This jerk chicken pasta recipe is a delicious fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines. Also known as rasta pasta, this easy 30-minute dinner blends spicy jerk seasoning with tender chicken, bell peppers and pasta, with a touch of cream. This is a stovetop recipe but you can cook the pasta in the Instant Pot to speed things up (we've provided instructions).
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👉 You might also like our other non-Instant Pot recipes such as chicken tater tot casserole or the chicken bacon ranch pasta.Or, try the Instant Pot tuscan chicken pasta or our recent Marry Me Chicken recipe in the Instant Pot.
Jerk Chicken Pasta
Jerk chicken pasta is a vibrant blend of Caribbean and Italian cuisines, and is a dish that’s both spicy and soothing. The recipe gets its zest and spice from jerk seasoning, mixed with tender chicken and colorful bell peppers, all mixed into a creamy, lightly spiced pasta.
It's often called 'Rasta Pasta' because of its Jamaican-inspired flavors and the colorful mix of bell peppers that reflect the Rastafarian flag.
This dish is popular for its bold flavors, easy preparation, and joyful fusion of culinary traditions. It's a must-try for those who love a little adventure on their plates!
You can make this dish on the stovetop or use the Instant Pot to cook the pasta while grilling the chicken.
What You Need
Here are rasta pasta ingredients you will need for this recipe.
- Chicken breasts: For lean, tender protein.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing out flavors.
- Jerk Seasoning: The star spice blend that gives this dish its unique Caribbean twist.
- Bell Peppers: Adds color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Garlic & Chili Flakes: For that extra flavor and kick.
- Penne pasta: The backbone of the dish, penne holds the sauce well.
- Chicken Stock & half and half: Creates a creamy, rich sauce.
Tips: You can swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein twist. Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes.
How to Make Jerk Chicken Pasta
You will find the full recipe with ingredients and nutritional breakdown in the recipe card below. Here are step-by-step photos to guide you along.
- Cook pasta: Boil penne until al dente, reserve some pasta water. You can also cook the pasta in the Instant Pot, see the instructions in the recipe card.
- Prepare chicken: Season and sear chicken breasts, then slice.
- Sauté veggies: Cook bell peppers and garlic with seasoning.
- Combine and cook: Add chicken, pasta, stock, and cream to the skillet and cook until thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions and Parmesan cheese.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make a few things ahead of time or the night before. Cut the chicken breasts and season with a jerk spice blend. Slice the bell peppers and garlic. Store both in airtight containers for 24-48 hours.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.
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Jerk Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 ounces penne pasta 450 g
- 2 chicken breasts large boneless, skinless (1 lb | 450 g)
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon jerk seasoning divided
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced (5 oz | 140 g)
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced (5 oz | 140 g)
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced (5 oz | 140 g)
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¾ cup chicken stock 6 fluid oz | 180 g
- ¾ cup half and half 6 fluid oz | 180 g
- Sea salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Garnish
- ½ cup green onions chopped (1.5 oz | 50 g)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese 1.5 oz | 50 g
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Halve chicken breast lengthwise. Season both sides with 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Cook pasta on the stovetop: Bring a large pot to boil and cook penne like instructed on the packaging until al dente. Reserve ¼ pasta water and drain pasta under cold water.
- Cook pasta in the Instant Pot: Add pasta into the Instant Pot and pour enough water or stock to cover the pasta by about an inch. Use about 2 cups of water for every 8 ounces of pasta. If you like, add a pinch of salt for flavor. Stir, then, close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode and adjust the time to half the time recommended on the pasta package. For example, if the package recommends 10 minutes, set the Instant Pot for 5 minutes. Once done, quick release the pressure, reserve ¼ pasta water and drain the rest.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Sliced the chicken breast when cooled down.
- Cook the veggies: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and saute the bell peppers for 3-4 minutes. Then add the garlic, 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning and some chili flakes (to desired heat). Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Combine: Add the chicken back to the skillet with the pasta. Pour chicken stock, half and half, and the pasta water. Cook until thickened on medium heat. It will take 2-3 minutes. Adjust taste with salt and pepper if needed. I added ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Remove from the stove and garnish with green onions and Parmesan cheese. Serve while hot!
Elisa
Love this jerk chicken pasta recipe, looks so delicious and easy to make. We love the combination of pasta and chicken. Will be making this soon. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anjali
This pasta was so flavorful and delicious!! Adding the jerk seasoning was a fun twist and had a nice spice to it too!
Naelle
We made ours extra spicy with more red pepper flakes, so delicious!
Shelby
I love the jerk spices on this tasty pasta dish! Perfect for mixing things up from our usual pasta recipes. Yum!
Tara
Oooh, such a delicious fusion of flavors. The pasta looks fantastic and I love the color from the bell peppers.