Authentic Jamaican Rasta Pasta (With Creamy Coconut Jerk Sauce)

This authentic Jamaican Rasta Pasta blends spicy jerk chicken, creamy coconut sauce, and vibrant bell peppers in a one-skillet dinner that’s bursting with island flavor. Learn how to make this bold, comforting dish the right way—with real Caribbean ingredients and zero shortcuts. Includes a free Island Pasta Pack download and must-have pantry picks for cooking Caribbean-style at home.

Rose Bubbles

4/30/20252 min read

What Is Rasta Pasta?

Rasta Pasta is more than a spicy pasta dish—it’s Caribbean soul food in a skillet. Rooted in Jamaican flavor, this creamy, vibrant recipe blends jerk-seasoned meat, sweet bell peppers, and a rich coconut milk sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.

Inspired by the red, gold, and green of Rastafarian culture, it’s comforting, bold, and deeply flavorful. Whether you're craving heat or just something different, this dish delivers.

Ingredients:

For the jerk chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless)

  • 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp browning (optional for rich color)

For the pasta:

  • 12 oz penne or linguine

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1/2 red onion, sliced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or use more coconut milk for dairy-free)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Jamaican hard cheese

  • Salt, black pepper, thyme to taste

  • Scotch bonnet pepper or hot sauce (to taste)

  • Scallions and fresh thyme (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Chicken
    Season chicken generously with jerk seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken 6–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Slice and set aside.

  2. Boil the Pasta
    Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Sauté Veggies
    In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced peppers and onions. Cook 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, cook 1 more minute.

  4. Make the Sauce
    Pour in chicken broth, coconut milk, and cream. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, and scotch bonnet or hot sauce to taste.

  5. Combine
    Add cooked pasta and sliced jerk chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat.

  6. Finish + Serve
    Garnish with chopped scallions and thyme. Serve hot.

Download the Island Pasta Pack (Free)

Want more Caribbean pasta that hits just as hard?

Grab your free download:
📝 Island Pasta Pack: 3 Creamy Caribbean Pasta Recipes

Includes:

  • Jamaican Rasta Pasta

  • Callaloo Shrimp Alfredo

  • Coconut Curry Mac Pie

Build Your Caribbean Pantry

Get the exact tools + flavors that bring this dish to life:

  • Cast Iron Skillet

  • Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

  • Scotch Bonnet Sauce

  • Coconut Milk

  • Browning Sauce

🧰 📝 Island Pasta Pack: 3 Creamy Caribbean Pasta Recipes

Final Thought:

This isn’t just pasta. This is heat, heritage, and high flavor in one dish.
Rasta Pasta respects the roots and rewrites the rules.
Once you taste it made right—you’ll never go back to regular Alfredo again.