Vegetarian Rasta Pasta

If you’re looking for a bold, creamy pasta that’s packed with Caribbean flavor, this Vegetarian Rasta Pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a rich parmesan cream sauce with colorful bell peppers, jerk seasoning, and juicy shrimp for an easy dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Despite the name, Rasta Pasta isn’t a traditional Jamaican dish, but it’s heavily inspired by Jamaican flavors. The colorful peppers represent the vibrant colors associated with Rastafarian culture, while the jerk seasoning gives the dish its signature Caribbean kick. It’s the perfect combination of creamy comfort food and island spice.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this creamy jerk pasta is always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Rasta Pasta

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
• Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables
• Perfect balance of spicy and creamy
• Restaurant-quality meal made at home

What is Vegetarian Rasta Pasta?

Vegetarian Rasta Pasta is a Caribbean-inspired pasta dish made with colorful bell peppers, jerk seasoning, parmesan cheese, and a rich cream sauce. While many versions include chicken or shrimp, it’s just as delicious as a vegetarian meal.

The magic of this recipe is the combination of smoky jerk seasoning and a parmesan cream sauce. The spice is mellowed by the cream, creating a rich sauce that’s flavorful without being overpowering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together using simple ingredients that are easy to find.

• Penne pasta
• Red and green peppers
• Onion
• Jerk seasoning
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• ground pimento
• Salt

How to Make Rasta Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta until it’s just al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften. Add the jerk seasoning, cooking just long enough to make the spices fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen all of the flavorful browned bits. Add the heavy cream and allow the sauce to gently simmer until it begins to thicken.

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, salt and ground pimento until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Cook until the sauce has thickened then toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy jerk sauce. Taste and season with salt if needed before serving.

Tips for the Best Rasta Pasta

• Freshly grate your parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
• Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after mixing with the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning depending on how spicy you like your food.
• Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Variations

Make it with Chicken

Add sautéed shrimp or grilled or sautéed chicken breast or chicken thighs.

Add More Vegetables

Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or zucchini all pair well with the creamy jerk sauce.

Use a Different Pasta

Penne is traditional, but rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine also work well.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Shop This Recipe

Make this creamy Vegetarian Rasta Pasta even easier with these kitchen favorites:

• Large Skillet
• Large Pasta Pot
• Colander
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Wooden Spatula or Silicone Spatula
• Cheese Grater (for freshly grated Parmesan)