.
• Try different shapes of pasta; fusilli, rigatoni, or ziti will all work well.
• Use just one color of peppers; just red, just green, or just yellow peppers if that’s all you’ve got on hand.
• For a vegan version, use full-fat coconut milk; make sure its canned coconut milk and not the refrigerated kind, or coconut cream instead of the heavy whipping cream. Use olive oil or vegan butter in place of the butter, and use vegan Parmesan cheese or any other vegan cheese, or nutritional yeast.

What to serve with Vegetarian Rasta Pasta Recipe

My recommendation is a simple salad and stuffed garlic bread to go with this delicious pasta dish.

FAQs

Storage and reheating instructions

Fridge: Bring pasta to room temperature and store leftovers for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat you can warm the pasta over the stove or in the microwave. Adding a couple tablespoons of milk will help to revive the sauce.

Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta. The sauce will separate and not be creamy when defrosting.

If you are looking to meal prep this meal you can prep the onions and peppers ahead of time, but no need to make the sauce until you are ready to serve. It comes together really quickly.

Recipe notes and tips for Jamaican rasta pasta

• Most people recommend cooking pasta al dente, but I like mine cooked just a little bit past.
• Toss in your favorite fresh herbs for more flavor. Fresh basil, parley or oregano are great options.
• Don’t wash the starch off the pasta. It’s best to have the pasta and the sauce done simultaneously.
• Make it gluten free by substituting your favorite kind of gluten-free pasta.
• Change up the flavor profile of this spicy pasta and use a combination of different spices like onion powder, curry powder, garlic powder, or black pepper instead of the Jamaican cuisine-inspired flavor.
• If you are worried the Caribbean seasonings won’t go over well with the kids, portion some of the sauce and add the jerk seasoning at the end.

More pasta recipes

• Pesto Pasta Tuna Salad
• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• Creamy Cajun Pasta
• Alfredo Sauce
• Sausage Manicotti

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