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easy Authentic Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta

Authentic Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta combines jerk-seasoned chicken, colorful peppers, and creamy Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time 19 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Jamaican, Caribbean

Ingredients
  

  • Jerk Chicken
  • lbs chicken breast cut into chunks
  • 1 –2 tablespoons jerk dry rub seasoning
  • Rasta Pasta
  • 16 oz short-cut pasta penne, rigatoni, or similar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers chopped
  • 2 –3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 –2 tablespoons jerk dry rub seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper minced or whole with a slit
  • cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons additional chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken chunks in a bowl and coat evenly with jerk seasoning.
  • Transfer to a sealed container or bag and marinate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Bring the chicken to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  • Remove chicken and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, Scotch bonnet pepper, and garlic for 1–2 minutes.
  • Stir in smoked paprika, jerk seasoning, flour, and sea salt.
  • Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken stock until smooth.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and add thyme sprigs.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
  • Remove thyme sprigs and serve immediately.
  • Garnish with chopped scallions and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Substitute rigatoni, penne, or fusilli pasta.
  • Mild cheddar can replace Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
  • Add mushrooms for extra texture.
  • Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables.